Complete The Bears Way – Advocacy Ride

We have had something of an up and down few weeks – the hugely disappointing setback of the council vote has put the future of the project in doubt but we’ve been heartened by the expressions of support from many of our friends and supporters out there. This has culminated in the astonishing success of the Bears Way petition, which has surpassed our expectations and has re-energised our campaigning team, giving us the confidence to start the fightback. We now feel it is time to take things to the next level.

Introducing…

The Bears Way Advocacy Ride

which will be happening on …

Sunday 6th November 

at …

1:15pm for a 1:30pm start

meeting at …

The Allander Centre Carpark

Why “Advocacy Ride”?

We aren’t natural protestors and we aren’t looking for confrontation – we want people to feel welcome to participate and to come away feeling positive about our campaign and message. We’re hoping to create a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere.

Who do you want to come?

Everyone! Locals, visitors, commuters, families, younger, older, people with mobility issues – indeed, anyone who might feel the benefit of a completed Bears Way. Protected space on the main road which feels safe, convenient and suitable for all ages and abilities. Bring your friends and family!

What’s the plan? Are you riding the full route? That seems a bit scary!

We intend to ride along Bears Way Phase 1 – from Burnbrae to Hillfoot. It will be a gentle ride, completely separated from traffic and should be suitable for all.

Anyone who feels brave enough can then follow us along the proposed route for Bears Way Phase 2 – from Hillfoot to Kessington, along the existing road. This will involve mixing with traffic, which therefore may not be suitable for less experienced riders or those who are not confident mixing with cars, HGVs and buses (thus highlighting the need for phase 2!).

Thereafter we will all meet up again back at the Allander Centre car park.

When does it start? How long will it take?

We’re setting off at 1:30pm sharp, therefore we’d ask everyone to aim to arrive at the Allander Centre Carpark for 1:15pm – we expect it’ll take about 10-15 minutes to ride Phase 1 and another 10-15 minutes to ride phase 2.

Where is the Allander Centre? How do I get there?

Allander Sports Centre, Milngavie Rd, Bearsden G61 3DF.

Note: there’s a short shared path to the car park at the toucan lights by McDonald’s towards the top of the Bears Way route – this is a safer route into the car park i.e. it avoids the main road to the centre.

 

By train: The closest railway station is Milngavie, although if you’re cycling to the centre, it’s safer and more convenient to travel to Hillfoot instead and travel north along the Bears Way (naturally!). There are regular direct services on Sundays between Milngavie and Glasgow Central  (or Glasgow Queen St, with a change at Partick) – please see the Scotrail Website for timetable information.

By Bus: The main service between Glasgow city centre and Milngavie is the 60A (Castlemains) which runs a half-hourly service on Sunday afternoons – check the First Greater Glasgow site for timetables.

By Car: The A81 is the main route between Milngavie and the north of Glasgow – see above for the postcode for the sports centre. The Allander Centre Carpark is for users of the sports centre only. There is limited on-street parking available on the A81 itself. There are some public car parks in and around Milngavie town centre, although charges may apply – see the East Dunbartonshire Council website for further details.

How do I keep up to date with plans for the ride?

Stay tuned to our Twitter account and our Facebook page for further updates. If you want to contact us, you can get in touch via the contacts page.