PLANS have been launched to bolster the condition of active travel routes around four neighbourhoods under development in Edinburgh.
The proposals, from the capital’s council, would also look to improve public transport, parks, and public spaces in the areas of Leith, Lochend and Easter Road, Queensferry and Burdiehouse.
It comes as part of the local authority’s city mobility plan, which looks to encourage people to make healthier, more sustainable transport choices – aligning with its vision of 20-minute neighbourhoods, which would see residents be able to access their daily needs within 20 minutes of their homes.
Included in the plans are cycling and public realm upgrades to complement changes proposed through the Leith connections project, pavement widening, dropped kerbs, and placemaking improvements around Lochend and Easter Road. Segregated cycle lanes and enhanced crossings would also come in the Burdiehouse area.
In Queensferry, ‘easier’ and more ‘pleasant’ active travel routes will look to be created in the Echline Estate, the Builyeon Road development, Viewforth Road, Scotstoun Avenue, and Queensferry High School. Furthermore, a new linear park would be introduced at Builyeon Road.
Edinburgh locals are being asked to give their views on the proposals, which can be done so by clicking here.
Councillor Scott Arthur, transport and environment convener, said, “Over the coming years we’re going to see tens of thousands of new houses built in Edinburgh, and it’s essential that we support residents in these homes, and those living nearby, to make healthy, sustainable transport choices. These proposals target areas where new developments are planned or are already underway and look to make improvements or introduce new infrastructure – like cycle lanes, widened pavements and safer crossings – to help people move around their neighbourhood, and further afield, by foot, wheel or bike.
“It’s crucial that we support travel by bus, tram and train as well as active travel, which is why we’ve worked closely with our public transport team and with providers to develop these plans – for example they will significantly improve access to bus stops and will transform travel on foot and bike from the Builyeon Road area in Queensferry to Dalmeny rail station.
“Recent research has shown that most people would walk, wheel or cycle more if they could access local amenities more easily. We need to encourage this kind of behaviour change if we are to achieve net zero goals, healthier lifestyles and a more pleasant city for future generations. This is how things used to be, and it is a great way of supporting local jobs. People’s feedback and ideas will be really important as the council develops these proposals, and I’ll also be working closely with local councillors to ensure your voice is heard.”
