Dumbarton Active Travel Strategy
The design and delivery of a suite of bespoke temporary installations to support active travel in Dumbarton
Dumbarton is a town approximately 15 miles northwest of Glasgow. Like many other towns during the Covid-19 pandemic, Dumbarton observed a boom in modes of active travel - including scooting, wheeling, cycling and walking.
In Spring 2021 New Practice were appointed to design and install a number of temporary installations and facilities to support active travel in Dumbarton, whilst adding a playful element to the daily commute.
We first identified locations in Dumbarton which would benefit from interventions; including Dumbarton Central Station, St Patrick’s Primary School and Dumbarton Academy Secondary School.
Taking into account the varying needs of the sites, we considered how playful, colourful interventions could aid social distancing and make modes of active travel even more accessible, safe and appealing.
We worked with West Dunbartonshire Council, Sustrans and staff from the local schools to develop the proposals, to ensure the outcome responded to the needs of the users - adults and children around Dumbarton.
The final outcomes were graphic thermoplastic floor surface coverings, improved cycle paths and facilities for cycling and scooting.
The crossing points use playful iconography in bold, contrasting colours to make them more visible.
They are located in four locations around Dumbarton, each with a high footfall, and a high proportion of children and young people passing through.
We also designed bespoke floor surface designs for outside the primary school, to aid social distancing between families at drop-off and pick-up times. Their graphics convey social distancing to children who cannot yet read written signs, while adding a bold pop of colour to the school run.
We installed new cycle lanes in two locations, to help improve the safety of cycling along these routes, and cycle and scooter storage.
We installed new cycle repair stations in two locations, including outside the secondary school, providing young cyclists with the tools to change a flat tyre or tune up their bike on the go.
The project highlights the importance of walking and wheeling in town centres, both for the environment and for our own wellbeing, and to make active travel more accessible.
The cycle repair stations, cycle storage facilities and colourful crossings were installed in July 2021, and are intended to remain for the duration of the social distancing measures due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with the potential to be retained beyond this period.
Client: West Dunbartonshire Council
Location: Dumbarton, UK
Completion: 2021
Funding: Transport Scotland, Sustrans Spaces for People Fund