http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: (Before) cycling to work - if only I'd known... en Wed, 13 May 2026 03:42:08 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172&page=2#post-302785 Fri, 08 Mar 2019 12:39:26 +0000 Ed1 302785@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I used Donkey Lane path a couple of months ago it is a little rubbish small rocks and mud but perfectly do able on my 700 , 30 or , 700, 35 tyres. The poor surface for a short distance would not put me off. If someone lived at the juniper end of Currie that may be best. If lived in the middle of Currie or the end nearer Balerno would take a different route to get to Heriot watt then the same route the Gogar station, secret under pass. If live near Balerno would take Newmills road, Gowanhill Farm road, Warriston Farm road , boundary road North, research Avenue North</p> <p> If lived in the middle of Currie would take Curriehill road Heriot watt. Not that quiet the first part is not too bad its after Heriot watt heading to A71 that Curriehill road is dangerous as dips narrow plus its 60mph. Its 60Mph road that should probably be a 40mph</p> <p>*I forgot about Riccarton Mains Rd its such a bad road don't even think about it as an option it should be 30mph. I did not know about the old alignment of Riccarton Mains Rd </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172&page=2#post-302784 Fri, 08 Mar 2019 12:23:04 +0000 neddie 302784@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Welcome glo_73. Nothing this forum likes more than route advice...</p> <p>I used to do this commute every day for several years.</p> <p>In the morning, I would usually just belt it down Riccarton Mains Rd, taking the lane to prevent overtaking on the bends (where drivers frequently drive into the stone wall, hence the red reflective panels).</p> <p>Then down Gogar Station Rd and the "secret" bypass underpass:</p> <p><a href="https://cycle.travel/map/journey/91904" rel="nofollow">https://cycle.travel/map/journey/91904</a> **</p> <p>On the return, I would avoid Riccarton Mains Rd like the plague, as you're crawling uphill with fast moving cars trying to squeeze past. So I would either go through the University, then Curriehill Rd, or go through Westburn, Baberton Rd, Donkey Lane as the others have suggested:</p> <p><a href="https://cycle.travel/map/journey/91905" rel="nofollow">https://cycle.travel/map/journey/91905</a></p> <p>or</p> <p><a href="https://cycle.travel/map/journey/91906" rel="nofollow">https://cycle.travel/map/journey/91906</a></p> <p>**Note that in the first route, I have shown it taking the old alignment of Riccarton Mains Rd (the red section marked as path). You probably want to just stay on the new alignment, since sadly Heriot Watt have never opened the old road up properly as a path, even though it's perfectly usable, just limited access at one end.</p> <p>I highlight this because it's such a shame. HW Uni could have created a safe route here, simply by adding an access at the railway, then widening the pavement and making it shared-use up to the roundabout in Currie. Sigh. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172&page=2#post-302781 Fri, 08 Mar 2019 10:38:50 +0000 Murun Buchstansangur 302781@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>In terms of quietness, I would suggest Donkey Lane from Muirwood Rd in Currie (forum locals may be able to relate what state the path is currently in), then to Heriot-Watt Uni , the 1st part of Gogar Station Rd (which has a shared use pavement) then a 'back' way into Edinburgh Park. Route involves a railway level crossing and a darkish tunnel under the bypass so may not be to everyone's taste.</p> <p><a href="https://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/64610697/#quietest" rel="nofollow">https://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/64610697/#quietest</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172&page=2#post-302780 Fri, 08 Mar 2019 10:30:03 +0000 Edinburgh Cycle Training 302780@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Quiet streets through Baberton to the canal, canal to Bankhead, Shared path to Edinburgh Park? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172&page=2#post-302779 Fri, 08 Mar 2019 10:17:07 +0000 glo_73 302779@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hi all, could anyone please advise of a good off road route from currie to Edinburgh park (gyle). My work college is thinking of cycling to work but he is worried about cycling on roads. Any advise would be much spreciated. Thank you. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172&page=2#post-204911 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 21:26:55 +0000 Charterhall 204911@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes chdot, I'm afraid it is prominent and no it doesn't come across as humorous.</p> <p>That aside, my number one motivation for cycling to work is that it's just hugely enjoyable. It's fun, it enables me to wind down at the end of the working day, it allows me to keep fit without the inconvenience, tedium and expense of a gym, it often gives me great views and often good wildlife spots too. And at the end of the ride you find yourself transported to your destination almost as a by product of all of the above ! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172&page=2#post-204843 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 12:42:10 +0000 chdot 204843@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://cyclefridays.