http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Cyclists in South West Edinburgh en Sun, 17 May 2026 05:41:40 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-97227 Thu, 17 Jan 2013 14:08:29 +0000 Arellcat 97227@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Having been busy, as a non-daily commuter of that area, checking out Edinburgh Park, Cultins Road and access to the canal recently, I have to say I'm mystified by the whole notion. What I often want to do is cycle from the Gyle to the canal, or cycle from the Gyle to the top of Cultins Road and join the A71. Getting to EDP is the easy bit.</p> <p>Setting aside the obstacle course that is the underpass and Edinburgh Park tram stop, and the dropped kerb that's barriered off at the moment, and the need to do several 90 degree turns to get to the other side of the road, I don't actually know the best (legal) way to do it.</p> <p>If I've been to B&amp;Q or Halfords then I use the little cut-through next to the supermarket to get to Cultins Road. If I've come from EDP, do I use the road and ignore the No Entry, or use the pavement? The pavement used to be shared use, then was dug up and relaid, then recently signed shared use but with a Cyclists Dismount at the corner with Cultins Road, but the signs disappeared a short time after Nelly's encounter.</p> <p><a href="http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=493036">Here is more or less what I actually* do</a>, while here is what <a href="http://www.bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=493035">an extremely righteous vehicular cyclist</a> might do.</p> <p>Morningsider posted the map showing core path CEC-13. I never know whether to feel right or wrong about winching myself all the way up Cultins Road using the pavement.</p> <p>* Actually, what I actually do is cycle all the way to the station, then realise I can't ride down a slippery 45 degree slope to get to the underpass. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-92470 Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:41:21 +0000 Nelly 92470@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Luckily I am a terrible cynic with low expectations!</p> <p>Tescos trollies, mud, workmens vehicles on path - all still in place this evening as usual.</p> <p>Still, Rome wasnt built in a day - apparently they used bilfinger berger siemens and subbied crummock for the real dirty work too......... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-92469 Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:33:19 +0000 chdot 92469@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<br /> Your concerns have now been raised with the contractor for the works and<br /> he has been instructed to carry out urgent site improvement works. </p> <p>"</p> <p>Urgent = x hours/days??</p> <p>Don't forget to tell is about changes... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-92464 Tue, 27 Nov 2012 22:19:17 +0000 Nelly 92464@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Response to my tweet/complaint -</p> <p>Dear Mr ******,</p> <p>I have been passed your enquiry on from my colleagues in the South-West<br /> Neighbourhood Team regarding the Broomhouse Cycle Path. I apologise for<br /> the delay in response.</p> <p>Your concerns have now been raised with the contractor for the works and<br /> he has been instructed to carry out urgent site improvement works. In<br /> addition, further consideration into cyclist movements will be given<br /> when undertaking future traffic management arrangements.</p> <p>All current traffic management arrangements are agreed by the Council,<br /> the Police, Lothian Buses and the contractors and this matter was<br /> discussed at their Traffic Management Panel yesterday.</p> <p>I hope this is of assistance.</p> <p>Regards,</p> <p> Customer Services Manager | Tram Co-ordination Team |<br /> City of Edinburgh Council</p> <p>9 Lochside Avenue | Edinburgh Park | Edinburgh | EH12 9DJ</p> <p>Tel: 0131 623 8815 </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-92363 Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:33:34 +0000 steveo 92363@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'd be inclined to say the solution to the canal "problem" is to make the roads less hostile so the fast guys will use them. More carrot less stick. Though if that fails perhaps speed reducing measures could be looked at. Filling the tow-path with slower cyclists and pedestrians is usually ample to keep me away and I'm generally a slow cyclist, at least on the tow path. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-92359 Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:17:35 +0000 lionfish 92359@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Sorry my update's been delayed (been a bit busy). I've drawn up the issues listed here in a spreadsheet, trying to pick the top 7-8 which are fairly achievable and/or important for safety, and will push for them first. </p> <p>So, the meeting was ok - it had a lot of other topics, so the councillor and transport people (and me) are having a separate meeting to sort out bike-specific issues. A couple of issues did come up:</p> <p><strong>1. Speed (20mph). </strong>The official line is we have to wait for the pilot to be over before any more 20mph limits are put in - I should have asked the obvious question "Why?" (it's not like 20mph has never been tried anywhere in the world before). This was (I think) the most popular suggestion I've heard (also from pedestrians), but it's been a bit vague about which roads it should affect ("all of them" probably won't happen straight away). For me personally it's Slateford Road and Gorgie Road and Shandon Place but that's 'cause I live near them: At first I thought of looking at traffic KSIs (e.g. <a href="http://tinyurl.com/gorgiecrash" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/gorgiecrash</a> ) but (besides being confounded by where-people-are) I feel just as important as identifying danger is the importance of reducing apparent danger - if that makes sense? I think it's good to get the 'subjective' feel from cyclists (that's the point in being represented, as any traffic planner can look at maps of crashes).