INTERACTIVE: Graph plots how the public are beginning to get behind the revamp of Academy Street in Inverness through a count of those who have voiced their opinion as some cyclists and motorists are united in their disdain as either not going far enough or going too far
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More than 150 people have commented on the plans to radically change the layout of Academy Street on an online portal set-up by Highland Council.
The proposals seek to limit or reduce traffic to make it easier and more comfortable for pedestrians and cyclists to access the city centre.
Currently, those in favour (described as happy or satisfied) number 76 while those against the proposals (dissatisfied and unhappy) reach 32.
But 22 people said they felt neutral towards what has been tabled and a further 22 did not determine their response according to happy to unhappy categories.
But the responses have been more nuanced than the previous responses to the Spaces for People scheme introduced during the worst of the Covid pandemic.
Those saying that they are unhappy with what has been put forward are not just those concerned about vehicle access.
Many are in fact concerned the plans don’t go far enough for pedestrians and cyclists and could create new problems.
You can leave your views by visiting the consultation web portal
So what have people saying?
Dissatisfied (for better vehicle access):
It's easy to make pictures look good but in reality we live in an area where private motor vehicles are a must. Most regular visitors live outside town. Commuters have a hard time getting around the town and finding parking. Public transport is getting more expensive and losing services. The wider pavement areas are gonna make it more difficult for deliveries and for buses, and passing cyclists will be impossible causing more frustration. Don't get me wrong the whole.of the town centre desperately needs a face lift as it looks shocking and road surfaces are terrible. Most changes you've been making have already forced more people to shop elsewhere. Now you want to make it harder for those outwith the centre of town to get to it. There will be no shops in the town if Highland Council are allowed to carry on.
Dissatisfied (for better cycle access):
This is not enough of a change on Academy street. The visuals will be better, and it may be slightly better for pedestrians, but it will not improve cycling - it will be just as problematic due to conflict with cars. The joining up of the cycle route onto bridge street looks like a bit of an improvement, but it needs to also be joined up with the cycle routes on the west side of the river, with safe junctions on and off Huntley street and ness walk (which it doesn't at the moment), and I can't tell from the plans what the lights/signals and crossings will be for cyclists. The cycle contraflows on the west side of the river are dangerous, and constantly put cyclists into conflict with drivers and/or pedestrians.
Neutral:
Hold out before investing in this. Academy Street, as it stands, is fine as is. Invest in building high traffic cycle lanes outside of Inverness, the amount of cyclists doing the Firth loop out of Inverness via Bunchrew, Inchmore and Beauly etc is incredibly frustrating for drivers, as they like to cycle in packs which inevitably flaunt the rules and take up an entire lane of traffic. Providing cycle lanes to those three villages (plus Kirkhill and Kiltarlity if needs be) would take a massive strain off of motorists back, and, should it be kept decent, it'll undoubtedly reduce motor traffic in the area, as people will be able to cycle to work from Bunchrew or to the station at Beauly.
Satisfied:
It's a big change. Change can be good. Is this change happening because of people being knocked over? I think Academy Street the paths along the falcon square side do need to be expanded. I think the through route for bikes is potentially worse for pedestrians because cyclists might crash into people unless there is a lane. I think cosmetically the place would look better. Considerations for the leaving should be made that if its wet that it won't be so slippery. Tree planters are a good idea but it's potentially a nightmare with roots etc raising slabs. Has this been factored in? What material will the road be? Cobbled? If so, does it last longer than tarmac?
Happy:
Currently, Academy Street is not pleasant to walk in due to the small pavements and closed in atmosphere. The surfaces are very poor on pavement and road. I think these changes will transform the street for the better and make it a destination to stay and shop or have some food rather than a route to somewhere else.
Happy:
I think the proposal for Academy Street looks great. Inverness makes money from tourism and this area is one of the first things people see coming from public transport. First impressions are important if we want return visitors. It reminds me of the Grassmarket area in Edinburgh.
