http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Meanwhile in Midlothian en Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:01:33 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-385432 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 08:18:44 +0000 chdot 385432@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/midlothian-council-slammed-for-buying-expensive-car-for-council-officials-as-pupils-lose-free-transport-8922070" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/midlothian-council-slammed-for-buying-expensive-car-for-council-officials-as-pupils-lose-free-transport-8922070</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-385336 Thu, 06 Aug 2026 14:25:49 +0000 chdot 385336@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>From: Thomas Quayle &lt;Thomas.Quayle@midlothian.gov.uk&gt;</p> <p>Date: Wed, 5 Aug 2026 at 17:00</p> <p>Subject: Active Travel Forum - Wednesday 26th August, Lasswade Library </p> <p>Dear all,</p> <p>I am pleased to invite you all to the next Midlothian Active Travel Forum meeting which will be held at Lasswade library on Wednesday 26th August, 6-8PM.</p> <p>Please do let me know if you think you will be able to make it, so I have a rough idea of numbers for teas and coffees. I've attached a provisional agenda but if anyone would like to add anything, please do get in touch no later than Monday 24t August.</p> <p>Thank you for your time and I hope to see you in 3 weeks.</p> <p>Regards,</p> <p>Tom Quayle<br /> Active Travel Marketing Officer<br /> Midlothian Council | Dalkeith | Fairfield House<br /> Road Safety and Policy </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/200279/roads_and_travel/406/walking_and_cycling" rel="nofollow">https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/info/200279/roads_and_travel/406/walking_and_cycling</a> </p> <p><a href="https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/news/article/4002/midlothian_council_secures_12_million_to_deliver_3_active_travel_infrastructure_projects" rel="nofollow">https://www.midlothian.gov.uk/news/article/4002/midlothian_council_secures_12_million_to_deliver_3_active_travel_infrastructure_projects</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-382148 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:44:05 +0000 chdot 382148@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>A bid to put four glamping pods in a field used for grazing sheep has been rejected after planners said it did not ‘respect’ its surroundings. </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/midlothian-glamping-pods-rejected-by-planners-5413942" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/midlothian-glamping-pods-rejected-by-planners-5413942</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-380127 Fri, 27 Jun 2025 11:36:55 +0000 Arellcat 380127@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Secure cycle storage, E-bike charging stations, and Brompton Hire scheme in Midlothian - <strong>survey closes today/27 June</strong>:</p> <p><a href="https://midlothiancouncil.citizenspace.com/road-safety-and-policy/secure-cycle-storage-survey/" rel="nofollow">https://midlothiancouncil.citizenspace.com/road-safety-and-policy/secure-cycle-storage-survey/</a></p> <p>It's a poorly worded/poorly optioned survey that won't capture the breadth of habitual cycle use, but has some free text space for adding where more/better parking is needed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-379149 Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:34:38 +0000 neddie 379149@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm afraid I may have "spoiled my ballot" a little bit on the A7 consultation.</p> <p>Because it consisted of a lot of highly technical questions on the details of the roundabouts, such as, "should we have 2-stage, single stage, or all-green pedestrian crossings?"</p> <p>And it mostly boiled down to should we:<br /> - not inconvenience motorists at all?<br /> - a teeny tiny bit of inconvenience?<br /> - a little bit of inconvenience?<br /> - should we trade off the safety of people on bikes for a couple of parking spaces?</p> <p>Do they really believe that the general public are sufficiently informed on the implications for road safety, public health, and induced-demand and/or traffic evaporation? Or are the public just likely to vote "don't inconvenience motorists at all"? </p> <p>It's almost like they wanted to not take any responsibility at all for designing a good scheme that properly prioritises active travel, and instead say "well the scheme is a bit sh*t and no one is using it, but it's what the public 'wanted'" </p> <p>What a waste of time</p> <p>FFS, Just do what the Dutch would do and implement best-practice </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-379138 Sun, 30 Mar 2025 13:23:54 +0000 neddie 379138@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Note there are some highly technical questions in the consultation, which I couldn't fathom out.</p> <p>If it helps, here is the Spokes response if you want to copy their answers:</p> <p><a href="http://www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/250329-_SpokesPG_A7-Consultation-Comments.