WORK on an ambitious £8 million walking and cycling project in Glasgow has begun.

Connecting Woodside will be made up of a number of protected cycle routes through Charing Cross, along Garscube Road, Woodlands Road and St George’s Road.

It is considered to be the missing piece of the jigsaw which will connect to the improvements on Sauchiehall Street, the Forth and Clyde Canal and regeneration work at Port Dundas and Sighthill.

An artist's impression of the network at Charing Cross

Complementing the project will be public spaces, walking routes, new pedestrian crossings and electric car and bike-hire stations.

Connecting Woodside has been launched by Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see progress on this ambitious active travel project in the Woodside area of Glasgow.

“It’s going to benefit all those who live or travel through St George’s Cross, Charing Cross and Cowcaddens – and will connect Woodside to other high-quality protected cycle routes.

“I’m pleased that we’ve been able to support this Sustrans Places For Everyone project alongside Glasgow City Council.

“When complete, it will directly support our commitment to make Scotland an inclusive Active Nation and to increase the number of people walking, cycling and wheeling.

“For our wellbeing, health and climate, people require more opportunities to walk, cycle and wheel for shorter everyday journeys.

“As we respond to the climate emergency, this focus has never been greater and our funding is now at record levels.”

Councillor Anna Richardson, city convener for sustainability and carbon reduction, said: “I’m so pleased to see boots on the ground and work underway on Connecting Woodside.

“We have been working very closely with the community over the past two years on plans for a project that is for the benefit of the community.

“The start of work on the first of many protected cycle routes in the area is a big and welcome step forward.

Anna Richardson, Michael Matheson, and Lindley Kirkpatrick

“Connecting Woodside will ultimately transform walking and cycling across an entire neighbourhood, making local journeys for work and leisure easier and more attractive.

“It will also see the city centre become far more accessible by foot and bike to a substantial and diverse community that otherwise has to navigate some of the city’s busiest roads to get there.

“The climate emergency has renewed our focus on efforts to promote a greater uptake of sustainable transport in Glasgow.”