Proposed cycle lanes in Ayr town centre have been scrapped after the council’s depute leader called for a revised design without cycling infrastructure, following criticism from residents.
The controversial plans initially caused uproar as the removal of six car parking spaces would cause “disruption” to “our local economy”, according to MP Elaine Stewart.
There was public concern that the plans, which are part of the council’s Accessible Ayr programme, retained the cycle lanes despite public opposition.
Ayr town centre plans (credit: Accessible Ayr)
Siobhan Brown, MSP for Ayr, Prestwich & Troon, said on Facebook, “ARA has decided to defer the Accessible Ayr Project until a later date. It was also confirmed that the revised designs WILL NOT include any cycle lanes in Ayr town centre.
“I am all for active travel, but we must do it in a way which has the general public and businesses onside. It must be fully consulted on. I believe this is the right decision.”
In an open letter in October, MP Elaine Steward said that “we all want a more accessible, vibrant Ayr – but not at an economic cost. I urge South Ayrshire Council to pause these plans and listen carefully to the voices of business owners, cyclists, and the wider public.”
She also referenced the 2016 Holmston Road cycle lane project, which cost the council £95,000 to remove after an unprecedented level of opposition. “Repeating that mistake would further erode public trust and squander valuable public funds.”
Rowing cycle lane protest, Holmston Road, Ayr, Scotland (credit: Daily Record)
This decision has been met with support from many residents, many of them calling for funds to be focused on regenerating the struggling high street.
Robert Dalziel said on Facebook: “Why would you cycle in Ayr when there’s nothing in Ayr town centre, unless you want vapes, nail bar or Turkish-style barbers.
“Town needs investment, not tacky shops to attract tourists, day shoppers, etc. Once that has happened, then encourage cyclists.
Jorden-Lee McEwan added that “as a cyclist, I’d rather the council focus on resurfacing the roads around Ayr for all road users. Especially cyclists, the number of potholes is ridiculous and dangerous, and the attempts made to cover them literally create speed lumps all over the place.”
However, there was also support for the original cycle lane plans.
Laura Cowan said, “That’s the idea. Get people out of their cars and more active. If it is easy to park and go to one shop, you also restrict visits to neighbouring shops.
“Funny how it works everywhere else. Also, who wants to doge cars when you are shopping?”
Alloway Street, Ayr (credit: Google)
Ian Urquhard also highlighted safety concerns. “I’ve cycled in Ayr once. It’s hostile to anyone outside of a car. Elderly, disabled, child? Yeah, no consideration for you. You can drive through it easily.
“The bypass was built, but no one thought to adapt the town centre to make it accessible to people.”
Despite expectations that the cycle lanes would be removed entirely from updated designs, a council report showed that while public feedback had influenced the programme, the only change had been to the design of the cycleway on Alloway Street.
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Speaking at the meeting, South Ayrshire Council’s depute leader, Alec Clark, said: “Due to further consultation and feedback, the report on Accessible Ayr has been deferred until a later date to allow for a redesign, which will not incorporate any cycle lanes in Ayr town centre,” STV News reports.
“Cabinet will be updated on the new design as we go along, and to be clear, there will be no cycle lanes in Alloway Street, Sandgate or Fullarton Street.”
Commuter in a segregated cycle lane 3.jpg (credit: road.cc)
Councillor Clark added that he has spoken to the director of Housing, Operations and Development, and agreed to defer the report so the plans can be changed.
The council said that no final decisions have been made and that redesigned plans will be brought back to Cabinet at a later date, while regeneration work at Burns Statue Square will continue as planned.
Other plans included in the proposal include safer crossings closer to the High Street, adjustments to traffic flow, including some one-way streets and new planting, seating and upgraded materials in the town centre.
The Accessible Ayr project is funded through the Scottish Government’s Places for Everyone programme and is delivered by Sustrans. It aims to improve accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, and people with disabilities, while supporting local businesses and encouraging investment.
Accessible Ayr Network plan (credit: Accessible Ayr)
Phase 1 of the scheme carries an estimated construction cost of £19.9m, to be delivered in stages over four years. To meet national funding rules and minimise disruption, the work would be carried out in smaller sections over four years, with no more than £5m spent in one year.
The council officers have already submitted a funding application to Transport Scotland’s Active Travel Infrastructure fund, with the council expected to contribute around 30% of the costs.