People walk out in disgust at Bears Way meeting

Hundreds of people packed into Milngavie Town Hall last night (Thursday, September 1) for the first in a series of meetings about the next phase of the Bears Way cycle lane project on Milngavie Road.
By The Newsroom
Published 2nd Sep 2016, 11:49 BST
Updated 2nd Sep 2016, 12:54 BST
Area of Bears Way, Phase 2 at HillfootArea of Bears Way, Phase 2 at Hillfoot
Area of Bears Way, Phase 2 at Hillfoot

Phase Two of the project is officially ‘on hold’ until the impact of Phase One has been carefully considered, and the council has organised meetings about Phase Two to make sure that local people are consulted.

The first phase, which created a segregated cycle lane along the A81 Milngavie Road from Burnbrae to Hillfoot, has been controversial and unpopular with many local people and commuters because they say it’s caused increased congestion along the road.

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Many people are also angry that some cyclists don’t use the new lane and use the road instead, which causes an obstruction to motorists.

Buses also delay the flow of traffic along the road now because they can no longer pull into a side lane and cars are forced to wait behind them while they collect passengers.

The proposed Phase Two would run from Hillfoot to Kessington.

One resident at the meeting who didn’t want to be named, said: “The whole thing was a farce and I couldn’t believe the arrogance of the council officers.

“There was almost a riot at the start of the meeting.

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“It was very badly organised - the screen was too low down and people couldn’t see it. It was also out of focus.

“Any questions or concerns that were raised about Phase Two were ignored, rebuffed or brushed aside.

“There was a general feeling of disgust at the meeting - lots of people walked out.

“A lot of people weren’t happy.”

Another person at the meeting said: “As the meeting went on I could see what a complete waste of time this was to hear this absolute nonsense and know that any points raised, no matter how valid, were going to be ignored.

“I felt very upset and stressed and walked out in disgust.

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“I felt bad when I got home - maybe I should have stayed to show better support for the opposition , but it was so insulting.

“We need a council who listen and help the people they are meant to be representing.

“If you can’t do your job in any other profession you’d be asked to leave.

“Phase One is a huge failing - why is it not being corrected?”

One person at the meeting suggested that a local referendum should be held to decide whether Phase Two goes ahead.

Related topics:PeopleBuses