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Roseburn to Leith consultation begins (and the debate continues!) CCWEL

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  1. Its_Me_Knees
    Member

    Sent the following to my three Councillors today:

    "I am unable to take part in the demonstration in support of the Roseburn to Leith Walk cycle link, and in truth I'm not particularly an 'activist' on such matters. I'm a driver, and user of buses and trains, and don't really consider myself a 'tree-hugger' as such. But I am a semi-regular cycling commuter and I do see a lot of sense in reducing pollutants/emissions where possible, and especially in congested cities. And I would certainly support projects such as this link which can only make my commuting experience a bit more pleasant - which means I'll also be inclined to cycle more. A win-win, in my opinion, so I sincerely hope the Council votes to support the full scheme (and not the watered-down version).

    After which, I will do all the demonstrating I want to do via the ballot box...

    Yours sincerely,"...etc

    For the avoidance of doubt, I have no objection to tree-hugging, but I wanted to get across the point that there are an awful lot of people supporting this project that aren't stereotypic beardy/lefty/sandal-wearing [add your own favourite DailyMail-ism] types. And we will join Dave Spart et al in the pro-cycling queue when we ourselves get a chance to vote...

    IMK

    Posted 7 years ago #
  2. Stickman
    Member

    Speaking of tree-huggers ;-)

    Nigel Bagshaw:

    As regards the Roseburn cycle path, we will be voting for #optionA which provides most direct + sensible route

    Posted 7 years ago #
  3. Stickman
    Member

    I bet the SNP compromise is: build the route to Roseburn then use temporary blocks to set up Option A as an experiment

    Posted 7 years ago #
  4. algo
    Member

    @Stickman - that's a good shout actually - could well be something like that. One of the anti people who softened somewhat said they would like to see a "temporary mock-up" to evaluate it for 2 weeks. I did my best to disabuse her of this notion, trying to explain how little any mock-up would actually reflect reality, but it's clearly something the locals have been discussing

    Posted 7 years ago #
  5. Stickman
    Member

    Email back from Nigel Bagshaw

    Thank you for your email.

    I and my Green colleague will be voting for Option A tomorrow, but I fear we may be alone.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  6. wingpig
    Member

    Standard response back from Adam McVey.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  7. Harts Cyclery
    Member

    @Stickman, plus Labour, surely?

    Posted 7 years ago #
  8. Harts Cyclery
    Member

    I could just about handle a complete solution along Coates with a temporary set-up through Roseburn, if that's what they go for. It would prove our case, if nothing else. It's still more wasted time, however, but might suit them reapplying for funding? Also, if they don't commit to finished solution at Roseburn it'd give the opportunity to campaign for a further extension west at improved spec when they do make it permanent.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  9. algo
    Member

    @Harts my worry with that is that even with option A it will take some time for people to see the benefits. In the short term I expect people will continue to drive through and cause more congestion, or go round the houses. In the short term I think it's quite possible the café will lose some of his passing van trade, and perhaps the picture framer will also struggle.

    I hope not, but I am worried that despite all the evidence of the benefits option A would bring, in the short term the anti brigade will find ways to argue that they were right all along.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  10. urchaidh
    Member

    @Harts Falconry - have had a positive 'option A' response from Karen Doran (Labour, city Center).

    Posted 7 years ago #
  11. Big_Smoke
    Member

    Made a post on the Monday Ride, it's a long one.

    http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16781&page=3&replies=82#post-228647

    Posted 7 years ago #
  12. daisydaisy
    Member

    Nigel bagshaw (green) reckons that snp and labour always vote the same way. Cllr Burns and Doran from labour have both told me that they support option A. Nigel doesn't sound sure that they will actually vote for A.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  13. Claire
    Member

  14. chdot
    Admin

    "

    Rangifer Revolution (@RangiRevo)
    29/08/2016, 12:03 pm
    @FrankRoss06 Are you saying your lobbying had nothing to do with new option B after consultation? @CyclingEdin @s4cedinburgh @PidginPosting

    "

    "

    Frank Ross (@FrankRoss06)
    29/08/2016, 5:47 pm
    @RangiRevo @CyclingEdin @s4cedinburgh @PidginPosting I have had no input to the officers paper.

    "

    Posted 7 years ago #
  15. ih
    Member

    Frank Ross " I have had no input to the officers paper."

    Oh my god. He thinks he's so clever. It may be deniable, but we all know pressure has been applied.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  16. Stickman
    Member

    Response from Karen Doran:

    Thank you for your email. I too support Option A but it is not me you need to persuade. I would urge you to also contact your other Councillors to let them know your preference.

    I think it is vital that the city makes progress on active travel. We are a small city and need to have much better safe access to cycle lanes etc.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  17. Rob
    Member

    "Letter from Mr Gregson in the EEN"

    He's now pasted the whole thing into the comments of the main article.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  18. Stickman
    Member

    Wow, Friends of the Earth are now part of the Spokes-led conspiracy.