</p> <p><strong>2. Canal towpath shared use issues </strong>- is it a problem? (I think a few bikes go a bit quick on there), does anything need to be done? If so what? (suggestions were: shared use signs - like those in Portobello[?], leaflets, getting dog walkers to keep dogs on leads, making alternative routes nicer for cyclists, speed limits, and from one member a suggestion cycling is banned on some of the canal). I'm more of the opinion that shared-use roads are more of an issue than shared use paths (i.e. making cyclists mix with high speed cars is much more serious than making pedestrians mix with bikes... but we'll see). What do people here think?</p> <p>I'm not sure when the cycle meeting will be happening (I'm afraid I've been a bit slow at following things up). In the meantime there's a more contentious meeting I'm going to about shared use on the canal (see above) in 2 weeks.</p> <p>Anyway, sorry again that I've been a bit slow about following all this up, hopefully stuff will happen soonish.</p> <p>Thanks again for all your suggestions! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-90509 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 23:22:07 +0000 chdot 90509@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Cycling Edinburgh,<br /> Your Tweet got a reply! </p> <p>Cycling Edinburgh @CyclingEdin 09 Nov<br /> @southwest_team The fact that you have a #cycling subgroup is GREAT Hope it goes well #Edinburgh #ActiveTravel #BetterEdinburgh #walking</p> <p> South West Team<br /> @southwest_team<br /> @CyclingEdin with your help I'm sure it will. :-) ^G </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-90466 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 17:16:40 +0000 Morningsider 90466@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>AKen - the signs are incorrect and should be changed, all motorised vehicles except buses would still be banned though. Map of the core path available at:</p> <p><a href="http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/3007/core_path_plan_map" rel="nofollow">http://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/download/downloads/id/3007/core_path_plan_map</a></p> <p>You need to zoom in quite a bit to see any detail. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-90445 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 15:17:20 +0000 AKen 90445@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Looks like the LRT2 and LRT20 use the bus lane at Edinburgh Park according to the Lothian Buses website.</em></p> <p>They do. But there are no bus routes that use the bus lane on Cultins Road. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-90433 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:14:29 +0000 cb 90433@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Looks like the LRT2 and LRT20 use the bus lane at Edinburgh Park according to the Lothian Buses website. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-90431 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:10:28 +0000 Its_Me_Knees 90431@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<em>Removal of the daft obstacle course that connects the toucan crossing on the W Approach Road to Upper Grove Place. If ever there was a cycling facility created by someone who'd obviously never cycled, this is it.</em>"</p> <p>Last Wednesday evening (I think) on way home I saw a singleton <em>on a tandem</em> about to attempt an ascent of this challenging little series of hairpins. Didn't hang around to see if he was successful (could have been a long wait). Was the tandemist anyone on here perchance? If so, did you manage it? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-90428 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 14:00:31 +0000 AKen 90428@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Cultins Road may be a core route but at the moment, it's a core route with a big no-entry sign.</p> <p>It should be a vital link allowing people using the Broomhouse Path - or coming from South Gyle - to access Sighthill, Riccarton, Hermiston, the canal path, Wester Hailes etc. But, at the moment, you either have to ride on the pavement or ignore the no-entry.</p> <p>There used to be wide, shared-use routes on both pavements that allowed cyclists to go up Cultins Road legally. These were torn up a couple of years ago and have never been re-instated. Google Streetview has images of the current situation but if you go to the satellite image on Google Maps you can actually see the old layout (which worked and was useful).</p> <p>Like others, I have never, ever seen a bus using the bus lane. Taxis and white vans, yes - but no buses.</p> <p>Concerning the Stenhouse end of the Broomhouse path, it's wonderful to have a link to Balgreen but, if you're not <em>going</em> to Balgreen but carrying on to Stenhouse Cross this is pretty much irrelevant - and if planners can't understand this simple concept then perhaps we have an explanation as to why so many cycle facilities are rubbish. