On Spokes Facebook page:-
Younger Steps – Springside Development
Do you use Youngers Steps? Do you have any opinions about them?
Youngers Steps and Melvin Walk connect the toucan crossing of the West Approach Road to Fountainbridge. They are a popular route for cyclists, being direct and off-road. Youngers Steps consist of two parallel sets of steps, with a zig-zag ramp in between. The ramp is designed to be DDA-compliant, but has to serve as a cycle route as well.
Spokes has had a number of complaints about this ramp; the corners are tight, there is a 180-degree turn at the bottom, and potential conflict with pedestrians on the corners. In addition, the ramp is unsuitable for 'unusual' bikes like tandems, trailers etc .
Spokes has had friendly discussions with the owners, Grosvenor Properties, but they are, so far, unwilling to build a separate and dedicated cycle facility to replace Youngers Steps.
We are asking members to write in with their views on the Steps and ramp. Your views may be edited, but will be sent on to our contact in Grosvenor, to make the company aware of the popularity of the route, but also the deficiencies of the cycle provision.
Praise for any features of the route would be welcome, to provide some balance.
Email to spokes@spokes.org.uk