Cycle lane plans dropped by council as it would have “killed off shops”

Here in Malmö Sweden 20 years ago they simply closed several streets to all traffic creating pedestrian zones. The local businesses screamed about losing business. 1 year later after the changes, there was more business and it completely boomed in following years leading to more streets being made pedestrian.

Is this area an accident/incident/collision hotspot for cyclists? Is there any particular reason why cyclists need separation from other vehicles here?

I'm happy to see segregated cycle facilities where there is a benefit, but where there isn't, it's just a waste of taxpayer's money. As cyclists we are vehicles and are entitled to use the roads.

Well, this certainly discourages me from ever visiting Paisley. What a dump.

GOOD!
Refreshing to see a Council with some common sense.

Am I missing something but why are councils insistent on building 2 way paths on one side of the road that follow pedestrian routes and do not flow with traffic? If bicycles are vehicles then why not integrate them with regular traffic. It seems like token efforts to be 'green' without proper investment or thought.
 

It also baffles me that an constant argument made by shop owners is demanding that they need that one car space outside their shop that will contain one customer opposed to space to park a dozen bikes with a dozen customers.

We visit the amazing street with real buzz that is the best part of Bath

OK, a long way from Paisley but... 

https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/whats-on/visit-amazing-street-real-buzz-8...

"... as well as the project team’s admission that Sustrans is aware of the project, but not directly involved, we maintain our firm belief that this project cannot and must not be allowed to proceed.” what do these people think Sustrans do? Do thy think they're a statuory body instead of the barely competent goup they actually are? I blame the government outsourcing funding admin to them for their inflated profile

A much simpler solution for high streets is to enforce a 20mph limit, with heavy penalties. Drivers not allowed to overtake cyclists. Plenty of parking spaces including secure lock up facilities for cyclists. Drivers going slower can find spaces easier and their passengers might spot something in a shop window and request a stop. Cyclists no longer in danger of being mowed down at speed. Pedestrians can cross to shop on other side without being forced to walk to a controlled crossing point, reducing the 'can't be bothered to walk back to that shop I spotted' 

Cycle lanes also kill cycling. We are entitled to use the road, and should do so

Everything shows that a car culture actually favours out of town developments and is detrimental for city centre shopping.

Seems like shopkeepers are a species that will disappear of its own doing...

Given that it seems to be a universal truth that where such cycle lanes are installed, businesses increase footfall and turnover, it is disappointing that the opposite argument appears to have won.  Did the shopkeepers claiming that their businesses would be destroyed actually provide any evidence that this would happen?

"I do wonder if the planners and councillors realise or actually care about the devastating effect this will have on the businesses that attract people to the area.”

Except that all the evidence says that far from being devastated, the businesses would thrive, so just the normal, everyday anti-cycling, pro-driving stance of people who cannot cope with change, even if it is beneficial to them.

Presumably the issue is about parking spaces, as people driving their cars are notoriously tight fisted about spending money in the shops that they are driving past.

Parking is of course an issue, but it ain't half frustrating that roadspace for stationary vehicles is considered priority over protected roadspace for people just trying to use an efficient means of personal urban transportation to get about in a less environmentally damaging way.

I'll be back when I've calmed down and thinking a bit more rationally. 

Genuinely bizarre, Victoria Road is buzzing due to the installation of the cycle lanes - I remember trying to recce a route into Paisley from Glasgow Southside to visit an exhibition. Within a minute of trying to navigate that road I was walking on the pavement. Absolute nightmare area.