http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Inch and surrounding areas en Tue, 19 May 2026 07:58:11 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-224794 Fri, 08 Jul 2016 16:02:48 +0000 southsider 224794@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Went for a spin to look at the new path in @crowriver's posts, it's part of a new network of nice wide tarmac paths connecting NRIE, BioQuarter, Greendykes Road and Craigmillar Castle Road. Guys still on site laying tarmac on the link to Little France Drive. <a href="http://www.openstreetmap.org/changeset/40569042">Added them to OpenStreetMap here</a>.<br /> <img src="http://a.tile.openstreetmap.org/15/16098/10215.png"> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-223414 Fri, 17 Jun 2016 13:16:30 +0000 crowriver 223414@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Living Edinburgh ‏@EdinLandscape<br /> New active travel route from Craigmillar Castle to @EdinburghBQ, </p> <p><img src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ClJDmaPUkAEcXKg.jpg"> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-215851 Wed, 06 Apr 2016 09:35:22 +0000 chdot 215851@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"</p> <p>Garbage’s Shirley Manson urges council to save community centre</p> <p>...</p> <p>Now Manson, in an impassioned statement, has called directly on council bosses to save the centre which allowed her to begin her career – and preserve it for a new generation of musicians.</p> <p>Manson said: “I am no politician. I am sure running a city is more complicated than I can possibly imagine.</p> <p>“However, it seems to me that the Inch Community Centre is an incredible jewel in Edinburgh council’s crown.</p> <p>"</p> <p><a href="http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/garbage-s-shirley-manson-urges-council-to-save-community-centre-1-4091954" rel="nofollow">http://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/garbage-s-shirley-manson-urges-council-to-save-community-centre-1-4091954</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-213022 Fri, 26 Feb 2016 16:02:48 +0000 Stephan Matthiesen 213022@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@iwrats Oh, I'll probably have the same letter in my box then. don't worry. I also don't understand why an MP handles local issues. I imagine he needs to do everything to get support (he was very lucky to have an extremely weak SNP candidate last year...) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-213019 Fri, 26 Feb 2016 15:30:04 +0000 jonty 213019@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"But why would commuters into the city park here?"</p> <p>This map might offer the answer: </p> <p><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20083/parking_permits/577/parking_permit_map" rel="nofollow">http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/info/20083/parking_permits/577/parking_permit_map</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-213018 Fri, 26 Feb 2016 15:20:16 +0000 I were right about that saddle 213018@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Stephan</p> <p>Ian Murray is more of an Über-councillor than an MP. He's desperate to re-gain support lost during the 'events of 2014'. </p> <p>I got a letter from him about parking. I'll stick it through your letterbox if you PM me your address. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-213005 Fri, 26 Feb 2016 14:06:57 +0000 Stephan Matthiesen 213005@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@iwrats Where's this from? </p> <p>I would never have thought parking is an issue here, as there is plenty of space. I could park at least two cars outside my house if I had cars (I did park a huge hire van last week without problems). Perhaps a few specific roads like the north end of Kingston Avenue which is close to Infirmary, or perhaps just next to the bus stops (but I live only about 150 metres away from a bus stop)?</p> <p>But why would commuters into the city park here? There isn't much congestion between here and Newington (except for 15-20 minutes created by the school run). Those who want to drive as far as they can, would't they go to Newington then? </p> <p>Murray does cycle and supports cycling although I'm not sure how active he is / how much time he has in practice as he's Labour's only MP. I mailed him at one of the parliamentary cycling debates last year and he replied he'd like to go but was also busy preparing an important speech on post office closures on the same day.</p> <p>Also he seems to be the type who wants to speak for the constituents, not try to change them or find alternatives, so if many moan about parking he might just echo that. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-212993 Fri, 26 Feb 2016 12:19:54 +0000 I were right about that saddle 212993@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So hardworking local MP Ian Murray has been to the Inch. He has idnetified that the main issue facing Inch residents is car parking. It's being used as a park and ride for the city centre and as a cheap car park for hospital staff.</p> <p>I'm sure that his answer will include better buses and active travel options for all. Won't it? </p> <p>Hang on, isn't transport devolved? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211440 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 10:47:23 +0000 chdot 211440@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Started new thread -</p> <p>"(Improving) cycle routes to KB"</p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16039" rel="nofollow">http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16039</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211431 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 09:42:51 +0000 Stephan Matthiesen 211431@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>.. and physical signs also make local people much more aware that there are good cycling/walking connections, so they might help to promote cycling. