I've got to get out to the tram depot this afternoon. Anyone have any clever ideas about routes?
I tried Cyclestreets, and wasn't thrilled with any of their routes:
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Route to the tram depot?
(12 posts)- Started 11 years ago by SRD
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Posted 11 years ago #
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What's wrong with the balanced route?
I'm not an expert on the centre but once you at Roseburn you are on Family Network and that part is offroad / quiet back streets with toucan crossings for all major roads. It's my route into town with the little chiefs.
The A8 is more direct but ultimately less relaxing.
HC
Posted 11 years ago # -
I wouldn't start from there...
Actually it's quite a good 'quiet' route - but not easy to keep to unless you know the 'elements' - or have a phone that can 'sat nav' into your ear with http://www.bikehub.co.uk/featured-articles/bike-hub-app-reviews-and-some-answers (uses CycleStreets).
Posted 11 years ago # -
not easy to keep to unless you know the 'elements'
There are some signs but you need to know where to look for them....
I've recommended several times to novice cyclists trying to find a route out to work. It usually takes atleast 2 guided cycles before they get confident to find it again...
The place they usually go wrong is Meadow Place Road (Toucan crossing across big road with railings and a side road down each side). The signs direct you straight across towards the Gyle but you need to cross the road and then turn right down the far side road, round the corner and then down a lane to get into Gyle Park (towards the David Lloyd and Jaguar garage)
Good luck.
Posted 11 years ago # -
yes - my worry was exactly that it looked incredibly fiddly. hankchief's experiences do not inspire confidence!
Posted 11 years ago # -
"I've recommended several times to novice cyclists trying to find a route out to work. It usually takes atleast 2 guided cycles before they get confident to find it again..."
Good advice.
I 'think' I have a pretty comprehensive knowledge of off-road routes and cut-throughs - partly from the early days helping to improve the Spokes maps.
But when Google maps (when high quality satellite view became available for Edinburgh), and also CycleStreets, came along I found quite a few 'new' ones.
I have always been impressed with CS (I was directly involved at one point - but not with the actual route planning wizardry).
CS is not infallible or able to always produce the 'best route' - it has to factor in hills, cobbles, traffic lights etc. - this is all based on info that anyone can add to OSM.
CS is good if you don't have 'local knowledge' or like having your 'best route' choices confirmed - and sometimes it produces suggestions that 'seem obvious' once you've tried them...
Posted 11 years ago # -
I used CycleStreets recently, and it directed me down the by-pass at Straiton and off again at Lasswade. I decided against this.
I do quite like it though and will use it if I'm cycling somewhere I don't usually go, just to see if there are options I wasn't aware of.
Posted 11 years ago # -
The Cyclestreet app on Android now does voice directions. Haven't actually tried it so I don't know how good it is.
Posted 11 years ago # -
I've used the BikeHub app on IPhone.
Doesn't always announce turns early enough, but made it possible to follow a 'hidden' (CS planned) route from Smithfield to Waterloo via all sorts of narrow windy lanes - fun and nice change from main roads.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Saw some great Tram Testing signs in the delivery bay at work today. Very groovy
Posted 11 years ago # -
This reply is too late now for you, but for future reference, the balanced route is close to the ideal route AFAICT, with only 2 differences that I'd make.
First, when on Dundee Street, I'd take a right down the pedestrianized bit just after the cinema, which takes you under the WAR. This takes you to Dalry Road, from where you can then easily get through to Russell Road along Murieston Crescent. Since you're skipping 2 sets of traffic lights, that could save you vital seconds :)
Secondly, I wouldn't bother with cutting over to North Gyle Terrace. I'd just head straight along the Glasgow Road, either in the bus lane, or if that's too scary, just along the pavement, which is nice and wide. Just remember to cross over before you get as far as the casino.
However, that CS map did show me another mini path shortcut I was unaware of, between Dovecot Road and Broomhall Road. Win.
I can't deny that the route looks fiddly, though. I've done the bulk of that route loads of times, but can absolutely appreciate that it looks difficult, especially the awesome bit around Carrick Knowe Golf Club; the old railway path along there is one of Edinburgh's hidden gems.
Posted 11 years ago # -
I took the balanced route out, and got lost around South Gyle station, and then very confused around the casino. most of the signposting was okay though.
also ran into a friend on a new bike. but wasn't too late considering all that.
I took gogarburn station road back (quiet route), and it was every bit as bad as reported.
Posted 11 years ago #
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