'It's Like the City Just Forgot About Us': Cyclists and Pedestrians Left Stranded by 'Faulty' Traffic Lights at Busy Junction

Parent Demands Action on Cycle Signal System

EXCLUSIVE by Gary Fanning

“It’s like the city just forgot about us. We’re left waiting endlessly at a red light while cars speed by, and it’s like our safety doesn’t matter. If this were happening to drivers, there’d be outrage. But as cyclists and pedestrians, we’re stranded—and it’s not just inconvenient, it’s dangerous.”

These are the words of a local cyclist and parent who relies on the busy Elderslie Street and St Vincent Street crossing daily to take their daughter to school.

Like many others who walk or bike this route, they’ve grown deeply frustrated with traffic lights that seem to ignore anyone not in a car.

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The issues faced by cyclists and pedestrians at the Elderslie Street crossing are just one example of the larger challenges affecting Glasgow's active commuters. But change doesn’t happen without a loud, collective voice. Stories like this deserve to be heard, and they require dedicated action to ensure that the city's infrastructure works for everyone—not just those behind the wheel.

The crossing is supposed to facilitate safe movement for all users, including cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers, by sequencing green lights at different intervals.

But according to residents, the system rarely works as intended.

Cyclists report that their light frequently fails to turn green at all, while cars pass through unimpeded.

Many say they’re forced to cross with pedestrians, risking safety due to the limited crossing time allocated for foot traffic.

"I’ve waited through seven cycles at that light without it turning green for bikes," said the cyclist who is taking his daughter to school on a daily basis.

"With my daughter on the bike with me, we can’t afford to wait forever, but crossing with pedestrians feels risky, especially since there’s barely enough time even for them to make it across. It’s an unsafe.”

A stop too long: Grows over delays at Elderslie Street cycle signals. Image by Gary Fanning

Frustrated by months of inaction, the cyclist has taken extensive steps to document the issue, submitting video evidence and reports to Glasgow City Council.

Yet, despite multiple complaints since August, they say the council has yet to take effective action.

“They sent engineers, who only stayed for 45 minutes and somehow didn’t find a problem. It’s maddening. If drivers were sitting at a red light that wouldn’t change, this would have been fixed immediately,” they said.

“Instead, we’re told to provide more evidence, and nothing improves.”

For Glasgow’s growing number of active commuters—cyclists and pedestrians alike—this malfunctioning crossing is more than an inconvenience; it’s emblematic of a city that has yet to make safe, accessible infrastructure a true priority.

As Glasgow encourages alternatives to car travel, many feel that investments in active travel infrastructure aren’t keeping pace.

“We’re one of the worst areas in Glasgow for bike shelters,” said the cyclist. “If the council is serious about getting people out of cars, we need basic infrastructure: bike shelters, safe crossings, reliable lights. These aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities.”

The investigation on a weekday around lunchtime by The Splash highlighted an issue with the cycle lane traffic lights, which took approximately 2 minutes and 10 seconds to change. During this time, one cyclist was observed running the red light, raising concerns about both infrastructure efficiency and user compliance.

Glasgow City Council has not yet responded to repeated calls to improve the Elderslie Street crossing, but active travel advocates are demanding immediate action.

Analysis

The ongoing issue at the Elderslie Street and St Vincent Street crossing underscores a much larger problem that cities across the world, including Glasgow, must grapple with: the disproportionate attention given to car-centric infrastructure over the needs of cyclists and pedestrians. As Glasgow pushes toward a more sustainable future with active travel initiatives, this situation highlights the urgent need for a shift in priorities.

Cyclists and pedestrians are the most vulnerable road users, and yet their needs are often side-lined. The story of a parent and cyclist waiting for seven cycles at a red light speaks volumes about the lack of consideration for non-motorised transport. This isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a matter of safety. The fact that this issue has persisted despite multiple complaints since August reflects a worrying disconnect between the council’s aspirations for sustainable transport and the reality of everyday experiences on the streets.

As the city pushes for more people to embrace active commuting, the lack of basic infrastructure—such as working traffic lights and safe crossings—undermines this effort. The cyclists and pedestrians who take the initiative to make their city more liveable shouldn’t have to risk their safety or face frustration due to inefficiencies and neglect. If Glasgow is to truly be a city for everyone, it must address these flaws and ensure that its infrastructure serves all road users equitably.

The call for action in this article is more than just a plea for better traffic lights. It's a plea for a fundamental shift in how we design urban spaces—one that acknowledges the growing number of people who rely on bikes and foot traffic as valid and important forms of transportation.

In the face of climate change and an ever-growing population, the time for safe, functional active travel infrastructure in Glasgow is now. This story should be a catalyst for change, pushing both the city council and residents to demand a city that truly prioritises safety, accessibility, and sustainability for all.

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