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CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Infrastructure
George Street - August 2016
(45 posts)-
Posted 8 years ago #
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I squeezed my way along the "contraflow" this morning, because of the stupid right-angled projecting bases of the Heras fencing on one side and pedestrian barriers on t'uther, there's about 1 ft usable road space, which for extra fun has setts running across it and a line of edging sets running the other way.
It can be squeezed through with some skillz.
BUT... when you get to the end of the contraflow, you still have about 10m to go! so you're riding in a gutter into oncoming traffic...
Fortunately it was very quiet at that point. Will get some pics later.
Posted 8 years ago # -
I've been along this road several times in the last fortnight and yet to find the contraflow. At what point are you supposed to cross over from traditional "eastbound" side to "westbound with contraflow"?
Posted 8 years ago # -
"I've been along this road several times in the last fortnight and yet to find the contraflow. At what point are you supposed to cross over from traditional "eastbound" side to "westbound with contraflow"?"
I think you have it backwards (although I've only gone down it partway in one direction, so...). Cycling eastbound is pretty much as normal (at least as far as Hanover Street). All traffic is going down the North side of George Street, and westbound cyclists are supposed to use the contraflow lane which is shown in chdot's photos above (this one: https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8481/28867602716_2d868dc282.jpg).
It's ridiculous, absolutely ridiculous. Another point which I hadn't realised until I went this way myself was that, because of the contraflow lane, car drivers are slightly further left than normal, squeezing the eastbound cycle lane. I ended up taking the lane, but not everyone will feel comfortable doing so, which could be dangerous.
Posted 8 years ago # -
Is that painted arrow on the road the westbound (south lane) direction? I think it would have to be because the eastbound (north lane) is entirely closed to traffic.
Posted 8 years ago # -
The fourth picture down? No, that's eastbound. On that section the south side of the road is the one closed (so westbound uses that barriered contraflow).
I've cycled eastbound and actually found it fine. You zig-zag about a little in the closed (to motor vehicles, specifically not cyclists, the no entry signs pointing out that cycles are allowed to use it at any time) bit of the road, but it's pretty wide.
That said, Queen Street remains quicker in both directions. Though not exactly suitable for all.
Posted 8 years ago # -
"the eastbound (north lane) is entirely closed to traffic."
Not east of Frederick St.
Posted 8 years ago # -
I meant the eastbound section is entirely closed at the point where westbound is open on its own. Further towards St Andrew Square both directions are operational I believe.
This conversation is getting mighty confusing.
Posted 8 years ago # -
"I meant the eastbound section is entirely closed at the point where westbound is open on its own"
The eastbound isn't entirely closed at any point. Closed to motor vehicles, but open to bikes along the entire eastbound length.
It's only coming westbound you have to use the contraflow section they have put in on the section that houses the Assembly Rooms.
Posted 8 years ago # -
Yes, you can cycle straight through from Charlotte Square to St Andrew Square in the eastbound lane.
Posted 8 years ago # -
Anyone having problems on George St.?
I heard that a section is now completely closed between the hours of 5pm and 10pm until January 5th.
Posted 8 years ago # -
I've found that the temporary "cycle lane" in place at the west end of George Street has been fine, except for when you reach Charlotte Square and have to go the wrong way through the lights.
The security guards positioned at both ends always give a nod and a hello.
Posted 8 years ago # -
I was told to cycle on the pavement by one of the security guards on Monday evening.
Posted 8 years ago # -
I stand corrected: this evening I was told to dismount and walk on the pavrment by one security guard, another told me to turn around and go another way.
Posted 8 years ago # -
I was in George St by the "street of light" thing yesterday and was quite impressed with the cycle provision - little signs warning pedestrians to be cautious while crossing the cycle lane everywhere, and other signs in the lane asking cyclists to slow down and be courteous while used the "shared space".
(O.T. but some of the clips I've seen of The Netherlands seem to indicate that it can be challenging to be a pedestrian there with all the bikes...)
Posted 8 years ago #
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