CityCyclingEdinburgh was launched on the 27th of October 2009 as "an experiment".
IT’S TRUE!
CCE is 15years old!
Well done to ALL posters
It soon became useful and entertaining. There are regular posters, people who add useful info occasionally and plenty more who drop by to watch. That's fine. If you want to add news/comments it's easy to register and become a member.
RULES No personal insults. No swearing.
sticky“
At last, Arnie and I have something in common. Our NHS saved my life by fitting my pacemaker in 2015.
My heart condition is a big part of why I try to walk, run and cycle when I can... it is also why I am so slow!
https://x.com/schwarzenegger/status/1773463966293103034
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Today marks 2 months since we started enforcement of the pavement parking ban in Edinburgh.
What was thought to be impossible has become normal, and we created a fairer city along the way.
Many thanks to the Council for their implementation, and to communities across Edinburgh for making it happen. I am so proud of what's been achieved by everyone.
Fine levels are higher than I would like, but I am sure they will reduce. Fines issued 29th January to 26th March 2024:
Parked on pavement = 1,045
Parked adjacent to a dropped kerb at a known crossing point = 199
Double parking = 286
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https://twitter.com/cllrscottarthur/status/1773735264969449724?
You have to give it to them, compared to other parts of the country we actually are leading the way here
Yes
But this is partly what is bizarre about CEC and/or SA.
On this he could have done the usual ‘well yes but, some people won’t like it, especially local people in their own local streets’.
But beyond choices about which ‘controversial’ policies to support and promote, it clearly demonstrates that opposition to some things is sometimes more noise than a demonstration of widespread support.
(Cycle campaigning is not immune from this! Noise/visibility are all part of a mix, not just the only action.)
Like the smoking ban - cries of ‘it’ll never happen’, ‘people won’t comply’ are hollow.
Time for some more boldness on pedestrian/cycle provision/priority and less ‘fear’ about measures designed to reduce car use.
This perhaps applies even more to SG than CEC.
I think it is easier for politicians to do these things on a city-wide basis. A tiny proportion of people park on the pavement across the city. Those that do are concentrated in a small number of streets, where almost every resident parks on the pavement. Try to ban pavement parking in individual streets and most people living there would object. Ban it across the city and, at least proportionately, almost no-one objects.
Also, no-one feels they are being singled out for action. It really is a 'blanket ban'.
I suspect this is why politicians are happy to sign off on high-level plans, such as the circulation plan, but then balk at the individual measures needed to make such plans a reality.
True, but all the more reason to not have endless consultations on tiny bits.
How about a circulation/low traffic plan for the whole city?
Maybe a workplace parking levy - most people don’t drive to work?
Perhaps a fee for driving into Edinburgh? (Edinburgh taxpayers may or may be exempted?)
Politicians are a bit subjective about bold/timid.
But, I suggest, still inhibited by the ‘drivers = voters and don’t want any restrictions on their FREEDOMS’ nonsense.
@chdot - 100% agree. I think we are completely hamstrung by the TRO/RSO process and a never-ending cycle of useless plans. These all date from the 1980's or 90's, with no thought to the development of cycle lanes or better walking infrastructure. The evidence is clear that they cannot deliver and should be replaced.
I would favour something far bolder. Every Council would be required to develop a detailed suite of street design guidance. They would also be required to develop a true long-term transport plan, setting out exactly where new cycle lanes, bus lanes, pedestrian areas, LTNs and arterial vehicle routes would be created.
Both these plans would be subject to extensive consultation and a formal external review process. This would take time and money. However, once both documents were adopted the proposed infrastructure could be implemented without further consultation, subject to meeting the standards set out in the design guidance.
These plans would need to be accompanied by a multi-year, long-term Scottish Government funding stream. Local authorities could also lever in funds from developers and possible road user and workplace parking charges.
This would create certainty for residents, businesses, councils and contractors. It would also allow for long-term investment in staff, skills and equipment, as opposed to today's feast and famine approach.
This would all require an Act of the Scottish Parliament and changes to how funding is allocated, but that is all within the power of the Scottish Government.
