http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: "LEITH TO PORTOBELLO CYCLE ROUTE IMPROVEMENTS" en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 07:01:15 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-189785 Sun, 31 May 2015 23:03:48 +0000 crowriver 189785@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>About time too! That bridge should have been resurfaced ages ago.</p> <p>Looking forward to testing it out soon. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-189782 Sun, 31 May 2015 21:33:19 +0000 wingpig 189782@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Also, I hope this is one of the lampposts they're going to take out, and that they take it out before attempting to lay tarmac around it, though with Crummock involved...</p> <p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/sWQVtt"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7784/17685912013_288dffdb6b_n.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/tUR87k"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7796/18319674931_a6a0e9c32f_n.jpg"></a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-189781 Sun, 31 May 2015 21:31:11 +0000 wingpig 189781@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>New (unsealed at the edges) tarmac over the bridge today...</p> <p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/sWQV1p"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8830/17685910443_fe78ae0677_n.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="https://flic.kr/p/tTFUUc"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7763/18306561355_8507e79aaf_n.jpg"></a></p> <p>Also, presumably prompted by the arrival of the marathon, the builders of the new set of kiln-obscuring shoeboxes on Figgate Street have finally got round to putting back the inside edge of the prom tarmac, in matching red. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-186563 Wed, 22 Apr 2015 12:15:37 +0000 urchaidh 186563@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Looks like work on the Leith Links improvements may be starting soon. There's been a gathering of small earthmoving equipment and portacabins on the NE side of Leith Links and I also saw the following sign on the Path near St. Marys.</p> <p>[url=https://flic.kr/p/tV5m9F]<img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/339/18322255255_c39f3df4e9.jpg"> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-183000 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 19:14:33 +0000 ih 183000@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This website <a href="http://pavingexpert.com/grasspav.htm" rel="nofollow">http://pavingexpert.com/grasspav.htm</a> shows it being used mainly for car parking and driveways. Doesn't give me any confidence that it's suitable for cycling on, especially as a cyclist would be executing a turn in this location. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-182996 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 18:54:40 +0000 chdot 182996@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"This reinforced grass sounds super slippy!"</p> <p>Can someone search Google to see if it's been used for 'cycle use' anywhere? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-182995 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 18:50:50 +0000 ih 182995@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>'They will not encourage 'shared-use' by putting in inadequate infrastructure and saying 'it's fine, people will get used to it'.'</p> <p>Wise comment as always. </p> <p>I'm beginning to see the process that gets to where we are. Come up with a fairly inadequate idea of what the infrastructure should look like. Choose (frequently) shared use because it's perceived to be cheap and easy to implement. Scare the holy crap out of people because the cyclists are coming. Ask those people if they want safety measures to prevent the mayhem that the cyclists will bring (of course they say yes - who wouldn't? ) Complicate the design with 'calming measures', toucans, cyclists having to cross to the other carriageway to get to the path, dropped kerbs... Implement this mess and sit back and wonder why it isn't liked.</p> <p>This reinforced grass sounds super slippy! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-182983 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:39:16 +0000 chdot 182983@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"So infuriating that they refuse to consider the obvious - remove the chicanes."</p> <p>Parents at the school want them. </p> <p>Infuriating that they didn't put in alternative path from the start. </p> <p>They were told...</p> <p>Lot of time (especially by 'volunteers') wasted and a certain loss of faith in 'experts' from CEC and Sustrans. </p> <p>They will not encourage 'shared-use' by putting in inadequate infrastructure <em>and</em> saying 'it's fine, people will get used to it'. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-182982 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:32:24 +0000 ih 182982@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So infuriating that they refuse to consider the obvious - remove the chicanes. I would wager anything that no children would be harmed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-182977 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:22:19 +0000 chdot 182977@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Probably good/cheap/sensible for some <a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14329">desire lines</a> too. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-182975 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:17:53 +0000 chdot 182975@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"It's really intended for making car parks appear less concretey"</p> <p>More for <a href="http://www.pavingexpert.com/drain12.htm">SUDS</a>. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-182973 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:15:17 +0000 chdot 182973@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Or in pix -</p> <p><a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=%22Reinforced+Grass%22&amp;hl=en&amp;tbm=isch" rel="nofollow">https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=%22Reinforced+Grass%22&amp;hl=en&amp;tbm=isch</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-182971 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:14:40 +0000 kaputnik 182971@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em> this appears to be "Reinforced Grass", whatever that may be...