http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Orchard Brae route help en Wed, 13 May 2026 05:12:59 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212985 Fri, 26 Feb 2016 11:57:06 +0000 ih 212985@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Bravo @Claire and O/H of Claire! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212972 Fri, 26 Feb 2016 10:30:00 +0000 Min 212972@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Awesome happy ending/beginning. :-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212971 Fri, 26 Feb 2016 10:22:37 +0000 Claire 212971@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Success!!!! </p> <p>Yes, that's right. The o/h and I cycled to his work today using @ih's route. Woo! </p> <p>It took 30 minutes door to door, around 10-15 minutes quicker than his walk/bus/walk commute. The o/h said he enjoyed his ride in and it was "easy". </p> <p>This is the first time he's cycled to this office; it's taken over a year of me quietly badgering him but it looks like this could be the start of something beautiful, haha. </p> <p>On the route, the cut through at the school is a bit faffy for me due to the stairs and the gates at the path, so on return I think I will try the residential streets that spit out at Roseburn. O/H might prefer stairs though as no traffic hassling when on a climb :) </p> <p>Thanks again! Looks like Try on Friday has been a success. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212970 Fri, 26 Feb 2016 09:42:30 +0000 fimm 212970@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>ih, I'm going to investigate your route as well! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212919 Thu, 25 Feb 2016 14:56:50 +0000 Claire 212919@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@ih Wow you actually went out to take a look? I am so impressed!! After you popped this up on the forum I actually did this option last night on the way home. I am going to ride with the O/H on Friday morning into work using this route and see how it goes. </p> <p>He said thank you very much for taking the time to investigate. I think your kind actions now mean that he is obliged to cycle to work! ;) </p> <p>PS we live in Corstorphine, but can use the quietway to get to Roseburn. It really is just that last mile that's a problem... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212796 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 21:53:40 +0000 ih 212796@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@claire I think your O/H could walk it in 30 minutes and once he's used to the route, cycle it in 20 max.</p> <p>This is my suggestion which I was waiting until I'd just tried it out on Sunday. I'm not sure of your precise starting point so I'll assume Roseburn. Use the Roseburn Path as you tried initially, either through Roseburn Park and the back route to the Russell Road access zig-zags, or more directly, if O/H gets a bit of confidence, straight along Roseburn Terrace and turn left up W Coates Terrace and take the second access to Roseburn Path (the first is impossibly steep). Ok, once on the path, don't go as far as your tree root ramp at Ravelston Dykes, but come off right, up the steps (not steep and you can wheel the bike up the side) signposted to St George's school. Go towards the school, turn left and at the end of the road there's a cut through path that takes you to Ravelston Dykes. </p> <p>There isn't a good quiet option now, but use R Dykes, which is quite broad and should feel Ok, and then straight across the lights to Ravelston Terrace. This is a bit narrow at the start and end but if O/H can just hold the line he should be good. Could always walk this bit! Finally, left on Dean Path, cross Queensferry Road at lights and into Orchard Brae. If you chum him a couple of times he'll get it.</p> <p>Walking. Actually, this would be more direct and a lovely way to get home, so I'll describe the homeward journey. Walk up Orchard Brae, across Q Road and into Dean Path. In about 200m there's a path on the right that goes down to the Water of Leith. Once down there, take it all the way to Roseburn. What a fantastic commute!</p> <p>Your original question highlights how desperately we need decent infrastructure on arterial roads! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212778 Tue, 23 Feb 2016 18:19:30 +0000 Claire 212778@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>O/H took over an hour to get home yesterday via public transport. He said the congestion was so bad at Haymarket he stood waiting for over 15 mins for a tram that said it would arrive in 3 mins. </p> <p>Gloriously, he said "I need to sort the cycling out. I could get to work in half an hour, right?"</p> <p>Yes, O/H. Yes, you could. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212025 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:51:25 +0000 Claire 212025@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>RE the bus, didn't someone else on the forum have a ridiculous conversation with a bus driver once as they tried to get their child's bike on the bus and the driver refused unless it was bagged. Something to do with the chain being exposed? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212024 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:50:16 +0000 Claire 212024@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@sally Yep, absolutely. I think a chum might be the way to go for a couple of weeks. Choose his preferred least hairy option, take a tootle in together and he'll gradually build confidence and soon be a rabid rider. At least, that's how it all goes in my head. Can't wait! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212022 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:33:22 +0000 fimm 212022@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>&lt;Re-reads post&gt;<br /> Oh, piffle... </p> <p>(I might get <em>my</em> O/H in a bag to take him on the bus; he's 5'5"... when we were coming back from somewhere with his bike in a bike box the taxi driver was joking that he had his mother-in-law in it - my mother is 5'0") </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212021 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:16:27 +0000 paddyirish 212021@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@fimm I'm 6'5" and nobody has ever put me in a bag to take me on a bus...</p> <p>The thing that has stopped me buying a brompton is not the height issue which is surmountable with the seatpost, but that they specify a maximum weight of 100kg. Unfortunately I am still somewhat north of that... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212019 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 17:12:30 +0000 sallyhinch 212019@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I had to put my Brompton in a bag to take it on the airport bus, which was a first for me. I've not taken any other Edinburgh bus though so no idea if that's general bus policy or just that individual driver.</p> <p>The problem with bike-bus-bike is he'll get less exercise than walking and won't save any money. I'd say chumming him on the route would be the way to go if you can manage the time and enjoy cycling together </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062&page=2#post-212017 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:57:18 +0000 fimm 212017@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You would need a seat post extender for the Brompton for it to fit a 6'5" person. You also need to put them in a bag to take them on a bus (apparently - I've never tried). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-212011 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:21:41 +0000 Claire 212011@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I just had a thought, too. I could chum him for a couple of weeks - I can cut through the town to get to Trinity... Plus that would get me up out of my pit earlier in the morning. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-212010 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 16:19:53 +0000 Claire 212010@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@acsimpson - Yes, what you're describing there is pretty similar to the o/h's perspective on cycling. I still find it really bizarre though. It's like as soon as he's off the saddle his brain is reset. I am doing quite well with the chipping away though - it's going to happen. I am going to get him riding to work. Even if it's one day a week. This is my ongoing challenge.</p> <p> @cc - I like this idea! No least because I want a Brompton... I am not sure it would fit him, though... Does the frame work for someone 6 foot 5? If we got a Brompton you'd just see me cycling into the sunset on it ;)</p> <p>I am looking forward to speaking to him tonight about all these suggestions!! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211998 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 15:14:20 +0000 Stephan Matthiesen 211998@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"book (Possibly 'Predicable Irrational')" It's fashionable to write about "Irrationality", but it's dubious whether temporal discounting is in any way "irrational". It may seem illogical that a small discomfort today influences our decision more than a huge benefit in the future, but one has to take into account that uncertainty also increases with time. I may be healthier in 20 years time if I cycle now, but there is also an increasing probability that I won't get the benefit but may suffer from unrelated health effects or meet a violent death before. </p> <p>This effect only becomes somewhat difficult to understand in modern times when we normally expect to live into our 70s or 80s, but not for our ancestors who had a real risk of getting killed every day (even just one or two generation ago...). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211991 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 14:42:17 +0000 cc 211991@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>How about he gets a folding bike, e.g. a Brompton, then just goes by his usual walk/bus/walk route, but cycling along the bits that feel safe? I imagine that that would be just the Roseburn Path section to start with. And for the rest of it, pop the bike in a bag, or whatever one does with a folding bike. </p> <p>Then maybe in time he could try devising quiet routes for other sections, e.g. from home to the bus stop, and increase the proportion of the route that's cycled. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211976 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 12:30:24 +0000 acsimpson 211976@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Claire,</p> <p>I can't add a better route than those already suggested but I sort of understand your partner's behaviour. Every time I cycle in the rain I end up agreeing with myself that it's really not as bad as I was expecting but I will still try and avoid it. I expect it's because I really don't like starting to ride in the rain.</p> <p>I'm sure I read a book (Possibly "Predicable Irrational") which explains this sort of behaviour. As a species we are for whatever reason much happier with short term happiness. So even if we know that a short period of discomfort will lead to longer term benefits we wont find it easy to go through the discomfort. This also leads to many of societies issues, eg obesity, bad driving, not saving enough for retirement, etc. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211969 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:31:13 +0000 Claire 211969@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@cb - Oh wow, I didn't realise that there had been such an awful accident there. The junction is very bad and I was really worried about o/h negotiating that on a bike. I suggested he get off and walk across the traffic island. I am not telling him what happened there - it will give him the willies. RE the pinch point, this was my argument. I thought it was probably not too bad an option as vehicles have to slow down and take it sensibly...</p> <p>@the boy - Basically, in his head he wants to go to work on a bike - as a theoretical idea it's all good to him, but once practicalities appear and it's not door to door perfect then the barriers come up. I just need to keep chipping away... He's the same re bike rides generally. Loves riding his bike when I get him on it, but bloody hell, <em>getting </em>him on the bike is a nightmare. He genuinely forgets how much he likes cycling. It is so weird. I have never come across this behaviour before... Every time he cycles with me he's like "wow, this is so quick and it's really good fun" but by the next day he's forgotten. BAFFLING.</p> <p>Also, re earlier start. Good idea!!! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211968 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:28:55 +0000 chdot 211968@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"but better than nothing. Right?"</p> <p>Of course!</p> <p>Also -</p> <p>"</p> <p>“I do remember getting off and pushing round a nasty right turn. I carried on doing this every day for months, until I gained the confidence to claim my rightful place on the road.” </p> <p>Morningsider on CCE</p> <p>"</p> <p><a href="https://cyclefridays.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">https://cyclefridays.wordpress.com</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211964 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:20:29 +0000 Claire 211964@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@the boy - Good call on that, actually. I would still never cycle QF Road. It is truly terrifying. In winter on my old commute, I used to cycle on the pavement at the Quality Street junction up to the cut through on Clermiston Drive (I wouldn't take the unlit path for fear of getting jumped). </p> <p>If I won't ride QFR after four years cycling in traffic all over the city then the poor o/h is doomed. I remember I cycled DMains, Ferry Road to my work in Trinity once and vowed I would never ride it again - my heart was in my mouth the whole journey. Horrific!</p> <p>@chdot - I didn't think of that... I think if I can get him to QF Road without too much stress then he can walk five minutes with the bike to the little cut through that Stickman noted. Still frustrating, but better than nothing. Right? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211962 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:18:05 +0000 cb 211962@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>"This is the junction of death"</em></p> <p>I assume this is a reference to the fact that this is literally a junction of death.</p> <p><a href="http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11935236.Pupils_in_tears_as_they_hear_of_crash/">http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/11935236.Pupils_in_tears_as_they_hear_of_crash/</a></p> <p>The adjacent fence was <em>covered</em> in flowers for a year afterwards, possibly longer.</p> <p>Quarter of a century later I still have a tendency to avoid this junction (driving or cycling) as a result. But actually it's a lot better than it was - it used to be more of a straight across layout (albeit on quite a sharp diagonal).</p> <p>I had thought that the Craigleith View cut through option looked quite good. The pinch point bridge is quite nasty although I do tend to find that drivers are reasonably sensible around it.</p> <p>NEPN could do with some better links around here. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211961 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:14:13 +0000 The Boy 211961@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>And if his PT commute is so awkward, might be worth just walking the last bit anyway? If journey time is the same only riding the bits he's happy to ride, but at a saving of £50/month then seems a no-brainer.</p> <p>Plus, one builds up confidence over time. He'll likely over time make a cost-benefit analysis where the inconvenience of getting off is no longer overruled by the fear of the traffic.