I know some might think "But what if the Council's are really unambitious?" The Scottish Government could require all the plans to deliver on current national policy, such as the 20% reduction in car mileage, 20-minute neighbourhoods, town centre first, and the sustainable transport hierarchy. The formal review process could ensure that such policies will be delivered (similar to the new development plan gate check).
Well yes
Of course a related issue is that ‘we’ are obsessed (or not) with Transport, CEC and SG have to worry about/plan for education, health, housing, social care, etc (in no particular order).
Of course ‘we’ could explain why transport ones - not least active policy - would help to reduce demand/spending in other areas.
“never-ending cycle of useless plans. These all date from the 1980's or 90's
Yes BUT a lot before too.
Not much idea about ‘between the wars’ on planning or transport. No NHS of course, railways and buses private.
A lot of public housing -
Grand post WW2 Planning started with Abercrombie -
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In 1949, Patrick Abercrombie and Derek Plumstead were commissioned to design a “Plan for the city and Royal Burgh of Edinburgh”. Their proposed scheme, now known as the Abercrombie Plan, recommended the clearance of slum districts such as Leith, Gorgie and Dalry and the rebuilding of Princes Street. The proposal would add new “industrial zones”, a new railway through the meadows and a “inner ring motorway”. Post World War II Britain valued cars as a great tool for economic growth and social movement. Thus, many masterplans of the time like the Abercrombie plan placed roads in the centre of cities to facilitate mobility.
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https://www.cobbletales.com/unbuilt-edinburgh
The ring road was planned for The Meadows, partly on stilts. Think new railway was intended to be in a tunnel.
Then there was Buchanan, De Leuw Chadwick & O Heocha and more -
Not forgetting JATES and endless supply of reports and commentary on previous reports…
https://stsg.org/edinburgh-light-rail-how-the-axis-turned
https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28041
Then there’s SEStran and Transport Scotland.
My current recommendations (subject to change if circumstances/facts change) -
No new reports
No work put out to consultants
CEC to do stuff better AND have sufficient staff
Might not save much money and may cause uncertainty/chaos (temporary).
IF SA really wants more tram, admit/recommend that road pricing will be required.
@chdot - my suggested system for strategic transport planning would fit neatly with the town planning system. Indeed, it is based around how that system operates, i.e. proposals that meet development policies and priorities are granted permission, unless there are material considerations that indicate permission should be refused.
You are of course right about post-war plans and the reports that influenced them. I see the main difference between those and post-80's plans as effectiveness/implementation. Regardless of what you think of them (and here is an argument that Abercrombie did more damage to the UK urban environment than the Luftwaffe) these plans were implemented. Councils were supported by the national government to deliver their vision of development. Affordable homes were built in huge numbers, new towns established, a strategic road network built and so on.
Imagine telling a 1970's planner that it would take a decade to build a few hundred metres of cycle lane! They would think you were demented - they could deliver entire towns in that time.
Just in case you don’t know what day it is.
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Getting Stuff Done - We have started discussions with Blackpool Council regarding using 3 of their vehicles to run "open top tram tours" in Edinburgh during the festival period.
Full details: tinyurl.com/yjj8fpma
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I will admit that it took me a few seconds to work out what that had to do with today being Easter Monday.
Getting Stuff Done - We have started discussions with uninformed local shouty people and ward councillors who live on an affected street to remove measures that keep children safe. Because motorists are the only people who vote, and who cares about kids anyway.
April Fools!
(oh no, wait... that actually happened!)
…
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Due to some rare occurrences of bad parking close to our network impacting the operation of trams, we have worked with a supplier to develop a solution to instantly remove these vehicles so that our customers are not impacted
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I suppose that could be useful for folk in the habit of getting on a train, but who are unsure where they might get off. A pretty niche market mind.
He is bringing three Blackpool open topped trams to Edinburgh for the Festival (bit late in the day)
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It was good to start my day with
@AmazonUK
today. I met with their "Head of EU Transport Strategy and Policy" to discuss their plans to deliver more goods by bike and foot in Edinburgh.
They are already doing this in many cities across Europe, and I am keen that Edinburgh is next. There is lots we can learn from their implementation in Paris.
