Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route safety and condition of cycle path: EIR release

Information requested

 

Query 1: Has the new cycle path been audited against Transport Scotland’s document ‘Cycling by Design’?
The road safety report commissioned by Transport Scotland (SPA Ref No: 4021) concerning the new South Kingswells roundabout and associated roads Aberdeen makes no reference to Transport Scotland’s document ‘Cycling by Design’.

Query 2: Considering dirt paths being created by cyclists, can these be properly tar surfaced?
The dirt paths are bumpy which slow down cyclists leading to condition described in query 3.

Query 3: Has a risk assessment been completed for not making any improvements in the short and long term?
Cyclists are regularly using the A944 instead of the cycle path to have a smoother and more efficient commute to/from Westhill, this increases the risk of dangerous collisions, driver frustration and general abuse toward cyclists even though it is perfectly legal for cyclist to use the carriageway.

 

Response

 

For clarity I will provide a response under each of your questions;

Query 1: Has the new cycle path been audited against Transport Scotland’s document ‘Cycling by Design’?

I can confirm the new cycle path has been audited against Transport Scotland’s ‘Cycling by Design’. Stage 2 and Stage 3 Cycle Audits were undertaken. Cycle and Accessibility Audits were conducted in accordance with Chapter 11 of Cycling by Design 2010 (Revision 1, June 2011) – Cycle Audit System and Chapter 6 of the Roads for All Good Practice Guide for Roads (July 2013).

 

Query 2: Considering dirt paths being created by cyclists, can these be properly tar surfaced?

There are no plans to tar surfaces which are not deemed an official cycle route. For safety reasons, cyclists are advised to remain on the dedicated footpath/cycleway provided to avoid any unnecessary safety risks with cycling over an unsurfaced area.

 

Query 3: Has a risk assessment been completed for not making any improvements in the short and long term?

No. The design of the junction meets the relevant design standards. An independent Road Safety Audit was undertaken by a number of stakeholders, including Police Scotland, the local authority and representatives on behalf of Aberdeen Roads Limited (ARL), the project contractor, and Transport Scotland, to ensure that the road, along with any associated cycle ways, is safe for use. No concerns in respect of the cycle ways were highlighted during these audits. Now that the network is fully operational, it will be subject to further audits (at the end of the first year post opening) to ensure it is operating as expected, and any necessary recommendations arising from this process will be implemented.

 

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