This from Living Streets Edinburgh's recent email missive on Leith Connections consultation (emphasis mine):
The Council has recently launched a consultation on some big changes planned for Leith, from Lindsay Road in the west through Commercial Street and Bernard Street to Salamander Street in the east.The key feature is a cycleway (continuous, except in narrow Bernard Street) and various associated changes to pavements, junctions, bus facilities and parking. There appear to be some significant improvements for pedestrians - such as ‘continuous footways’ over side road junctions, and a single-stage crossing over North Junction Street at the Ocean Drive junction.
However, it is also very disappointing to see many pavements less than 2 metres wide - the “absolute minimum” that the Council normally considers acceptable. There seem to be ten ‘floating bus stops’ (which mean people getting on and off the bus have to cross a cycle lane); we know this is a serious concern to many disabled and blind people. The plan would also remove significant sections of bus lane on Lindsay Road and Commercial Street. Many of these changes are not highlighted on the Council’s consultation.
Unfortunately these kind of problems seem to feature in most big active travel schemes promoted by the Council, despite our repeated efforts to ensure that schemes put ‘walking and wheeling’ first - in line with Council policy. We have asked the Council for more detailed information on the narrow footways and bus stop designs (which isn’t shown on all the drawings) and are waiting for a response.
Please have a look and give your views by 17 November: https://consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/leithconnections/ There is also a drop-in event in the Kirkgate on 29 October (see website for details). And do let us know your thoughts too, so that we can take account of them in our own response!
I believe the 'parent' Living Streets org's report on Floating Bus Stops doesn't simplify this down to 'these are bad':
However, whilst there is some concern about bus stop bypasses, our observational data suggested the level of discomfort or difficulty most people experience in using these bus stops, when well designed, is very low. Where a cycle track is extremely busy – a much wider group of pedestrians can be disadvantaged, unless reliable support is provided to allow easier crossing. There are also examples of poor design.
They go on to say:
If levels of cycling are to be significantly increased, and this is to become an ordinary, inclusive means of transport, then entirely ruling out the use of bus stop bypasses is not a viable option. This would mean significant gaps in cycle tracks with cyclists returned to the carriageway, which is already understood to create risk or fear for cyclists.
(Above from report Inclusive Design at bus stops with cycle tracks).
My own experience of riding through these is that by and large they're conflict-free once 'bedded in' with the local community - even on poor implementations like Leith Walk. I find it really frustrating that Mr. Hunter has decided LSE's position on this is so lacking in nuance.
Not sure what the take-away would be. Make a special effort to commend the inclusion of floating stops when responding to consultations?
Apologies for my usual struggles with brevity.
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