Like other cities, we are on the road to net-zero and recognise that the decarbonisation of the "last mile" of deliveries is a huge part of that!
(You can read more about
@cit_kar
here: https://citkar.com/en/citkar-starts-series-production-and-cooperates-with-digital-insurer-hepster/)
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Despite 177 objections, city planners are recommending approval of the planning application for a commercial care home at 5 Winton Drive. It will go to a committee vote tomorrow.
Although I respect the professionalism of the planners, I don't agree with the conclusion which as been reached - particularly on the loss of amenity -
"The character of the area and approach to Morton Mains Conservation Area will be retained. The proposal will contribute to local living and a 20-minute neighbourhood. There will not be an unreasonable loss to neighbouring amenity and future occupiers will have a satisfactory living environment. There are no flooding or archaeological issues, with the use of a condition, and there are no transport issues. The proposal will contribute to climate adaptation and mitigation and biodiversity. The impact on trees will be mitigated through the use of conditions relating to tree removal, new tree planting and TPO trees. Therefore, the application is acceptable. There are no other material considerations that outweigh this conclusion."
Edinburgh Live Report: https://www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/plans-luxury-edinburgh-care-home-29004601
Formal Report: https://democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s68666/7.1%20-%2023%2007334%20FUL%205%20Winton%20Drive.pdf
Webcast here tomorrow:
https://edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/875949
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Getting Stuff Done, the numbers:
93% - residents that are happy with life in the Capital.
86% - public transport satisfaction rates.
66% - journeys under 2 miles now being made by walking.
2.6% - current unemployment rate.
2 - UK’s most productive economy outside of London
170,000 - students across all education levels
Full report: https://edinburghcoun-newsroom.prgloo.com/resources/gj6jz-ct0qr-ue1us-579va-ngp1c
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Residents have 'fallen in love with trams' since Newhaven line opened, claims Scott Arthur
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Happy to give SA credit/benefit of doubt on this, but will be interesting to see happens in practice!
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Transport convener Scott Arthur said people in deprived areas were less likely to have a car and were therefore more likely to be going about on foot. So when it comes to prioritising footpath investment , a new weighting is to be introduced for those in disadvantaged parts of the Capital. Narrower pavements, which can be more difficult for people with mobility issues, are also being given an extra weighting.
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Well, except the £2.1m being spend on gussying up the pavements on Melville Crescent. Not an address noted for poverty.
Of course it HAS been illegal to drive or ride a carriage or beasts on a footway pavement since 1835 (with cycles legally defined as carriages in 1888, and motor cars with not more than 8 seats in 1903
Sadly this is the only moving traffic offence that needs to be witnesed by a Polis in flagrante delicto and the universal helicopter defence has applied here, except fro vehicles over 7.5T GVW which can be nabbed with Section 19 RTA 1988. Likewise if the vehicle is obstructing (foot) traffic (Section137 Highways Act 1980) or blocking a footway (Section 28 Town Police Clauses 1847) ther are some other options that are so rarely invoked....
Still I guess re-inventing legislation is always handy. Meantime I'll keep on cycling & driving on pavements as I've done for past 60 years ... they're called carriageways
@ Morningsider
Ah but that’s the fault of the previous administration (which he was part of…).
Melville is just a slightly extreme version of ‘we can spend lots of money ‘cos it’s from SG/Sustrans’.
Which in turn further highlights the absence of any coherent policy on ‘active travel’ infrastructure - expensive prestige bits which tie up lots of officer time (not least on consultationS).
So small stuff - some of which could happen as part of resurfacing etc - just gets ‘missed’.
Language is not a static entity - it modifies over time, without which it would die (like Latin). Words become appropriated, reappropriated, have their connotations modified (see 'DEI' and 'queer' for example), go in/out of fashion, are shortened, lengthened, added, removed, and even 'slang' included in the dictionary...
The common use of the word 'pavement' now means the footway, whether people like it or not.
Likewise if the vehicle is obstructing (foot) traffic (Section137 Highways Act 1980)
The notion of the pavement being the entirety of the paved area for all kinds of traffic probably went out of the public consciousness after the Romans left.
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