</p> <p>Edit: </p> <p>curveball: how flexible is his employer re: working hours? Setting off half an hour earlier can make a huuuge difference to traffic volumes (assuming here that he's 9-5) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211960 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:12:30 +0000 chdot 211960@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Other option would be to cycle to where it got 'complicated' and lock the bike up, then walk. </p> <p>But... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211959 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:11:35 +0000 The Boy 211959@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Re: the diff between new commute and riding Dalry - Royal Mile, I can definitely see how wide, fast suburban roads can make one feel much more exposed compared to slow-moving, congested streets like those closer to the city - especially as a nervous/inexperienced cyclist.</p> <p>First time I rode Clermiston-Comely Bank via Queensferry Rd rather than the hugely around-the-houses Corstorphine-Pinkhill-Roseburn Path-Craigleith Row was truly terrifying. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211958 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:10:14 +0000 Claire 211958@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We live in Corstorphine and he has an awkward commute:</p> <p>10 minute walk to bus stop<br /> 15 minute journey on bus to Roseburn<br /> Gets off at Roseburn and walks via WoL path or gets off at Haymarket and walks down to Orchard Brae. This takes approx 20 mins on foot.</p> <p>So a total of 30 min walk and 15 min on bus with £50 monthly on the bus pass. </p> <p>He could save time, cash and get fitter by cycling so I would be delighted if we can figure this out. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211957 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 11:06:43 +0000 chdot 211957@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Out of interest, how does he normally get to work?</p> <p>As this is LothianBusEdinburgh I presume PT isn't straightforward either<br /> (or that quick). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211956 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:59:00 +0000 Claire 211956@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@stickman - we used that cut through on the way to his work, after crossing QF Road and walking up to the roundabout. I think he would definitely use this, as the access to the car park is on Orchard Brae Avenue and it's a good cheat to avoid QF Road.</p> <p>So basically, the other half has a problem with Orchard Road South, the pinch point on Craigleith Drive and also Ravelston Terrace. And he doesn't want a round the houses overshot via Groathill if it takes longer. Which are all the main ways to get to the office. SIGH. </p> <p>I will see if I can coax him. Weirdly he was cycling to Royal Mile from Dalry last summer through some horrible busy roads and this didn't seem to be a problem. Am starting to wonder if he's being obstructive? Hmm. But then, the last jump is pretty nasty so it's not all a ruse. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211954 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:50:45 +0000 Claire 211954@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@fimm, yeah it was a really frustrating experience for me, as personally there are multiple route options here that I would be happy to take as the roads are wide and there is generally space to pass. We took a return route via Blinkbonny Ave, Craigleith Dr and then Craigleith View to cut back on to NEPN and I actually thought that would be ideal if a bit convoluted. But he wasn't happy with t<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/2HdCAMhFH8o">he pinch point under the bridge</a>. </p> <p>When I got home I realised part of the reason he might have been gurning was because it was a very start, stop, start exercise because I don't know the area too well and I wasn't sure where I was going myself. It made it seem a really long and laborious way to get to work, when in reality it would take around 35 mins door to door. Coupled with the cold I think he was probably thinking it was worse than it was. </p> <p>Saying all that, it is pretty outrageous that a main arterial road in Edinburgh has such appalling provision for cycling. It just reminded me about all the other people I know who have told me they would cycle if they weren't so scared of the roads. I really do get it. It is a terrifying experience for the uninitiated and until they build confidence on quieter and more accessible routes, nervous riders will be severely limited.</p> <p>If he is too nervous to ride on all these alternative suggestions, then he might just have to hop off and walk the last five - ten minutes until he feels safe enough to ride... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16062#post-211945 Mon, 15 Feb 2016 10:13:18 +0000 wingpig 211945@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'd second something Like chdot's NEPN-Groathill-round-the-Orchards thing, to minimise major road time, though the 'quiet, residential' streets still have a bit of negotiating-space-round-parked-cars stuff. Remember the extra cut-through round the north of the council traffic light graveyard to get to Groathill a bit earlier than the main Craigleith junction. </p>