</em></p> <p>A concrete or plastic "frame" that supports the grass and earth, preventing (or restricting) erosion.</p> <p>The concrete stuff (also known as "grasscrete") is awful for bikes as the gaps between the concrete nodes are the perfect wheel-swallowing size. It's also hard to install as you lay it like a slab, then plant the earth/grass in the gaps (or wait for it to naturally seed). It's really intended for making car parks appear less concretey, despite still being built out of concrete.</p> <p>The plastic stuff is much better, it's a hezagonal matrix laid on the earth and pushed in, the grass growing up through the gaps.. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-182970 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:07:43 +0000 chdot 182970@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Any plans/maps? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-182968 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:06:13 +0000 neddie 182968@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Regarding the surfacing of the existing desire line around the St. Mary's chicane, this appears to be "Reinforced Grass", whatever that may be... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-182966 Wed, 11 Mar 2015 17:02:52 +0000 neddie 182966@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>An update briefing note from CEC cycling projects:</p> <p>"""<br /> <strong>Links Gardens Lane</strong></p> <p>The majority of the responses received, as well as a consensus reached at the December 2014 Leith Links Steering Group, concluded a preferred design of a segregated 4m wide path; resulting in the removal of the willow tree. Please refer to Appendix 1 below.<br /> Please note that additional tree planting is being provided across the Links as part of this scheme to compensate the tree loss and enhance the route and park area.</p> <p><strong>St. Mary’s Primary School entrance</strong></p> <p>Design proposals were presented and discussed at the Leith Links Steering Group on 17 December 2014 which included an option of surfacing the desire line which has established around the chicanes which is mainly used by bicycles.<br /> As a result, a consensus was reached within the group to progress a design which included surfacing the existing desire line, as per Appendix 2 detailed below. It was also agreed that this additional path should use materials which have less environmental impact – of which reinforced grass was discussed and supported. Spokes and various stakeholders have since supported this proposal to cater for the cycle desire line.</p> <p><strong>Extension of route to the Water of Leith path</strong></p> <p>The Council intend to develop this route next financial year, 2015/16, with view for potential construction in 2016/17. This route will require significant changes to on-street parking which presents a risk to delivery.</p> <p><strong>Sharp corners where cycle paths intersect</strong></p> <p>The design has been amended to widen these areas and include a radius where required at bends and corners on the cycle route.</p> <p><strong>Extension of route to Easter Road at Thorntreeside to the Restalrig rail path</strong></p> <p>Unfortunately this route link is not currently a priority. However, the Council’s Family Network proposal, as outlined in the Active Travel Action Plan, includes extending the Restalrig rail path westwards towards Leith Walk. This is a long term aspiration and no timescales are yet available for this link.<br /> """</p> <p>The construction works are planned to commence late March 2015 with a duration of approximately 6 weeks. Local path diversions will be in place and signed on site during the works. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-176251 Fri, 19 Dec 2014 12:12:36 +0000 wangi 176251@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Final... isn't final?</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/SustransScot/status/545884762876149760" rel="nofollow">https://twitter.com/SustransScot/status/545884762876149760</a><br /> Sustrans Scotland ‏@SustransScot<br /> @greenerleith Currently in phase 3 of the project to improve Leith-Porty route, phase 4 will look at section from Leith Links-Water of Leith </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-176164 Thu, 18 Dec 2014 12:12:09 +0000 chdot 176164@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just a reminder from previously -</p> <p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/chdot/14063296971/"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5252/14063296971_3816095baf.jpg"></a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-175835 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 10:46:00 +0000 bdellar 175835@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The council contact running the consultation is Paul Mathews. You can email him at <a href="mailto:paul.matthews@edinburgh.gov.uk">paul.matthews@edinburgh.gov.uk</a></p> <p>Additionally, it’s recommended that you share your views with your local councillors. You can use <a href="http://www.writetothem.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.writetothem.com</a> to easily send them all the same message. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-175834 Mon, 15 Dec 2014 10:45:02 +0000 bdellar 175834@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>GreenerLeith's response: <a href="http://greenerleith.org.uk/blog/third-time-lucky-st-marys-primary-school-path-4699" rel="nofollow">http://greenerleith.org.uk/blog/third-time-lucky-st-marys-primary-school-path-4699</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=8#post-175794 Sun, 14 Dec 2014 20:55:54 +0000 bdellar 175794@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Chdot and Wangi, thanks for the update. Those plans look very good! I still don't like the chicanes outside St Mary's, but at least they'll be moved away from the tactile paving. Trying to turn sharply on tactile paving is awful.</p> <p>The paths look a bit narrow on Links Gardens look too narrow (4m wide, but segregated, so 2m for bikes, but it's biderictional, so 1m each way).