On Sat, 3 Jan 2004 17:23:45 -0000 someone who may be "Tony Raven"
<
[email protected]> wrote this:-
>> But is that a post-hoc justification or were SPOKES part of the design process?
Probably more of the former and more likely a general defence of cycling facilities than this
particular one. Although Edinburgh has some very stupid cycling "facilities" others are sensible
and useful.
>I'm not familiar with the campaign scene in Edinburgh but SPOKES claim to be the local
>campaign group,
The claim is an accurate one.
>they claim to be working closely with the Council
To the limit of time that people are prepared to spend voluntarily in giving free advice to
the Council.
Despite this the relationship is essentially one of trying to keep the Council from doing the daft
things it is prone to. For example everyone agreed that the correct place for the cycle lane on
Princes Street was on the right of the carriageway. However, without consulting any cycling
organisation, the Council suddenly decided to place it on the left for spurious reasons. The first
SPOKES knew of this was when they painted the stupid thing and the result has been years of
frustration for cyclists and bus drivers, plus years of danger for cyclists (caused by buses and
pedestrians) as cycles and buses swirl around.
>and they seem to support these measures. Perhaps someone local can illuminate.
Wester Hailes was designed on the assumption that everyone would drive everywhere. It had many car
parks that were largely used for football practice, though some of these have now been converted
into greenery. I doubt if there is any cycle storage in the flats. Those that manage to keep a bike
there are more likely to use other routes to reach most destinations. Except for Sighthill/South
Gyle there is little to be reached by the commuter cyclist along this road.
The most important facility for cyclists on Wester Hailes Road is the removal of one roundabout.
The "cycle lanes" are undoubtedly more to do with slowing motor vehicle drivers a bit than
helping cyclists.
The road is part of the recommended route for cyclists that parallels the city bypass. This was
argued for by SPOKES as a condition of banning cycling on the bypass, something they accepted with
heavy hearts. However, I doubt if this is a particular reason for the cycle lane.
Given the vast number of bus services and the reasons above I would not expect many cyclists to use
Wester Hailes Road
--
David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E I will always explain revoked
keys, unless the UK government prevents me using the RIP Act 2000.
