Edinburgh - New cycle path

[VinceLedge]

I haven't cycled it yet, but this doesn't look like the greatest new cycle path.
https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/ ... er-3647733

[mjr]

Directly contradicting the comment from the Conservative councillor in that article that "the Spokes [local cycling campaign] lobbyists wanted these changes and this is the perfect illustration of what happens when bias, arrogance and self-interest drive public projects", Spokes seemed to oppose these changes as unsafe when they last posted about them: http://www.spokes.org.uk/documents/publ ... -newhaven/ includes in their 2112 submission "Spokes was delighted when the Council decided to implement segregated cycling provision in Leith Walk. Sadly, the design and the lack of engagement, are damaging this good intent."

I feel that the councillor would do better to work with Spokes than lie about them!

[VinceLedge]

The cycle path looks like it was a last minute addition, a shame because this was one of the roads in Edinburgh that was really wide so had plenty of space to design in a decent path.

[Pete Owens]

Its a cycle path - its rubbish.

About as newsworthy as the pope's religion or a bears toilet arrangements.

[Bmblbzzz]

In addition to the zig-zags, I noted a low but hard kerb to the left-hand side, easy to overlook but ripe to bring someone down. And several temporary road signs lying horizontally on the road, a serious hazard for the blind and mobility impaired.

[RickH]

There has already been plenty of ridicule & anger in the Twitosphere* about this. Whether the initial designs met any agreed standards or not, it seems the actual implementation has been a right pig's ear.

(*on Twitter!)

[xerxes]

What an absolute joke. I suppose it has enabled someone to tick a box on their performance contract.

[MikeF]

Its a cycle path - its rubbish.

About as newsworthy as the pope's religion or a bears toilet arrangements.

Except it's not a cycle path it's a bit of wiggly black top. A road wouldn't be built like that so neither should a cyclepath.

[Pete Owens]

Its a cycle path - its rubbish.

About as newsworthy as the pope's religion or a bears toilet arrangements.

Except it's not a cycle path it's a bit of wiggly black top. A road wouldn't be built like that so neither should a cyclepath.

It is very much a cycle path - and the fact it has black top makes it one of the less awful examples of such.
Fortunately in the UK we are still not obliged to use them.

[mjr]

Its a cycle path - its rubbish.

About as newsworthy as the pope's religion or a bears toilet arrangements.

Except it's not a cycle path it's a bit of wiggly black top. A road wouldn't be built like that so neither should a cyclepath.

It is very much a cycle path - and the fact it has black top makes it one of the less awful examples of such.
Fortunately in the UK we are still not obliged to use them.

Someone may be calling it that, but it conforms to no recognised standards or design manuals, so it is only a pseudo-cycle-path.

Even if there were legal obligation to use some, any reasonable law would exclude that Cycleway Resembling A Pavement and ideally make its designers and builders liable for any injuries and damage occurring due to it.

[Pete Owens]

So do you support the removal of all the blue signs from all paths not fully compliant with the latest standards, and their return to exclusive pedestrian use? (not that anyone has pointed out any actual non-compliances in this case)

Or does it turn out that you actually do consider this sort of c**p to indeed be a cycle path which you will vigorously defend against any threat of removal?

[mjr]

Neither. As I believe we've discussed previously, I prefer the Flemish solution of hanging a fluo "the local council is too crap to fix this cycleway" sign on it which gives unambiguous recommendation that most cyclists should use the carriageway, while still allowing the slow or anxious rider a refuge.

[Dingdong]

In Denmark last year I saw a lot of LED signs for cycle paths. Brilliant idea, easily powered by solar panels and very bright at night.