East Dunbartonshire Council's Development and Regeneration Committee has approved the next stage of plans to improve the road and cycling infrastructure in the area.

The plans are for Milngavie and Bearsden and are part of the wider Bears Way scheme. The project aims to encourage people to cycle, walk and use public transport on the A81.

Financed entirely through external funding, the local authority is working with Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT), Sustrans, Cycling Scotland and Transport Scotland on the plans.

Phase one of the plans have now been agreed which will see segregated cycle lanes created from Burnbrae to Hillfoot. This will be delivered in spring 2015. Plans to introduce waiting and loading restrictions on the A81 Milngavie Road in Bearsden and Main Street in Milngavie, between Burnbrae roundabout and Burnmouth Place, are also being progressed. In addition, flat-top speed tables are to be located at the residential road west of the roundabout, as well as the access road to Allander Leisure Centre.

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These steps aim to address safety issues in relation to traffic speed and parking.

Councillor Alan Moir, Convener of Development and Regeneration, welcomed the developments being made. He said: "I am delighted that we are moving ahead with the Bears Way project – making it safer for people to walk, cycle and use our roads.

"The existing advisory cycle lanes and areas of the pavement have suffered from indiscriminate and inconsiderate parking in the past – forcing cyclists into the main road and causing hazards for them, pedestrians and drivers.

"The new cycle lanes – combined with the waiting and loading restrictions – will improve safety and traffic flow."

He continued: "The design has considered parking at all stages. There will be additional parking provided as a result of removing the advisory cycle lanes at Manse Road and in the vicinity of houses at Burnbrae roundabout.

"Promoting sustainable transport is a priority for this Council – helping people to lead healthier lives, cutting down on carbon emissions and improving the environment."

It is anticipated that initial works for phase two of Bears Way, such as designs, will begin within the next few months.

SPT has contributed £590,000 to the project, while the Council was awarded £700,000 – over three years – for the A81 corridor by Transport Scotland's Bus Investment Fund (BIF). A further £500,000 has been secured from Sustrans over a two-year period to promote local sustainable transport and access projects.

(JP/MH)