DUNDEE City Council has contracted an engineering consultant to identify options to shift the city’s travel habits.
Jacobs will provide an option appraisal report to the local authority, with the document hoped to identify any new or improved connections that could increase the number of active travel journeys from the Dundee’s Western Gateway to the city’s amenities.
Mark Flynn convener of Dundee City Council’s city development committee, said, “As with every other community one size does not fit all in the Western Gateway, but we want to find out how more people can be encouraged to use active travel as an option for short and longer journeys. Historically the focus of place making has been on serving the desires of drivers, but cyclists and walkers want and need infrastructure improvements and initiatives to support their choices.
“Active travel options provided as part of a mixed approach has proven benefits, not just for individuals but also in improving the city’s health and economic prospects.”
Bill Batchelor of the Western Gateway Community Group, which was behind the council’s appointment of Jacobs, added, “We have looked at and discussed in some detail the scope of works being covered by the consultants and are very positive about them. The Western Gateway development offers the council and the wider city a chance to consider the needs of people who want to walk and cycle and this study will help pave the way for that.”
Jacobs will consult with a number of interested parties including Sustrans, Tactran, Dundee Cycling Forum, Western Gateway Community Group, West Green Park Residents and Proprietors Association, neighbouring local authorities and community councils, Dundee Biking, Riding and Walking (BRAW) Forum, developers and landowners.
The council said that the findings are expected to be reported to them by the autumn.