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845&page=2#post-90423 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 13:41:43 +0000 Schraedinger 90423@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This may be just outside SW Ed but the junction at Dalry/Gorgie Road with Henderson/Ardmillan Terraces and Muriston place is like russian roulette for cyclists. </p> <p>Drivers seem to struggle to understand where they can and can't go and last second decisions lead to sharp turns which cut of cyclists. I'm not aware of any fatalities at the 5 way junction but i've seem some close calls.</p> <p>A possible solution might be separate lights for cyclists that would give them a 15 second gap to get through the junction before cars get the green light.</p> <p>Also, the cycle lane on Angle Park Terrace seems to have been adopted by residents as on street parking with the most noticeable vehicle being a big brown van belonging to a bike shop </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90410 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 12:21:30 +0000 Morningsider 90410@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Re Cultins Road-Bankhead Drive. You can legally cycle along this despite what ths signs say (Authorised buses only). Cultins Road/Bankhead Drive are designated as a core path. The provisions of Section 7(1) of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 mean that any way designated as a core path can be used by cyclists and pedestrians and that this designation over-rides any previous restrictions imposed on the use of the way by cyclists and pedestrians. </p> <p>I'm sure someone at the Council would be able to confirm this if people are particularly concerned to stay on the right side of the law. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90404 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:48:32 +0000 friskiffla 90404@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I see buses go along the bit that runs parallel to the railway line (sorry don't know what it is called). I've definitely never seen a single bus turn out of the junction at the bottom of Cultins Rd onto it though. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90394 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:22:31 +0000 Nelly 90394@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The one way at Edinburgh Park Station is definitely used by buses, but I agree that access to Cultins is a problem - if you want to stay within the law. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90391 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 11:18:29 +0000 friskiffla 90391@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I second AKen and gembo about the entry to Cultins Rd at the Edinburgh Park end. It wouldn't be difficult to sort. E.g. review whether the one way section is still needed (I've never seen it used by a bus.... never ever) and scrapping it if not (perhaps entry for bikes only if its use by car drivers would be a problem). Tons of cyclists go up Cultins Rd so it is not like it is benefitting just a few. Tried writing the the council about it a while ago but nothing. </p> <p>I dislike Cultins Rd in general, particularly getting onto it from the canal. You have to edge out between parked cars onto a busy road, including plenty lorries. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90386 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:50:48 +0000 fimm 90386@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@lionfish that makes more sense wrt yellow lines. That bit is indeed steep to ascend and the road narrows a bit there as well so it is nice to be able to get well in to the kerb as opposed to having to keep well out to avoid the door zone. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90376 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 10:07:45 +0000 lionfish 90376@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@gembo - thanks, I'll probably have to go and visit that bit (google street-view is a bit confusing). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90365 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:59:40 +0000 gembo 90365@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Lionfish</p> <p>Your approach seems sensible, I only suggested Tarmac in an If I Ruled The World moment, which I don't</p> <p>I think, in case AKen doesn't get back soon enough that I know the issue as I was lifted by the polis at the spot.</p> <p>heading west towards hermiston gait there is a cut through that cars aren't allowed on but they use it frequently to get to M8. buses are allowed through but never do. Bikes are not allowed through. Then when you take the left turn it is one way up Cultins Road but this is often ignored by cyclists. It wouldn't take much to make this stretch cyclist friendly. I am concerned this might not be exactly what AKen meant and that I have not really clarified things, but you never know. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90360 Fri, 09 Nov 2012 00:33:43 +0000 lionfish 90360@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@AKen - sorry it's late notice, but could you explain the Bankhead Drive/Cultins Road problem in more detail? I feel like a traffic planner, looking at the junction from a satellite.<br /> also: - re the Stenhouse end of that cycle path and the problem you describe. The SPOKES map says there'll be an offroad cycle path following the tram route over the new bridge to join up with Balgreen. What's the latest look like over there (any sign of this?). Also, presumably this isn't much use if you want to keep going though...?