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">http://cyclefridays.wordpress.com</a></p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15209" rel="nofollow">http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15209</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172&page=2#post-204838 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 12:22:00 +0000 paulmilne 204838@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hi, would you mind posting or pointing to the thread with the link to the new website about cycling to work? We just moved offices and there is much discussion just now about cycling to work. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172&page=2#post-204796 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 09:26:01 +0000 chdot 204796@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>'Obviously' no-one would think of doing it, but was also intended as a reminder of bike theft without adding to the list of reasons not to cycle - wind, rain, hills, traffic etc! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-204795 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 09:22:09 +0000 chdot 204795@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I'm surprised to see such prominence given to the "Don't steal one" message."</p> <p>Is it prominent?</p> <p>Seemed humorous when it was written. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-204792 Wed, 18 Nov 2015 06:03:13 +0000 Charterhall 204792@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Great idea chdot, I will certainly want to point people to the site on those occasions when I get asked about cycling to work. But given the demographic of who cycles to work and who might be asking about cycling to work, I'm surprised to see such prominence given to the "Don't steal one" message. Very unnecessary and likely to put people off the site if you ask me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-204755 Tue, 17 Nov 2015 17:15:44 +0000 CycleCommute.CC 204755@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>They should start a congestion charge and pay for it out of that. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-204752 Tue, 17 Nov 2015 16:34:15 +0000 mmaohara 204752@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>chdot, I do go a bit out of the way to go onto quieter roads, not by much but I don't take the most direct route to/from work. </p> <p>Vez; that looks great - -I wonder what it would take to get the council doing it :-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-204654 Mon, 16 Nov 2015 20:54:50 +0000 Vez 204654@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>How about moving to Italy and getting paid to cycle to work?<br /> <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-34831650" rel="nofollow">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-34831650</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-204631 Mon, 16 Nov 2015 16:25:29 +0000 chdot 204631@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>" i am still a bit scared of the traffic!"</p> <p>Never quite goes away, though 'experience', increased fitness and confidence help. </p> <p>Also willingness to discover/use 'other routes'. </p> <p>There are quite a few people on here who use relatively long/roundabout routes to avoid the worst traffic places. </p> <p>Often similar journey times too! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-204615 Mon, 16 Nov 2015 14:29:32 +0000 mmaohara 204615@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Its a very good idea. I remember taking up cycling again in March after not having cycled at all for about 23 years. I'm really starting to enjoy it now, so nice to get the fresh air at the end of the day, though i am still a bit scared of the traffic! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-194500 Sat, 01 Aug 2015 09:24:35 +0000 chdot 194500@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Site using ideas from this thread is launched -</p> <p><a href="http://cyclefridays.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">http://cyclefridays.wordpress.com</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193859 Thu, 23 Jul 2015 19:53:12 +0000 chdot 193859@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I wonder what people think about having a catalogue of facilities at their place of work. Would help new people realise what exists where they work and also could be a good leverage for people trying to get better facilities at their work."</p> <p>You'd think CS or ScotBug or Bike Station would have done it. </p> <p>CCE started early on -</p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=152" rel="nofollow">http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=152</a></p> <p>Time to add/update. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193858 Thu, 23 Jul 2015 19:39:38 +0000 HankChief 193858@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This is a great idea. I think the individual stories could be very powerful, especially if people related to them.</p> <p>From running events to get colleagues to cycle to my work, the 2 most common barriers were safe routes and getting a locker. </p> <p>I wonder what people think about having a catalogue of facilities at their place of work. Would help new people realise what exists where they work and also could be a good leverage for people trying to get better facilities at their work.</p> <p>Appreciate we won't have full coverage of all workplaces but we must be able to cover quite a few between us. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193842 Thu, 23 Jul 2015 12:54:10 +0000 neddie 193842@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We have a Spokes map up on the wall in a prominent location in our office (the entrance to the canteen).</p> <p>I often see colleagues looking at it, planning routes, etc. Even if they're only looking at it for car journeys, it still gives cycling good publicity.</p> <p>I would recommend the same for any office. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193818 Thu, 23 Jul 2015 08:12:16 +0000 chdot 193818@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"it was my new boyfriend who was keen on cycling and also showed me the Spokes map"</p> <p>Clearly demonstrates the value of Spokes maps <em>and</em> knowing someone who knows. Don't suppose all potential cycle commuters are likely to get new (cycling) boyfriends!!</p> <p>"Started cycling once or twice a week"</p> <p>I think this (idea) would make a difference to a lot of people. I think it's clear that many people think in terms of all (5 days a week) or nothing (existing car/bus commute). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193817 Thu, 23 Jul 2015 08:12:06 +0000 gowgowuk 193817@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Like LivD, it's thanks to the NEPN that I cycle to work 5 days a week in all seasons (with a few very bad weather exceptions). I honestly think that if it wasn't there and I had to cycle through the city center, I would quickly abandon the bike and revert to driving to work. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193816 Thu, 23 Jul 2015 07:57:40 +0000 LivM 193816@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot - it was my new boyfriend who was keen on cycling and also showed me the Spokes map. "what's that purple line going from my home to my work? Coo!"</p> <p>I did a recce one Sunday to check it worked. Started cycling once or twice a week, ended up realising I wasn't getting my money's worth from my bus pass so cancelled the direct debit and cycled every day. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193803 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 20:49:51 +0000 chdot 193803@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@LivD </p> <p>How did you find out about the NEPN and what did you do to make sure there was a suitable route? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193799 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 18:25:12 +0000 Vez 193799@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Happy to help with this, great idea. My 'if only I'd known' is if only I'd known how happy it would make me I'd have started years ago! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193798 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 18:12:00 +0000 LivM 193798@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Learning about quiet routes and cycle paths was crucial for me. Until I found out about the NEPN I thought my commute would have basically been the same as the horrible bus route. </p> <p>Other people who I have since encouraged to start cycling to work have had similar epiphanies. Me: "did you know you can get from work (West Granton) to Haymarket without going on a road?" Them: [mindblown] etc. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193794 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 14:40:33 +0000 chdot 193794@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"making the interviews into videos"</p> <p>Sounds good.</p> <p>Maybe new site needs a YouTube channel? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193793 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 14:37:17 +0000 jdanielp 193793@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I would be happy to help out behind the scenes if anyone fancies the idea of making the interviews into videos (I have some video-oriented DSLR equipment and access to an audio recorder, but rather less experience of audio than video), although I wouldn't be quite as keen about being in front of a video camera; I could probably cope with a photograph and a written interview if that is all it is. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193789 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 14:09:57 +0000 chdot 193789@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@k</p> <p>"assume it's not Edinburgh (or Scotland?)"</p> <p>Actually it is, because it's built around the experiences of CCEers. A lot of stuff for would-be-commuters is universal, but the specifics of the off-road path networks, hills, weather, FRB is 'local'. </p> <p>It's easier (I think) for those 'hesitating' if they can relate - literally - to where others have gone before. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15172#post-193786 Wed, 22 Jul 2015 13:59:53 +0000 chdot 193786@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I could count on one hand the number of 5-day commutes I've done in a year BUT people think they have to do it EVERY day; even doing 1-2 days a week would give benefits."</p> <p>Yes!</p> <p>This is some of the text on the proto-site -</p> <p>"</p> <p>Most people on CCE cycle to work – but not every day. Most have cars but prefer the flexibility and (usually) the reliability of cycling. Journeys tend to take the same time – unless there is a very strong wind. It’s easy to vary your route to make it more interesting (or challenging).</p> <p>" </p>