The announcement earlier this week that the Scottish Government will contribute £3.6m towards the upgrade of Leith Walk has been welcomed across north and central Edinburgh. The additional funds should make possible a more comprehensive improvements all the way up the thoroughfare and into Broughton (see greenerleith.org.uk/, 24.9.13).
However, amid the widespread rejoicing and ringing of bells, one local voice is sounding a note of caution.
Tim Smith – a local resident and regular Spurtle contributor – has been seeking Council clarification for some time over the effectiveness of a new method being used to colour Edinburgh’s cycle lanes.
His concern is that the new 'red chips method' is a very feeble substitute for the 'red-applied coatings' used previously.
As an example, Smith suggests looking at the old style method used for Carrington Road (to the west of Inverleith Park; see below).
The cycle lane is as clear as day.
But compare this with the recently resurfaced junction at the south end of Constitution Street (below).
'The red chips do no more than give a slight reddish tinge to the grey tarmac,' says Smith.
'Without the very prominent white bike symbol, the red chips do nothing to demarcate the separate category of road use which is, of course, their intended purpose.'
In neither photo has the colour been souped up or toned down for dramatic effect.
'CEC needs to admit that this is an experiment that has failed, and investigate more effective means of demarcating cycle facilities before extending this failure all the way up Leith Walk.'
So far, the response from Council officials has been polite and interested. But for reasons to do with maintenance and ongoing costs there is no current proposal to review the use of materials.
The issue is not dead, though. Correspondence seen by the Spurtle makes clear that officials are at least discussing the matter between themselves, and lines of communication between them and the public about the issue remain open.
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