</p> <p>@fimm - maybe you're right, I assumed they meant this bit up to the bridge <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/Ayj5h" rel="nofollow">http://goo.gl/maps/Ayj5h</a> ? Good point that the double-yellow is on the other side. I think it's steep anyway ;P</p> <p>Thanks all again - now I've read through the suggestions carefully, I'm a bit worried the group will not be able to do that much. I think it's useful to raise this list, to illustrate how much is needed! I'll see tomorrow what sort of stuff is possible... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90340 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 21:39:18 +0000 Nelly 90340@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"@nelly0168 have had an update on this path. It will be inspected this week &amp; you will get a full response by 21st Nov"</p> <p>Response from @southwest_team on my complaints re: broomhouse path </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90307 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:18:40 +0000 AKen 90307@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Regarding the WoL and canal tarmacing: There's definitely a mix of opinions on that, and I'm thinking with the limited budget/time/political will, I should focus on some of the more unanimous things? Although the muddy mess along bits of the WoL could be rectified without recourse to asphalt - the gravel/better drainage option is probably a very good compromise.</em></p> <p>As the worst bit of the path is not actually in the SW area, I would probably avoid it in favour of focusing on other matters for locations within the SW boundary. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90292 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 14:55:03 +0000 fimm 90292@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>OK, a few random thoughts/responses.</p> <p><em>: "Removing the single yellow line on Harrison Gardens between the corners of Ashley Terrace and Ogilvie Terrace"<br /> My thoughts are that this hill is quite steep ... </em> eh? That bit is flat... and don't people park both sides there anyway?</p> <p><em>However, if it's just painting some lines on what is a busy, high-speed, dual-carriageway with lots of hazardous roundabouts then I'd say - don't waste your money.</em><br /> Agreed. I avoid the Calder Road if I possibly can.</p> <p><em>My suggestion for something cheap and useful would be to widen the path from Craiglockhart Road North to Allan Park and the Canal up to the bridge.</em><br /> A good idea, though access to the canal at that bridge involves steps, doesn't it? (Usable ones, I think I have taken a bike that way but I can't remember.)</p> <p>Totally agree with SRD about the road surface on Collinton Road. I know exactly the dodgy patch in the door zone she mentions...<br /> The other bit of dodgy surface I think I'm thinking of is just where you turn into Shandon Place from Slateford Road. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90265 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 13:36:29 +0000 lionfish 90265@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks everyone for such a fantastic list. I'll try to summarise all this in time for the meeting tomorrow. Minimoth had the idea that I print out this thread and take a few copies to the meeting, to show how the feedback is from many different people, and how people are discussing these issues here. It might mean the people involved will start looking at the forum!!</p> <p>I'll take some of Friday morning off to cycle out to some of the areas you've highlighted. One problem is that I live at the Northern end of the area, so don't regularly cycle/visit most of the SW-district.</p> <p>Regarding the WoL and canal tarmacing: There's definitely a mix of opinions on that, and I'm thinking with the limited budget/time/political will, I should focus on some of the more unanimous things? Although the muddy mess along bits of the WoL could be rectified without recourse to asphalt - the gravel/better drainage option is probably a very good compromise.</p> <p>Just to say: All I can do is try to relay these issues on. I've no idea what influence this group has, so it might be nothing happens on any of them. I'll also try to get an idea of whether I should try to prioritise 'easy-wins' or the more ambitious goals.</p> <p>Finally, I'm aware that the users of the CCE forum aren't exactly fully representative of the strata of society, and there are areas of the SW that aren't represented here, where the issues around cycling might be quite different. So I'll need to figure out how to get their views too. Still, for my first meeting I hope I've got quite a good idea of what people want. Thanks again for giving so much feedback. I'll get back to you next week with how the meeting went! (keep the ideas coming - the meeting's not until tomorrow afternoon) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90247 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 12:23:51 +0000 SRD 90247@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Colinton Road!!! This is what I meant to post, and then got distracted with that long list. Especially the bit from the roundabout w/Polwarth terrace past the tennis centre. There is a long and bumpy 'patch' put in right where too many cyclists would feel pressured to cycle (door zone), and in rainy weather the whole road is awash with loose gravel/crumbled asphalt. I suppose some people avoid this section by using canal, but I am either coming from Polwarth (no canal access) or from Holy Corner. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90232 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 11:21:19 +0000 pixelmix 90232@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote>but right now it's just mud for long stretches with poor traction (I could feel my wheels slipping under me at many points) and loads of puddles.