Edinburgh Council to Reduce Speed and add Cycle-lanes to Lanark and Longstone Road

The City of Edinbrugh Council has announced that works to improve links for cyclists will commence on Lanark Road, Longstone Road and Inglis Green Road next week.

The works, part of the Scottish Government Spaces for People programme, will include a segregated cycle lane on both sides of the road and speed limit reductions.

Along with pop-up cycle lanes on Slateford Road and Dundee Street/Fountainbridge, interventions will aim to relieve congestion on the Union Canal towpath and Water of Leith walkway.

The Council states that these shared use paths have seen a substantial increase in pedestrians and cyclists during lockdown with at least a 150% rise in cyclists during the summer. They hope that the alternative route will help reduce conflict and allow for physical distancing, particularly on narrower sections like the Slateford Aqueduct.

Since sharing the original proposals they have made changes to the designs in response to comments from local people, largely to maximise parking access for businesses and any residents who don’t have driveways.

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said:

This scheme will introduce a much-needed safe and welcoming route for those making essential journeys by foot, bike or wheelchair, offering an alternative to the Union Canal towpath and Water of Leith walkway.

It’s clear from our own monitoring that these popular shared-use paths are becoming over-crowded and we simply must provide other options for the many people who don’t own a car, who don’t feel comfortable using public transport at present or who want to take daily exercise on foot or bike.

Of course, we are aware of local concerns, and we’ve made a number of changes in response. The beauty of the scheme’s temporary nature is that we’ll be able to continue monitoring its effectiveness too, making further tweaks where possible.

Transport and Environment Vice Convener Councillor Karen Doran said:

This is all about providing safe, convenient options for those making essential journeys and this is a key route for those travelling out of the city.

Our Spaces for People team have worked hard to respond to concerns from residents and businesses and as a result the designs have been changed. Ultimately, this is about protecting the safety of vulnerable road users, and providing space for people to physically distance, and schemes like these are essential for achieving that.

Measures on Lanark Road and Inglis Green Road will include: 

  • Segregated cycle lanes on both sides of the road, protected from traffic
  • A reduced speed limit, from 40mph to 30mph
  • The removal of the kerbside traffic lane, except on approach to junctions
  • The introduction of a bus lane on approach to Gillespie crossroads

Measures on Longstone Road will include:

  • Introduction of segregated, and advisory cycle lanes as space allows
  • A reduced speed limit, from 30mph to 20mph
  • Carriageway narrowing and parking restrictions at certain points
  • Safety improvements at Longstone Roundabout

Changes to designs following community feedback will see additional parking retained at:

  • Cranley Nursery
  • Lanark Road Nursery
  • Dovecot Park
  • Inglis Green Road
  • Kingsknowe Golf Course
  • Redhall area

This project is one of a range of improvements being made across the city as part of the Spaces for People programme, which is helping to provide safe, welcoming routes for walking, cycling and wheeling while allowing people to physically distance during COVID-19 restrictions. Find out more about Spaces for People on the Council website.

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