LETTERS: How not to install a successful cycle route

Having family in Milngavie, I visit there frequently, where the first phase of a similar dual cycleway to the one proposed at Roseburn was installed on the A81 from Milngavie heading towards Bearsden.

There have been nothing but complaints about it in the local press since it was installed and the second phase has been delayed because of the objections.

The problems are as follows. Originally a cycleway was designated on each side of the road, which worked perfectly well. However the local authority in their wisdom decided that a dual cycleway on one side, with cyclists riding in opposite directions to each other with raised kerbing separating it from the road, would be an improvement.

This has created only one lane for traffic heading towards Bearsden on a main bus route, so that when a bus stops all traffic is held up.

The cycleway does benefit young and slow cyclists, but this has had the effect that faster cyclists are not using it and cycle on the main carriageway, to the annoyance of the motorised traffic.

Another problem is that the bus stops and bus shelters are located between the cycleway and the road, causing passengers to cross it before they can get on to their bus.

I recently travelled on it by bus towards Glasgow and not one cyclist was on the cycleway.

I would suggest that the designers for the proposed Roseburn dual cycleway should take a trip to Milngavie to see the folly of this type of construction on a main highway.

John M Tulloch, Duddingston Park South, Edinburgh

‘Bold plan’ omits road and pavement repairs

In her letter (News, February 15) the Edinburgh transport convener Councillor Lesley Hinds gives a long list of things which, she claims, show she has a “bold plan”.

What a shame it doesn’t have any space for a solution to the lamentable state of our roads and pavements which affects pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

Cllr Cameron Rose, City Chambers, Edinburgh

Transport progress has a long way to go

I must take issue with the views of Cllr Lesley Hinds (‘Capital is making bold progress on transport’, Letters, February 15).

This is frankly misleading – other than Lothian Buses, every other area is a mess. The council is proposing (oops sorry, it is apparently still at the consultation stage) to spend £9m on an improved cycling “experience” to allow inexperienced cyclists the joy of riding on main roads between Roseburn and the West End, when there is already a perfectly adequate alternate route.

This would mean reducing the road width by 50 per cent, to one lane each way and no parking, resulting in gridlock, loss of trade to local businesses and losing the bus lanes – this is a main arterial route into town from the airport.

Meantime, the Edinburgh roads are the worst they have ever been for potholes and craters, causing misery for cyclists, drivers, taxis, buses and pedestrians alike.

The sensible option would be for the £9m to be used to sort some of the worst roads to benefit ALL road users.

Cllr Hinds is sadly deluded if she thinks this is an “improvement” to anyone’s amenity. Or is it a case of the Emperor’s new clothes, again?

Lynne Harley, Coates Gardens, Edinburgh

‘Ransom strip’ latest in weird Accies saga

THE “ransom strip” along Raeburn Place is by no means the most bizarre twist in the long running Accies saga (News, February 10).

Isn’t it odd that a 19th century playing field of national and international significance in the history of sport should be sacrificed in order to create a run-of-the-mill sporting venue?

Isn’t it peculiar that proposals that were promoted on the basis they would increase physical fitness among young people are to be funded through a range of alcohol outlets and by renting seats to thousands of spectators?

Isn’t it weird that an allegedly rigorous and democratic planning process would seem to have bent many rules, flouted conservation area principles and ignored the overwhelming majority of people who objected to the development? In a just and fair world, the narrow strip of land would fall into public ownership, the wall rebuilt and promptly exploited to display the naked truth about the whole sorry saga.

Alan Murphy, Learmonth Grove, Edinburgh

Lib Dem welcome comes a little late

I note the Lib Dems have “welcomed me to West Edinburgh”, (News, February 15) following the opening of my new campaign rooms at 183 St John’s Road.

Unlike the Lib Dems, the SNP has had an office in Corstorphine for the past five years in Featherhall Place and will be open for business until dissolution of parliament. Indeed, I worked in that office and in parliament, dealing with people’s cases and local issues for four years.

So let’s be clear, it’s not the Lib Dems who are welcoming me, it’s the SNP that is welcoming them to a part of Edinburgh they no longer represent in Holyrood or indeed in Westminster.

Some might say that’s what happens when you get into bed with the Tories and sell out on every policy you once believed in.

Nevertheless, I look forward to a professional and neighbourly campaign over the weeks ahead, and I’d like to extend an invite to all local residents to the official opening of my campaign rooms on February 23 at noon with Humza Yousaf MSP.

Toni Giugliano, SNP candidate