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211430 Tue, 09 Feb 2016 09:23:52 +0000 Stephan Matthiesen 211430@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It would be good to define a network of useful cycle connections, like Ellen's Glen Road, and get proper signs installed.</p> <p>Maps and Cyclestreets are all nice and useful if you plan the journey, but don't help you if you decide half way on your commmute that you really like a glass of Glühwein after dinner - but how do I now get to Aldi?</p> <p>When I first tried to get to IKEA, despite having looked at maps and cyclestreet, once I had taken a wrong turn and left the route I was completely lost. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211416 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 23:58:06 +0000 chdot 211416@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The 'fast' one is even more interesting!</p> <p><a href="http://m.cyclestreets.net/journey/#51417798/fastest" rel="nofollow">http://m.cyclestreets.net/journey/#51417798/fastest</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211415 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 23:52:59 +0000 Cyclingmollie 211415@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes, that map you linked to chdot gives a much better sense of the potential confusion/recreational opportunities in Craigmillar Castle Park than the Spokes map does. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211412 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 23:45:33 +0000 chdot 211412@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Random</p> <p><a href="http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/51417798/#quietest" rel="nofollow">http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net/journey/51417798/#quietest</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211411 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 23:34:31 +0000 chdot 211411@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Maps maybe? I'm not good on street names"</p> <p>"It's got some great through routes"</p> <p>Many apps and on-line options. </p> <p>I've used this a few times - manually as well as riding with the app.</p> <p><a href="https://ridewithgps.com" rel="nofollow">https://ridewithgps.com</a></p> <p>MANY others are available. </p> <p>Always worth seeing what <a href="http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net" rel="nofollow">http://edinburgh.cyclestreets.net</a> suggests. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211410 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 23:21:25 +0000 Cyclingmollie 211410@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It's an area you need a map for. It's got some great through routes but finding the cut-throughs and taking the right paths is a bit of a 'mare. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211409 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 22:59:07 +0000 I were right about that saddle 211409@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Dudes, I cycle this stuff all the time and I have no idea what anyone's on about. (Though I agree it's mad/bad/fatal.)</p> <p>Maps maybe? I'm not good on street names. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211394 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 18:29:12 +0000 chdot 211394@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Presume people who work at KB know about this -</p> <p>"</p> <p>King's Buildings (@uoeKB)<br /> 08/02/2016, 10:34 am<br /> 15th &amp; 16th Feb, JCMB, Open Consultation on Darwin Redevelopment edin.ac/1Qmvlns #EdUni #KingsBuildings </p> <p><a href="http://pic.twitter.com/QW5qAJ6zdt" rel="nofollow">http://pic.twitter.com/QW5qAJ6zdt</a></p> <p>"</p> <p>Good opportunity to talk about/improve cycle routes to KB. </p> <p>" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211392 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 18:07:57 +0000 Stephan Matthiesen 211392@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Had a look for Inch-related items in the Proposed carriageway programme in the <a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/meetings/id/49358/item_76_-_road_footway_and_bridges_investment_-_capital_programme_for_201617">Road, Footway and Bridges2016/17<br /> Investment - Capital Programme for 2016/17</a> </p> <p>To be resurfaced:</p> <p><ul><li>Kings Haugh (Section to ambulance station) - <strong>Yeah!</strong></li><li>Niddrie Mains Road (Craigmillar Castle Loan To Peffermill Road)</li><li>Double Hedges Row (Kirk Brae to Robert Burns Drive) - I didn't think it was so bad there?</li><br /> </ul> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211381 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 16:14:44 +0000 newtoit 211381@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm now up near Liberton Hospital and work in town. In the mornings I do tend** to just go straight down Kirk Brae, then either up to KB and down the QBC (taking a strong primary in the left turn lane before cutting into the ASL, if the lights are red) or along Lady Road and up Newington Road - I actually find this route fine, if the occasional encounter with a bus or someone who MUST drive in the bus lane 200m before a junction is your thing.</p> <p>On the way home I tend to go down Newington Road, then up Gilmerton and across Ellen's Glen. The hill on Ellen's Glen road isn't too nice but the thought of Kirk Brae top to bottom with no respite is just a bit much!!</p> <p>The cut through between Margiotta and Ellen's Glen is also quite a good one if you know it's there. Not very obvious though.</p> <p>** nB I say tend, maybe not strictly true given the recent lack of cycling on my behalf. Not sure Newtoit is an appropriate name any more, more - needmoremotivation! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211380 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 15:55:45 +0000 amir 211380@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks Stephan and Roibeard for the tips. I may have a go at Roibeard's tonight, if I remember to turn the autopilot off. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033&page=2#post-211379 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 15:49:22 +0000 Stephan Matthiesen 211379@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>These different Liberton-KB routes are an interesting topic, I guess we all tried out different routes before settling on a one or two, depending on individual preferences. There is a big risk that new cyclists will try out the wrong route and be discouraged immediately....</p> <p>The big question is if we, with our combined knowledge of the area, can come up with ideas that would improve it for us and other cyclists. Even small changes that can realistically be done without huge funding, like some shared paths, dropped kerbs, better sightlines or reduced parking somewhere. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033#post-211360 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 14:19:34 +0000 Stephan Matthiesen 211360@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@amir</p> <p>2) On Liberton Rd, turn off into Mid Liberton (cul-de-sac) before coming to the Gilmerton Rd junction. Turn left and there is a footpath connecting to Gilmerton Rd. have to go very slowly and there is a guardrail at the end, but it can actually be faster than waiting for a right turn at the traffic lights. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033#post-211359 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 14:15:38 +0000 Roibeard 211359@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@amir - I've tried the Gordon Terrace to Liberton Road, left, then right into Gilmerton Road, and it is indeed terrifying at times.</p> <p>The option I take is a modified 1 Gordon Terrace to Esslemont Road, then immediate right into Liberton Road.</p> <p>Sounds similar, however I've found a line that allows for a safe right turn at the lights, protected from both streams of traffic by other vehicles.</p> <p>Basically, you snuggle alongside the oncoming right turning traffic, so effectively you sit in the tangential gap they've opened up between the right turning lane and the straight ahead lane. Go far forward, effectively to the lane dividing line southbound for Liberton Road/Craigmillar Park.</p> <p>You're protected from the rear by the right turning vehicle to your left, and can see along the right turn lane for a clear gap to make your turn.</p> <p>When you do make your turn, you are turning into the bus lane, and any drivers waiting behind you can turn into the general traffic lane simultaneously.</p> <p>I'm happy to demonstrate this one if the above isn't clear - I've even begun to consider this "sitting across the oncoming right turning lane" approach for turning right down the Royal Mile at the Bridges - previously I've been scared by being sandwiched between two double streams of vehicles, however whilst there are indeed two northbound lanes at this point, there is only one southbound lane, the outer one being right turn only. By blocking this lane for southbound traffic, I'm clear of the northbound traffic and have just one stream of southbound traffic to cross.</p> <p>Still in an experimental phase for the Royal Mile junction, however I'm now confident enough of my Liberton Road line to let my eldest execute it unattended - something I wouldn't do for the other right turn.</p> <p>I'm ruling out the Kirk Brae options as that's a pig of a climb, even to Double Hedges Row, with impatient drivers expecting to get past...</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033#post-211358 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 14:15:01 +0000 Stephan Matthiesen 211358@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@amir</p> <p>3) When there is much traffic, I hop on the pavement at the junction and cycle up to Double Hedges Rd. No dropped kerb, but there is a damaged kerbstone that's easy to cycle onto. Or even go on the pavement at the bottom of Mayfield Rd where cars start to block the "cycle lane" and then use the pedestrian crossing. it depends on pedestrians, it's usually quiet enough but can be busy with KB staff&amp;students around 5</p> <p>6) Mayfield Road northwards, turn right into Wilton Road, use the pedestrian lights to get into the southbound bus lane on Craigmillar Park so you can go straight across into Liberton Rd (rather than the right turn from Esslemont rd). similarly in the morning I go up Lygon Road or Wilton Road rather than Esslemont as they have much less traffic and don't have the steep corners. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033#post-211355 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 14:05:41 +0000 Stephan Matthiesen 211355@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@newtoit </p> <p>2) Not saying it's perfect, we definitely need a much better routes towards the centre. Liberton Rd - Cameron Toll is a huge barrier (when I have time and it's nice outside I often use Innocent but that's a long detour). </p> <p>What I meant is that there are more routes than are obvious. There is Craigmillar Park toward Craigmillar/Innocent/fort Kinnaird/Musselburgh, Braid burn towards the West, and also you can get to Straiton (IKEA) reasonably direct through Ellen's Glen, Gracemount and Burdiehouse or (now better) Gilmerton Dykes Drive or Hyvot Loan to Lasswade Road onto the new Gilmerton-Roslin route. If you find the right roads it's quite direct with little traffic, but if you make a wrong turn you can go in circles forever.</p> <p>There are a couple of muddy paths and far too many chicanes in Gilmerton but with political will this wouldn't be expensive to fix and improve considerably. </p> <p>The think is, it's not like the North network where you get onto one dedicated path and then go straight on for ages, it's more about knowing the right roads that are direct but without traffic.