The Neighbourhood Partnership is meeting tonight to discuss several items on their agenda, but perhaps one of the most pleasing is that they will be considering the proposal to improve the cycle route from Craigleith to the Botanic Garden, by allowing cycling at certain points on the pathway. The purpose of this route improvement is to try and increase the number of cycle journeys made in the city.
The proposal was first discussed at the Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting on 2 August 2011, and was continued for discussion with local Ward members on costs and detail. What this means is that parts of the footway will now be shared by pedestrians and cyclists, partly to encourage those who may not be confident cyclists by helping them get out and about on the pathways rather than using main roads. Some of the pathways have to cross main roads, but the council intends making those crossings as safe as possible. At some points the pathway may have to be widened to allow for cyclists and pedestrians to pass each other safely.
These points have now been covered by the council, and the presentation at this NP meeting is to communicate these to the local residents.
Of particular concern to this NP is the crossing between Carrington Road and Inverleith Park, and the meeting will hear that the footpath is to be rerouted at Carrington Road and East Fettes Avenue. In addition the footpath at Arboretum Place will be improved and there will be a new road layout. The street furniture is to be redesigned, perhaps with bollards used to stop vehicles mounting the pavements at the entrance to the Botanic Garden. The RBGE has been consulted and apparently strongly support the changes.
Disabled parking is to be slightly altered at Arboretum Place, and the taxi stance moved a short distance. The bus stop will also be improved under the proposals.
The cost of the statutory procedure to enable the road and footpath changes is estimated at £2,000 and the cost of providing the route is £160,000 in total.
In addition, but separately from the proposals outlined above, the council is investing in the development of the Leith to Portobello disused railway line to provide another cycling and walking route.
The meeting will be held at Stockbridge House Cheyne Street at 7.30p.m.
Here is the agenda:-
InverleithNP Agenda 07122011-1
