http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Union Canal Towpath Bollard @ Gilmore Park en Tue, 19 May 2026 00:57:33 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12232#post-194542 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 20:34:44 +0000 gembo 194542@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Nice bollards but they won't stop the guy who parks his car in front of them, cheeky blighter. The printmakers were having a soirée outside the rubber factory just down the road last night. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12232#post-194541 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 20:06:31 +0000 emuir 194541@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I see that the offending bollard has been removed and two others added instead, and the protruding parts on the side posts removed. <a href="https://conflictbydesign.files.wordpress.com/2015/08/2015-07-23_new_bollards.jpg?w=917">Picture</a></p> <p>It's a pity they're not orange plastic though. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12232#post-142829 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 16:14:30 +0000 kaputnik 142829@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Can't think off the top of my head that there are any other instances of this "T-shaped" bollard around town? Probably used to be a bit more common when all bits of "cycle path" featured gates and fences to keep cyclists out. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12232#post-142825 Mon, 17 Feb 2014 15:31:41 +0000 emuir 142825@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Glad to see they have taken immediate action but I don't think this solves the problem and so here is my reply email below:</p> <p><blockquote></p> <p>Thanks for getting back to me promptly and for taking immediate action. I've been informed that reflective tape has been applied to the protruding loops.</p> <p>However, I would view this as a temporary measure and will reiterate my previous concerns: the hoops still pose a safety hazard and could easily be struck. This is of particular concern for children on bikes who do not have the same level of control as adults, and operate at a lower height meaning an increased risk of head collision. Also, the use of tape is not permanent and so will come off with time.</p> <p>The statement that "looped handles are on the bollard to prevent cars from accessing the towpath as I am sure you will appreciate, would be a safety concern." may well be valid but there are safer ways of restricting the path width. How about installing bollards at the edges (in bright orange with reflective strips) to narrow the entrance? I've attached a photo which shows this, if somewhat crudely, or follow this link: <a href="http://wp.me/a4bJ30-2K">http://wp.me/a4bJ30-2K</a></p> <p>Furthermore, I also requested if the protruding supports from the side posts could be removed for they too pose a risk, and that the bollard could be replaced by a plastic one in orange with reflective strips?</p> <p>Regards,</p> <p></blockquote> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12232#post-142680 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 16:28:21 +0000 kaputnik 142680@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>A bollard, yes, not a bollard with dangerous protrusions! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12232#post-142670 Fri, 14 Feb 2014 14:09:57 +0000 chdot 142670@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<br /> Scottish Canals (@scottishcanals)<br /> 14/02/2014 12:17<br /> @CyclingEdin Bollards needed to keep cars off towpath, but we will be undertaking a review of towpath access and these comments will inform.</p> <p>" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12232#post-142603 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 21:02:41 +0000 kaputnik 142603@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Good effort, but I'd go back and point out their own misinterpretation of your request. </p> <p>Or pop round with a hacksaw and some retro-reflective tape one night and do the honours.</p> <p>Also, believe that Scottish Canals staff park their cars/vans behind that bollard. So it's not cars per se they don't want on the path, just other people's cars! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12232#post-142602 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 20:32:00 +0000 chdot 142602@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<br /> Scottish Canals (@scottishcanals) tweeted at 12:49pm - 12 Feb 14: </p> <p>We've launched a new app with @ScotlandsCanals exploring the history, wildlife and stories of the Forth &amp; Clyde Canal </p> <p><a href="http://bit.ly/1kBp0tk" rel="nofollow">http://bit.ly/1kBp0tk</a> </p> <p>" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12232#post-142601 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 20:24:59 +0000 chdot 142601@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Art installation!!</p> <p>Well done. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12232#post-142600 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 20:18:37 +0000 rosscbrown 142600@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Good news! They appear to have 'fixed' it with some hazard tape!</p> <p><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/q02uwudlq40sioc/RBTricrossFRONT20140213165532.jpg">Photo from this evening...</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=12232#post-142599 Thu, 13 Feb 2014 19:05:34 +0000 emuir 142599@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I contacted Scottish Canals about a particularly nasty bollard on the Union Canal at the junction with Gilmore Park, which can be seen in either the photo link or on google maps below. The protruding loops are a safety concern for they could easily not be seen and struck, particularly at night.</p> <p><a href="http://conflictbydesign.files.wordpress.com/2014/01/bollard-hoops.png">Bollard Photo</a></p> <p><a href="https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Edinburgh&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=55.941454,-3.211224&amp;spn=0.000967,0.002411&amp;sll=55.85546,-4.232459&amp;sspn=0.2482,0.617294&amp;oq=ed&amp;hnear=Edinburgh,+City+of+Edinburgh,+United+Kingdom&amp;t=m&amp;z=19&amp;layer=c&amp;cbll=55.941392,-3.21123&amp;panoid=Xcr9s1XSjL5tUo4I6pTK1w&amp;cbp=12,208.13,,1,17.14">Google Street View Bollard</a></p> <p>I asked if the bollard could be replaced with a bright orange plastic one, which if struck could bend, and to also remove the small supports protruding from the side posts. </p> <p>And here is their response:</p> <p>[Good morning Mr ...,</p> <p>Many thanks for your email.</p> <p>I have spoken with the Operations Supervisor for that area who informs me that the looped handles are on the bollard to prevent cars from accessing the towpath as I am sure you will appreciate, would be a safety concern.</p> <p>We do appreciate your comments and as such we are arranging for the handles to be highlighted in order that cyclists see them.</p> <p>I hope this alleviates your concerns. If there is anything further I can assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.</p> <p>Best wishes</p> <p>Paula</p> <p>Paula Carson<br /> Customer Relations Supervisor<br /> Lowland Canals and The Falkirk Wheel<br /> Unit 1A<br /> West Mains Industrial Estate<br /> Grangemouth<br /> FK3 8YE<br /> ]</p> <p>They appear to have ignored my request to replace the bollard and have instead opted to go for an easier solution. They also cite concerns about cars going through; does anyone know if you could get a car through that space without the protruding loops?</p> <p>My main concern is if I were to push for them to remove the loops they may end up putting more bollards in, and making it worse.</p> <p>Does anyone have any suggestions? And has anyone actually hit this bollard? </p>