</p> <p>3) Kirk Brae - yes, hideous. I often go Kirk Brae - KB in the morning (downhills) but Gilmerton Rd in the evening. If Kirk Brae, I sometimes use the footpath up to the fire station and a beyond.</p> <p>Kingston Av is terrible indeed. Where are you coming from? I it's RIE to KB, I would go Lammermoor Terrace - Ravenswood Av - Cumnor Cr - Robert Burns Drive. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033#post-211352 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 13:42:36 +0000 amir 211352@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I find the act of trying to get on Gilmerton Road from KB pretty horrendous. The options are:</p> <p>1) zip down Esslemont Road then onto Lady Road, round the roundabout at the north entrance to Cameron Toll shopping centre and back up Lady Road before turning left onto Liberton Road and left into Gilmerton Road. This is not my favourite option due to the length and the dodgy roundabout but it is almost impossible to turn right (safely) into Liberton Road from Esslemont Road - no filter.</p> <p>2) The shortest and flattest route. Take Ross Road or Blackbarony Road onto Gordon Terrace, turning right there and then left onto Liberton Road. Turn right at the lights into Gilmerton Road. Again this is not a nice right turn with traffic often rushing up behind at speed, so even as an experienced cyclist I often wimp out and cross on the pedestrian crossing (walking). A right filter would help but the council wouldn't listen last time that I proposed this.</p> <p>3) South down Mayfield Road and across to Kirk Brae and left into Double Hedges. I often take this, but there are often long queues and a nasty hill with close passing cars.</p> <p>4) South down Mayfield Road and across to Kirk Brae and then proceed up before turning off somewhere. Jolly big hill - not always attractive at the end of a hard day.</p> <p>5) South down Mayfield Road and up Liberton Brae before turning into Orchardhead Road. This has the merit of avoiding most of the Kirk Brae traffic so that you can enjoy the pain of the steep hill in peace.</p> <p>There must be quite a few KB cyclists facing this set of bad choices. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033#post-211348 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 12:58:45 +0000 newtoit 211348@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Few points:<br /> 1) Cafes - this was something we missed living there, though there isn't much more at the new place. There's the Yes Café if "that way" inclined (which is prone to having vehicles parked outside, blocking the road...). Liberton Kirk is not far, with coffee mornings. Other alternatives would be the Robin's Nest pub, Northfield House Hotel is pretty good for dinner and I think they do lunch too, or the Braidburn Inn (average age about 70).</p> <p>2)Connections - Stephan, I'm intrigued about what connections you know of! Any good ones you can share? Heading downhill I found it much easier in the morning to go down to Double Hedges Road (massive rat run) and turn from there onto Kirk Brae, than to go out at the top and bomb it down the hill! Nice ride across the bottom of the Hermitage from there too. A decent connection towards the west would be good though. Riding across the Braid Hills road or Mortonhall are amongst the scariest cycling experiences of my life! Going east towards Craigmillar, the park is good but very boggy.</p> <p>3)Bad bits - the Liberton Brae/KB/Kirk Brae/Liberton Road crossroad is hideous. Parked cars on the corner on Kirk Brae make this worse than it could be - I sometimes bump up onto the pavement here to get past parked cars. Even worse coming up the hill with impatient drivers behind who want to overtake without any space. Nowadays I tend to take Gilmerton Road for that very reason. Kingston Avenue is a lovely street which would be well served by a set of Bollards halfway along. Nightmare on a weekend too, when Hospitalgoers park there. Small projects that would be welcome could be a decent crossing to aid with getting towards Craigmillar.</p> <p>4)Pentlands to Portobello - this is on my patch now at the new house. Let's just say it looks like a fantastic idea, but I'd be quietly pessimistic about the quality as a cycle route. The path at present would need a lot of work. There's sections are very steep and may potentially need realignment, and the underfloor conditions are not ideal so may need a fair amount of reinforcement. I would absolutely love to see it come to fruition though! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033#post-211342 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 12:14:47 +0000 chdot 211342@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"In some cases, only individual locations (junctions) or short stretches are missing, not huge gaps."</p> <p>Many of which have already been added to the <em>potentially</em> very useful <a href="http://edinburgh.cyclescape.org" rel="nofollow">http://edinburgh.cyclescape.org</a></p> <p>Eg - <a href="http://www.cyclescape.org/threads/1817" rel="nofollow">http://www.cyclescape.org/threads/1817</a></p> <p>More - <a href="http://www.cyclescape.org/groups/6-edinburgh#recent-issues" rel="nofollow">http://www.cyclescape.org/groups/6-edinburgh#recent-issues</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16033#post-211333 Mon, 08 Feb 2016 11:50:12 +0000 Stephan Matthiesen 211333@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot Actually Inch is surprisingly well connected, but it's not so obvious as the North Edinburgh network. It took me years to find some of the connections and not get lost, as there is little/no signage. </p> <p>In some cases, only individual locations (junctions) or short stretches are missing, not huge gaps. </p>