Perhaps we can all agree on one good thing for the city: Edinburgh's Active Travel Action Plan (incorporating Cycling Action Plan) agreed in September 2010 (main points below courtesy Spokes):
In the wake of POP at the weekend, perhaps we ought to review the progress so far in implementing this plan? Something to badger the newly-elected councillors about next week perhaps?
"- By April 2014, implement 13 major missing Family Network links, including early action on Innocent connection to Meadows, Roseburn to Princes St, North Edinburgh path to Botanics (east and west) and (many people will be delighted!) A90 route to Queensferry and Forth Bridge. Other of these links by 2014 include Meadows to North Edinburgh via city centre, Portobello to Leith to North Edinburgh, Union Canal to North Edinburgh paths. Outline designs for all these routes by April 2011."
Have outline designs been completed???
"- By April 2014, complete the first area package (south-central Edinburgh) including a Quality Bike Corridor (by end 2011) from the city centre to Newington to Kings Buildings and the Royal Infirmary, plus widespread 20mph limits, parking, promotion, etc. The likely second area will be west from the city centre, followed possibly by the North East."
QBC only a year plus behind schedule. 'Widespread' 20mph limits hobbled and only a 'pilot' partial scheme in the south of the city implemented so far.
"- By April 2013, upgrade main road cyclist provision on sections of the A1, A7, A701, A772, A702, A70, A71, A8 and A90."
Only 12 months left to deliver that lot!
"- By Dec 2012, prepare plans for new main road cyclist provision on sections of A90, Portobello Rd, Colinton Rd, Morningside Rd, Comiston Rd, Easter Rd."
This would be very welcome. Only 8 months left to deliver the plans!
"- Review car parking permissions in all cycle lanes."
Is this/will this ever happen?
"- Revise maintenance rules to ensure by April 2011 ‘regular programmed maintenance of lines and coloured surfacing‘ for onroad bus and cycle facilities."
Has this happened? I noticed some fresh paint applied in the recent end of financial year splurge...
"- Exempt cyclists from all suitable 1-ways and road closures."
Timescale?
"- Bike parking – several commitments for residential and public bike parking, with date timescales, including city centre bike parking to be upgraded by Sept 2011."
Did this happen? I haven't noticed.
"- By Sept 2011, install one or more public display bike counters – as used in several European cities as a promotional measure."
What about this?
"- A range of cycle training and promotional initiatives, including all primary school children to receive training by 2016/7."
We'll keep an eye out nearer the time then.
More detail at the CEC site.