    /waves to Pete, who we all know is reading this/

    Posted 7 years ago #
  19. Rob
    Member

    Where's the guy (I forget his name) who normally rebuts all this nonsense? We need a bat signal but with a bike instead of a bat.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  20. daisydaisy
    Member

    Henry Whaley, sounding fantastic at 2 hrs 44 mins into good morning scotland today.
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b07pf4ct

    Posted 7 years ago #
  21. HankChief
    Member

    That's better than the tea time news which focussed more of the antis and missed what the whole scheme is about.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  22. chdot
    Admin

    "missed what the whole scheme is about"

    Don't think that's real true, had animated map of whole route.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  23. HankChief
    Member

    I meant the pollution, congestion & health benefits.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  24. chdot
    Admin

    Ah!

    It's only TV

    Posted 7 years ago #
  25. chdot
    Admin

  26. acsimpson
    Member

    Am I correct in thinking that a cone it off and try it approach would only require an experimental TRO which would in turn be able to be in place for a full year as per George street. It would also require less opportunity for objections before it's implemented.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  27. Klaxon
    Member

    I would support an option A ETRO so long as proper provision was made for continuous service at the end of it's life - as is currently being ratified for the end of the Young St ETRO at tomorrow's meeting.

    A repeat of George St would be embarrassing for all.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  28. Morningsider
    Member

    My final thoughts on why the route should be built and option A is the right choice (Sorry, it's a bit of a long one):

    I love Edinburgh, it's one of the world's great small cities. Compact, beautiful, engaging. However, look down any street and you will see something unusual. The domination of the motor car. Unusual? Yes, but so common that almost no-one thinks about it.

    40% of Edinburgh households don't have access to a car, 58% of city residents who work or study commute by bus, bike or foot. Yet look out your window and ask yourself - is my street set out to help people make these choices? Positive choices - healthy, environmentally friendly ways to travel which also help those who must travel by car for business or personal reasons to do so more efficiently. I suspect the answer is "no".

    Its national and local policy to encourage the use of public transport, bike and foot. Many people in Edinburgh are already doing their part, despite the current environment. Even more would choose these ways to travel if they were made more attractive. This is where positive political leadership is required. Edinburgh has a well established network of off-road walking and cycling routes in parks and along old railway lines. These are part of the reason why Edinburgh leads the way in walking and cycling rates. However, further progress requires these disparate paths to be linked up. To form a coherent network of safe and attractive routes. Only then will there be a breakthrough in the numbers walking and cycling.

    London has already pointed the way - with the development of cycling superhighways and associated improvements for pedestrians. Cycling and walking rates have boomed. However, London made mistakes - the first generation of these cycle superhighways were flawed, unconnected and even dangerous in places. Only recently has major investment allowed for the removal of these mistakes. Double expenditure, which could have been avoided if the right decisions had been made first time.

    Edinburgh can learn from these mistakes - bold decisions are needed. High quality, continuous networks are required to make the step changes that local and national policy requires. Edinburgh needs the East-West cycle route and only option A will produce the desired outcomes.

    Now, some people will tell you that cycle lanes cause congestion and pollution and that traffic flow should be prioritised. This is outdated thinking. We are moving into an era where people purchase mobility - rather than a specific form of transport. Smart ticketing, car clubs, public bike hire schemes and eventually self driving cars will all be available at the touch of a button. People will use the mode that best suits their immediate need. Will Edinburgh be ahead of the game, with a network of safe cycle routes seamlessly integrated with public transport that will appeal to modern citizens, which similar sized cities are already investing in? Or will we choose the 20th Century option, of prioritising cars over people?

    Traffic flow is a monster which can never be satisfied. Glasgow has a six lane motorway running through its heart - which regularly grinds to a halt. As Edinburgh expands, the city needs to accept that only bold decisions will help meet future transport challenges. Simply hoping that more cars can be squeezed into the centre will doom future residents to more pollution, accidents and ill health.

    Liveability of our cities will be a key competitive advantage in coming years, as our businesses and universities try to attract the best talent and we seek to provide the best place for our children to grow-up in. Lets start making these smart choices - choose option A.

    Posted 7 years ago #
  29. Claire
    Member

    I popped this up on the ride the route thread too, but my partner wrote a blog post this evening on his thoughts about the East West route and his cycle commuting experiences generally as a new bike rider. (I added the tweets and photos.)

    https://clairecycles.wordpress.com/2016/08/29/a-new-bike-riders-perspective-on-cycling-in-edinburgh/

    Posted 7 years ago #
  30. Claire
    Member

    Also, excellent post Morningsider :)

    Posted 7 years ago #

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