</blockquote></p> <p>I can't argue with your comments on the mud. I avoid that section after rainfall as I know how muddy it can be. I am lucky in that I can nip up towards Craiglockhart Drive South from the visitor centre and skip that muddy section. If you ride the section up to Craiglochart Drive South, you will see why I prefer a better quality gravel surface. That section is generally dry enough and not too muddy, even on damp days. That type of surface along the WoL more generally would be excellent and no doubt cheaper than tarmac. The section you mention was resurfaced a year or so ago, and appears to be mushier now than before. I think the council laid some sort of gravity doubling surface which is like a sponge when wet.</p> <p>Anyway, apologies for the sidetrack there - the most troublesome section of WoL is in "Pentland", not "SW", so, erm, back on topic... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90218 Thu, 08 Nov 2012 10:32:41 +0000 AKen 90218@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Re the WoL tarmac, I disagree. I am a firm believer that we don't need to tarmac the entire countryside. The surface on the WoL in SW generally is okay - it is gravely and relatively well draining from the visitor centre north eastwards. The only section which I have to avoid due to excessive mud is the section from Bridge Road in Colinton to Lanark Road, although that falls under "Pentlands" rather than "SW". That section would be fine if it was better drained. Leaving the path as gravel will also be better in winter when icy new tarmac is far more dangerous than frosty gravel!</p> <p></em></p> <p>I made the mistake of cycling along the WOL path yesterday night from the WOL visitor center as far as Currie. I should know better by now but I thought I could avoid the worst of the wind by taking this route. The surface is apalling for long stretches and I was absolutely filthy by the time I got home.</p> <p>I understand your point about frosty gravel being safer than frosty tarmac - but right now it's just mud for long stretches with poor traction (I could feel my wheels slipping under me at many points) and loads of puddles.</p> <p>This route has the potential to be really useful but in its current state it's very unpleasant to use. A high-traction surface (like that used on the canal path) with proper run-off to avoid standing water accumulating would make such a difference. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90192 Wed, 07 Nov 2012 23:56:33 +0000 alibali 90192@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thanks for doing this, lionfish.</p> <p>My suggestion for something cheap and useful would be to widen the path from Craiglockhart Road North to Allan Park and the Canal up to the bridge. (I'm assuming a wider bridge would be a pipe dream...sorry)</p> <p>Oh, and since I live on the 40MPH official council sponsored Craglockhart lights bypass known as the Park I heartily second all the calls for 20MPH limits. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8845#post-90187 Wed, 07 Nov 2012 23:37:59 +0000 pixelmix 90187@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I live just outwith SW, but cycle through daily.</p> <p>My main cycling related gripe is the shocking road quality. I've punctured on Colinton Road before purely because of ridiculous and unavoidable potholes, particularly in the Craiglochkart section. I would ride my road bike to work far more often if I didn't fear a puncture every time I take it out.</p> <p>I use the canal to get to and from work when it is damp out (quicker and drier than my usual WoL commute) and think the current arrangements generally work well. The path can be a bit overcrowded at certain times, but given the limited options for path widening, there isn't too much that can be done about that. </p> <p>On my usual Water of Leith commute, the path through the car park at Saughton Park between the Gorgie Road offshoot and Balgreen Road is currently full of deep potholes which could do with being filled in. Is this a council owned / maintained area? It is popular with cyclists following the Water of Leith.</p> <p>You mention 'nervous cycling'. I'm a confident cyclist generally, but when heading southwards on Balgreen Road, I currently have to turn right from a busy 3 lane road to access the abovementioned track past Balgreen Road. Previously I could use the pedestrian crossing, but as the Water of Leith path is currently closed due to tram works, I need to ride down Balgreen Road and turn right at the junction just before the roundabout. I feel vulnerable standing stationary in the right hand lane waiting for a gap in the traffic coming off of the roundabout. It would be good if the council could be reminded of the importance of that closed WoL link, and hopefully encouraged to expedite the reopening of that path when the bridge repairs are complete.</p> <p>- Re the WoL tarmac, I disagree. I am a firm believer that we don't need to tarmac the entire countryside. The surface on the WoL in SW generally is okay - it is gravely and relatively well draining from the visitor centre north eastwards. The only section which I have to avoid due to excessive mud is the section from Bridge Road in Colinton to Lanark Road, although that falls under "Pentlands" rather than "SW". That section would be fine if it was better drained. Leaving the path as gravel will also be better in winter when icy new tarmac is far more dangerous than frosty gravel!</p> <p>Edit:- thanks to the OP for taking time to collate these viewpoints. </p>