Edinburgh's transport needs improving
The past year has seen several changes proposed to transport infrastructure throughout Edinburgh. Indeed, the Covid-19 pandemic has seen some of these become essential, while providing an opportunity to many of us to walk and cycle around this brilliant city more often.
I am enthusiastic about well thought out changes made to the city in some places, but it must be remembered that many people still need the use of cars and – therefore – functioning roads, in order to get into work.
As an avid cyclist, I’m delighted at the progress of some of these projects, like the installation of bike ranks at Currie Community Centre, and the resurfacing of key roads like Cockburnhill Road and Rigg Road, which make the whole experience of getting around the Lothians by bike infinitely easier.
Speaking of which, the plans for Active Travel Route to connect Roseburn to Fountainbridge will do a huge amount of good for the ease with which we’re able to get about in the south-west of the city. This will be all the more enhanced by the simultaneous improvements to the surrounding woodland and Dalry Community Park.
Progress on provision for pedestrians and cyclists which take account of motorists is something I am enthusiastic about. But it needs to be that – progress! What we have seen with the so-called Spaces for People programme in Edinburgh has been anything but!
I recently questioned the Transport Minister, Michael Matheson, on this very issue, asking whether the use of money provided by The Scottish Government has been reviewed, in particular for safety and cost-effectiveness.
I pointed out to him that across Edinburgh, from Comiston Road and Braid Road to East Craigs, residents have been shocked by the random and inconsistent
“temporary measures” flung on to the streets of our city, leading to unsafe pavements and roads, congestion, and hazards to the elderly and disabled – such as ‘"floating bus stops".
His response was disappointing in the extreme - simply pushing responsibility back to local councils - an insufficient reply to a disgraceful waste of national public funds. Funds which could have been used for pedestrianfriendly spaces across Scotland.