A new cycle lane is being branded 'ridiculous' and 'shambolic' for directing cyclists along a cobbled street head-on into oncoming traffic. The lane, which appeared in recent days in the Leith area of Edinburgh, reportedly means cyclists must ride 'into oncoming traffic on a blind bend'.
Edinburgh Council have said the change is part of a 'trial', and looks to reduce traffic flow while leading to a 'better, safer and more connected cycling experience', EdinburthLive reports.
The changes on Water Street comes along with bollards appearing in Leith, as the area becomes a Low Traffic Neighbourhood. Bruce Kinnaird Scott, a cyclist who lives in the area, told Edinburgh Live: "As a cyclist, the idea of cycling on cobbles isn't ideal.
"To be expected to ride into oncoming traffic on a blind bend suggests the council are simply paying lip service to a much wider problem. There are simply too many people and not enough space to adequately manage traffic safely.
"A dab of paint isn't the solution."
Marsha King, who also lives in the area, was in agreement: "The new ‘cycle lane’ is ridiculous.
"The painted sign for the bike to drive towards the oncoming one way traffic, perfectly sums up the shambolic changes to many of Edinburgh’s roads."
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “These measures allow cyclists to ride in both directions on a street that is one-way for cars.
"We’re introducing it on a number of roads throughout the city and this particular street is part of the Leith Connections project. It’s a trial, and we’re keen to gather views from cyclists and road users to see how they find it.
"The painted lines complement other changes we’ve made nearby to reduce traffic flow – which incidentally makes improvements like this possible – and the hope is that it will lead to a better, safer and more connected cycling experience overall.”
The update comes at the same time as other changes in the area, as Leith becomes a Low Traffic Neighbourhood. This looks to 'transform the quality of walking, wheeling and cycling in the area'.
This involves traffic restrictions, 'de-cluttering' pavements and other measures. Chas Booth, Green councillor for Leith, said of the changes: "This project has the potential to significantly improve safety for people on foot, in wheelchairs and cycling.
"It will also help tackle air pollution and congestion in Leith and help cut climate emissions from transport."
