Creating connections

The Clyde Waterfront provides one of the best opportunities within Greater Glasgow to create strong linear links between existing communities, key destinations, other environmental assets and the wider countryside. Investment in the Green Network can help to underpin the waterfront as a pre-eminent sustainable residential location.

The Green Network will help encourage more sustainable travel patterns by establish better cycle and pedestrian links to key employment locations such as Glasgow City Centre and Pacific Quay.

Links for cyclists and pedestrians

There is an extensive grid network of cycle and pedestrian routes exist along the River Clyde corridor.

The National Cycle Route (7, 75 and 754) remains an important resource and on the north bank provides a continuous link between Glasgow, Old Kilpatrick and beyond.

At the moment the National Cycle Route does not stick to the waterfront, so there is potential to establish new riverfront cycle connections. On the south bank the National Cycle Route is far less comprehensive.

East-west connectivity has been significantly improved through regeneration proposals which have opened up the waterfront to pedestrian and cycling activity.

Barriers between communities and the countryside

On the south bank, the M8, M77 and Glasgow Road act as significant barriers between communities and the wider countryside. Likewise on the north bank, the Clydeside Expressway and Railway Lines result in a number of 'Pinch Points' where opportunity for movement is constrained. The River Clyde itself acts as a barrier, although at least two new bridges have been built in recent years.

Although regeneration has improved access to the waterfront, there are still riverfront areas with no public access. For example, there are a number of active shipyards such as Govan Shipyard and industrial areas which will remain in place.