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/250329-_SpokesPG_A7-Consultation-Comments.pdf</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-379137 Sun, 30 Mar 2025 12:55:43 +0000 neddie 379137@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Reminder, the A7 consultation <strong>closes today</strong>:</p> <p><a href="https://midlothiancouncil.citizenspace.com/communications/a7-sustainable-transport-corridor-consultation/" rel="nofollow">https://midlothiancouncil.citizenspace.com/communications/a7-sustainable-transport-corridor-consultation/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-379077 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 16:30:07 +0000 Arellcat 379077@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I did the consultation and made some pithy observations about the type of thinking evident from Stantec. So much of the options presented are about shoehorning in signalised crossings - imposing traditional pedestrian-style infra - rather than fundamentally addressing how people not in cars like to move.</p> <p>Some of the roundabouts on the A7 are huge and could be re-engineered in a better form. I doubt we will ever get freeflow cycle infra but why not CYCLOPS junctions? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-379065 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:33:42 +0000 neddie 379065@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Seems like the motor lobby have got hold of this...</p> <p>So you know what to do...</p> <p>Get filling the consultation:</p> <p><a href="https://midlothiancouncil.citizenspace.com/communications/a7-sustainable-transport-corridor-consultation/" rel="nofollow">https://midlothiancouncil.citizenspace.com/communications/a7-sustainable-transport-corridor-consultation/</a></p> <p><strong>Closes 30th March</strong> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-379064 Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:32:37 +0000 Arellcat 379064@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It's all relative. I think we should get rid of motorways or downgrade them to bicycle highways, since they don't serve any cyclists at all.</p> <p>Less facetiously, it's the least hilly route between Newtongrange and Sheriffhall P&amp;R, and it's not a route I would care to use often at the moment. But:</p> <p><blockquote><code>How will the new infrastructure affect traffic flow? </code></p> <p>Any new infrastructure proposals will consider the potential impact on existing and future travel patterns, including traffic and congestion. <strong>Efforts will be taken during the design process to reduce the impact of potential delays to vehicles</strong> while ensuring safer access for people walking wheeling and cycling.</p> <p><code>Will the proposals introduce any restrictions on existing traffic movements?</code></p> <p>All roads within the study area are proposed to remain two-way for general traffic. <strong>Edit:</strong>So, 'no' basically.</p> <p><code>What measures are being taken to ensure the safety of pedestrians and cyclists?</code></p> <p>Safety is our top priority. We will be implementing reduced vehicle speeds along the corridor in advance of the project being completed to improve road safety for all road users. The new infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists will include <strong>features such as dedicated lanes,</strong> new crossings, clearer signage, and new and improved lighting.</blockquote></p> <p>(my bold) So very much cars, cars, cars, with a bit of AT tacked on the side? I have no idea how they will make the Lothianbridge section friendlier except by widenening and resurfacing the footway in the same manner as Old Dalkeith Road going down past Lugton Brae. There is greater scope between Melville Dykes and Hardengreen but mainly because this is a 'new' road. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-379060 Mon, 24 Mar 2025 21:41:35 +0000 chdot 379060@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>More than 350 signatures were received by lunchtime today – 20 hours after it was launched on change.org. </p> <p>Objectors say the proposals would “serve a minority interest at the expense of the majority” arguing few cyclists will use it and that the route should, instead, be upgraded to a dual carriageway to serve the thousands of motorists who use it regularly. </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://archive.ph/s93fh" rel="nofollow">https://archive.ph/s93fh</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-378677 Mon, 17 Feb 2025 22:38:03 +0000 edinburgh87 378677@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Would urge anyone with an interest to respond favourably to the consulation. The usual "fix the potholes first" gammon idiots are commenting (as if both issues are mutually exclusive) on the Council's FB posts, but response / discusson on our estate whatsapp group has been really positive. So fingers crossed! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-378654 Sun, 16 Feb 2025 12:22:47 +0000 chdot 378654@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Overview We have commissioned Stantec to carry out a study into active travel and sustainable transport improvements on the A7 corridor between Sheriffhall Park and Ride and Main Street in Newtongrange. </p> <p>The aim of the project is to improve active travel connections within the study area making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for their everyday journeys and to connect to public transport services more easily. Currently, there is no or limited provision for walking, wheeling and cycling along the majority of the A7 corridor. </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://midlothiancouncil.citizenspace.com/communications/a7-sustainable-transport-corridor-consultation/" rel="nofollow">https://midlothiancouncil.citizenspace.com/communications/a7-sustainable-transport-corridor-consultation/</a></p> <p><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54329878012_657be4d64f.jpg"> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-377880 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 15:40:46 +0000 gembo 377880@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>UNCLEAR </p> <p>Was done in three stages. Phase one 1 km near Waulkmill loan using Ultitrec.