</p> <p>It goes the wrong way in Leith for me (I head to the Water Of Leith), but it looks good. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=7#post-175664 Fri, 12 Dec 2014 12:47:26 +0000 crowriver 175664@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That's all well and good, but what about the Seafield Road bridge? The path there desperately needs resurfacing... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=7#post-175659 Fri, 12 Dec 2014 12:35:54 +0000 wangi 175659@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Drawings here: <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fmf1nx2cfwuu1df/AACWvxNb-UO4b9iJq1RxAZCFa?dl=0" rel="nofollow">https://www.dropbox.com/sh/fmf1nx2cfwuu1df/AACWvxNb-UO4b9iJq1RxAZCFa?dl=0</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=7#post-175651 Fri, 12 Dec 2014 11:59:19 +0000 chdot 175651@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"</p> <p>Edinburgh Council, in partnership with Sustrans, has been developing the final phase of cycle route proposals from Leith to Portobello which is planned for construction in March 2015. This final phase mainly includes path improvements across the west side of Leith Links. As key stakeholders and representatives of those affected by the works, I attach the final designs for your review and comment. These designs have been developed in collaboration with the Leith Links Steering Group.</p> <p>You will note that there are 2 options for a new section of path at Links Gardens Lane which I would be grateful for your views on in particular.</p> <p>Attached are the following plans:</p> <p>1) St. Marys Primary School gates: Proposals to widen the current sub-standard chicanes, additional tree planting and improved markings. The current arrangement is restrictive for cyclists and pedestrians leading to cyclists using the adjacent grass.<br /> 2) Links Gardens Lane: This area of path is expected to have high volumes of pedestrians and cyclists which would benefit from a wider path, however, a relatively rare willow type tree is limiting the path width. As such there are 2 options:<br /> a. 3m wide un-segregated path: a narrower mixed shared use path which requires no tree removal.<br /> b. 4m wide segregated path: a wider path split between pedestrians and cyclists, however, requires the removal of a single willow type tree.<br /> 3) Links Gardens: widened footway to accommodate 4m wide segregated path.<br /> 4) Path between Links Gardens and Duncan Place: widened path to accommodate 4m wide segregated path.<br /> 5) Path between Duncan Place and Wellington Place: resurfaced path 3m wide (width is restricted by mature trees on both sides).</p> <p>These proposals will be on the agenda at the Leith Links Steering Group meeting, which is being held on Wednesday 17th December at Leith Academy, please let me know if you wish to attend. Otherwise, if you have any comments can you please direct these to my details provided below by 31 December 2014.</p> <p>Regards<br /> Paul</p> <p>Paul Matthews I Professional Officer (Cycling) I Strategic Planning I Transport I Services for Communities I The City of Edinburgh Council I Waverley Court, Business Centre C.2 I 4 East Market Street I Edinburgh I EH8 8BG I Tel 0131 469 3700 I <a href="mailto:paul.matthews@edinburgh.gov.uk">paul.matthews@edinburgh.gov.uk</a></p> <p>" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=7#post-168616 Sun, 19 Oct 2014 20:34:03 +0000 kaputnik 168616@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Pleased to be able to use the full width of the path at the Seafield bridge today (even though it's not that wide!)</p> <p>Apart from the red and white temporary fencing being gone, it still looks much as it does in Urchaidh's photo above. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=7#post-166075 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 21:12:54 +0000 Mandopicker101 166075@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Wingpig - I tried out the Seafield Slope this morning (going up) and this evening (coming down). Both times were fine until I hit the knotted mess of tree roots about half way. First time required some serious shifting of weight to avoid a swift tumble down the slope. Second time I hit it, wobbled, swore and then rolled onwards. Knobblies kept me going.</p> <p>I'll be riding that a bit more often methinks... bit of CX practice! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=7#post-165841 Sun, 21 Sep 2014 12:21:41 +0000 crowriver 165841@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Aye, cycled this way yesterday. Great to have the full width of the path!</p> <p>Hopefully they will not seek to intrude further into the path. Needs to be resurfaced also.</p> <p>All good so far. Here's hoping! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=7#post-165669 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 10:48:30 +0000 wangi 165669@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Work has been going on over the last few nights. Reserve judgement until it's completed! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=7#post-165649 Fri, 19 Sep 2014 09:20:51 +0000 urchaidh 165649@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The roadside barriers on the Seafield bridge have been replaced and the poles holding the chevron signs that made the path so narrow have been removed.</p> <p><img src="http://i.imgur.com/PEJg9J4.jpg"></p> <p>Not sure when this was done, a temporary change of digs had me on the North Edinburgh path for the last week so I only saw it yesterday, but it looks like it's still work in progress. Hopefully the chevron poles won't return. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12173&page=7#post-164710 Thu, 11 Sep 2014 07:53:58 +0000 bdellar 164710@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I always take the path from Seafield to the Links. Partly cos I'm not rushing, but mainly because it's a lovely path. I particularly love the way it opens up for the descent to Leith Links.</p> <p>I also just ride round the crappy chicanes and tactiles at the school. I notice that loads of pedestrians do the same!</p> <p>I just ride the awful bit along the cobbled streets to the WoL. Definitely the worst, most dangerous part of the journey. </p>