Cycle path “booby trapped”
An Edinburgh cycling forum has reported a booby trap of two clothes lines at high and low level which has caused at least one cyclist to fall off his bike on the cycle path behind Tesco at Davidson’s Mains.
Alex Robertson who first spoke of the hazard said there were also logs strewn around the path to distract cyclists from seeing the danger. The cyclist then removed the ropes and reported the matter to the police.
Members of the forum wonder why the path is unlit, and we have asked the council for comment this evening.
Councillor Jim Orr who is the council’s cycling spokesman said:-“I’m shocked to hear about these reckless actions. This is one reason why it is important that the debate is not polarised between “cyclists” and “others” as this can provoke sensible people to do things on impulse they later regret. We all share roads, footways and pathways and we should be encouraged to respect each other at all times. We also need to strike the right balance between funding active travel and motorised travel. They are mutually compatible.”
One female forum member commented:-“Yes it’s unlit and still gravel/unmade. Wobbly ride through in the morning. Since the clocks went back I’ve only ventured through once in the dark and it creeped the hell out of me. A dangerous spot indeed.
“There’s another unlit section at the DM park at the top of the hill. Brings you out at traffic light junction at Queensferry Road. Again, I won’t go through it as scary in the dark and no idea who’s lurking around in there.”
One other member had the answer:-“Just avoid this stretch of path completely and take the official Sustrans route a little further to the north along Cramond Road South. Far safer, and at least lit and surfaced properly.”
Have you seen anything like this on cycle paths around the city?
Have you come to grief on a cycle path because of it? Then please get in touch.