</p> <p>Phase 2 a fair bit of the route using some ash stuff that was shocking in the wet</p> <p>Phase 3 the stuff they have now - pretty good if left until. It sets. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-377877 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 13:57:53 +0000 chdot 377877@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“They repair it quickly“</p> <p>And will do until eternity?</p> <p>Under warranty?? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-377875 Tue, 17 Dec 2024 12:31:44 +0000 gembo 377875@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Horse hooves I think on the WoL path and a few back wheel brakes/skids. They repair it quickly. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=5#post-377868 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 22:43:36 +0000 vladimpala 377868@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The same stuff is used on the Water of Leith Walkway. I find it smooth (no stones or ruts) but, at the same time weirdly bumpy and, as you say, rolling resistance seems high. Also not sure about it's resilience - there are already plenty of patches on the WoL route and in places the top surface seems to be degrading.<br /> But this is probably a discussion for another thread. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-377864 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 22:09:55 +0000 Arellcat 377864@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I rode a short section east from Dalmore Mill/Auchendinny the other day, just as far as the viaduct. It was enough to see what this Flexipave surface is like for cycling.</p> <p>It is strange: I want to like it, but I don't. It is quite comfortable – indeed, resilient and ever so slightly springy – but rolling resistance to bike tyres seems very high. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-377862 Mon, 16 Dec 2024 19:55:55 +0000 Frenchy 377862@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"December Update</p> <p>Resurfacing works are still ongoing to install the new Flexipave material along this pathway section. The nature of the new material requires specific settings for it to be laid and it is unable to set under the poor weather that we have recently experienced, being very wet and extremely cold conditions. </p> <p>The expected completion time is now by the middle of February 2025, weather dependent.</p> <p>As a result, the council has made the decision to open the section for the pathway, allowing users the opportunity to utilise the section over this period.</p> <p><strong>The pathway from Auchendinny to Rosewell will now reopen from Saturday 21st December, and will remain open until the contractors are able to return to resurface.</p> <p>The resurfacing works are due to reconvene on February 3rd 2025</strong>, at which point the last of the resurfacing works will begin. It is estimated the remaining works will require approximately 2 weeks to complete resurfacing.</p> <p>We would like to thank you for your cooperation and patience."</p> <p>(my bold) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-376979 Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:16:11 +0000 vladimpala 376979@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Never trusting Google Maps again. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-376968 Tue, 22 Oct 2024 12:32:11 +0000 ejstubbs 376968@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Arellcat: In procedural terms, that's a point of <em>information</em>.</p> <p>(The two viaducts were on different railways: the Forth Viaduct was on the <a href="https://www.railscot.co.uk/companies/P/Penicuik_Railway/">Penicuik Railway</a>, now part of the Penicuik to Dalkeith cycle route/walkway, while the Glencorse Viaduct was on the <a href="https://www.railscot.co.uk/companies/G/Glencorse_Extension_Edinburgh,_Loanhead_and_Roslin_Railway/">Glencorse Extension of the Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway</a>, now a cycle route/walkway along part of its length, from Shawfair to about half a km outside Roslin.) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-376964 Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:26:37 +0000 Arellcat 376964@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Will need to have a nosy.</p> <p>Point of order though, Firth Viaduct is the one at the eastern end of the path at Dalmore mill/Auchendinny. The Glencorse Viaduct was demolished in 1987 by Glencorse golf club who had been tasked with its upkeep as a condition of its sale by BR in the 1970s. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-376963 Mon, 21 Oct 2024 20:13:08 +0000 gembo 376963@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The info i heard was that people were ignoring the closure signs so they had to get serious with the chains. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-376961 Mon, 21 Oct 2024 19:52:01 +0000 vladimpala 376961@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>The National Cycle Network 196 core path between Rosewell and Auchendinny will be upgraded using Flexipave</em></p> <p>Looks like this work has started - between Auchendinny and the Glencorce viaduct has been done and path was very firmly chained shut at the east end of Viaduct on Saturday. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-376064 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 18:33:54 +0000 Frenchy 376064@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Quite frankly, I don't believe MLC has any particular interest in supporting active travel these days. They no longer engage on the active travel forum after being criticised too often.</em></p> <p>There has been a wholesale change of staff in MLC's active travel team. The new team is small, but do seem to genuinely want to make improvements. Whether they get the support and resources to actually change anything is a completely different matter. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-376057 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 12:09:32 +0000 chdot 376057@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/midlothian-crime-police-treat-straiton-retail-park-fire-as-wilful-fire-raising-4730618" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/crime/midlothian-crime-police-treat-straiton-retail-park-fire-as-wilful-fire-raising-4730618</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-376051 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 09:37:55 +0000 Arellcat 376051@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>is committed to improving active travel routes and connections</em></p> <p>"Is" is working very hard in this phrase.</p> <p>Quite frankly, I don't believe MLC has any particular interest in supporting active travel these days. They no longer engage on the active travel forum after being criticised too often.</p> <p>I will start to change my mind when they address the A701 between Milton Bridge and Niven's Knowe Road by resurfacing it and installing adequate* segregated cycling.</p> <p>* it will never be any better than this </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-376049 Tue, 06 Aug 2024 08:50:55 +0000 chdot 376049@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>In line with national guidance, Midlothian Council is committed to improving active travel routes and connections, with the aim to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for their everyday journeys.<br /> This study aims to contribute towards the target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030 in Midlothian and Transport Scotland's ambition to reduce car kilometres by 20% by 2030.</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="http://www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2407-A7-consultation-request-for-website.pdf" rel="nofollow">http://www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2407-A7-consultation-request-for-website.pdf</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-374814 Thu, 02 May 2024 16:57:57 +0000 Arellcat 374814@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote>In Midlothian we are experiencing increased housing growth and demand throughout the county, and</blockquote></p> <p>That's a very passive statement. It couldn't be because Midlothian is actually giving the OK to Cala and David Wilson Homes all over the place, could it?</p> <p>This is also the same Midlothian who told me, in their response to my official complaint about lack of paths maintenance in autumn/winter, that:</p> <p><blockquote><br /> We understand the challenges posed by mud, twigs, rotting leaves, and overgrown vegetation on these routes, which can impact the safety and usability of the paths. Our council is <strong>actively investigating</strong> these maintenance issues, with a council officer currently looking into the main problems affecting the travel corridors.</p> <p>Early indications from our investigation suggest that access issues for street sweeping machines make the clean-up of these routes particularly problematic. <strong>Limited accessibility for maintenance vehicles</strong> can hinder the effective removal of debris and vegetation, contributing to the ongoing challenges faced on various travel corridors.</p> <p>On the matter of the lack of responses I regret I am unable to provide an explanation for the lack of response to this issue, as it has only recently been forwarded to waste services. However, I can inform you that we are currently undergoing a service review which aims to enhance collaboration between departments. This should prevent delays in responses in cases where there is an overlap of interests in the future.</p> <p><strong>We are committed to</strong> addressing the maintenance issues on the travel corridors and implementing solutions to enhance the overall condition of these paths for the benefit of all users. Your feedback is invaluable, and we will continue to work towards ensuring that the routes are well-maintained and safe for everyone to enjoy.<br /> </blockquote></p> <p>(my bold)</p> <p>Laudable I'm sure, but it's all a bit "'<em>under consideration</em>' means we've lost the file; '<em>under active consideration</em>' means we're trying to find it."</p> <p>Limited access for vehicles? I mean, MLC <em>built</em> the path in the first place. It had bloody trains on it at one time! Limited access is being <em>caused</em> by the lack of maintenance. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19429&page=4#post-374813 Thu, 02 May 2024 16:41:56 +0000 Morningsider 374813@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Standard active travel boilerplate - that is effectively the political foreword to hundreds of such documents (just change 'Midlothian' for some other location).</p> <p>In real life - Midlothian are authorising many car dependent cookie cutter housing developments and allowing the expansion of out of town retail centres. </p>