Cycling in Edinburgh: Do concrete partitions make it safer or more dangerous? – Hayley Matthews

Hayley Matthews fears concrete partitions that define some cycle paths might be a new hazard on Edinburgh’s roads.

Could measures to protect cyclists on the city’s roads be more of a hazard than a help?

I’m literally sitting on my bed typing this week’s column out as the floor vibrates and my garden plants shake in fear at the road resurfacing going on right outside. I am actually surprised that my windows haven’t fallen in – however, nothing would surprise me now.

The front wall has been taken apart, the traffic lights haven’t been there for months and all for a few yards of cycling path to be installed.

Now, hear me out. I’m not about to cycle bash or even moan about the council’s weird and wonderful ways of playing “surprise roadworks” to keep us all on our toes. No, I want to put the question out there about people’s thoughts on the concrete partition blocks that define some cycle paths.

For months I’ve not been convinced of their safety or necessity. However, after talking to a friend who cycles a lot, I’m left questioning if should we have more of them. I’m confused and I think both motorists and cyclists should be voicing their opinions on them because if they are more of an obstruction and hazard than a help, surely the powers at be need to rethink them. On the other hand, if they offer cyclist a huge amount of safety and distance from motorists, then why aren’t there more of them?

The concrete cycle lane partitions have been sitting outside my home for some time now and I’ve spent many a time trying to manoeuvre two kids round them as we cross a very busy road. At first I saw them as a trip hazard but I’m now wondering are they needed because cyclists just don’t get the respect and space they need to travel safely around Edinburgh’s busy roads?

I’ve had conversations with people on both sides of the debate, some who are heavy road users who see them as hazards and others who raise a valid point that these blocks offer safety to cyclists and make a clear distinction between the space for cars and for cyclists.

My reason for thinking these blocks aren’t good is because say, for example, if a cyclist needs to overtake another cyclist they might swerve due to a pedestrian or misjudge the partitions and crash into them. These seem like regular events on the road and the thought of a concrete cycle lane getting in the way of it all, for me, equates to things not ending well.

As the council pushes more of us off the road, making it difficult or extortionate to take the car into town, I often think about getting rid of the car but then the reality of cycling in the city fills me with fear and for those who have actually seen me on a bike, well, they’re scared for us all! And how would I cart two wee ones about with me?

But as much as I don’t like driving, I do feel safer in a car than on a bike and I do have a lot of respect and sympathy for cyclists. So maybe instead of me moaning about the concrete blocks being a hazard, I’ll try and see them as a little bit of security for those brave enough to face the Edinburgh rat race on two wheels. Maybe cyclists would be given more road space if everyone whizzed about like teenagers on Just Eat bikes demanding it? Then again, maybe not. Anyway as I ponder the need for these partitions, in true council style, the workies finishing the cycle lane are away for a tea break after being at it an hour.

I can now hear myself think and peace is restored but for how long until someone goes crashing into those blocks outside!

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