Is part of Edinburgh to be virtually sealed off? – Robert Aldridge

It takes a lot to get the good citizens of North Gyle and Craigmount on the warpath. When they do, you know it will be for a very good reason.

I am a huge supporter of what the jargon calls ‘active travel’, encouraging people to walk and cycle when they can. I’ve written before about being a bit of a militant pedestrian and was proud to be part of the Lib Dem administration on the council which brought in a policy of reserving a percentage of the council’s roads budget for walking and cycling.

I was delighted when the council secured £5m from the Scottish Government for temporary measures to help pedestrians keep social distance and assist the growing number of cyclists during the Covid emergency.

There have been some great initiatives. In my own area, the temporary closure of Cammo Walk has been a boon for walkers and cyclists linked to a temporary crossing on Maybury Road. There have also been great ideas coming from local communities to help encourage pedestrians in the local town centres throughout the capital (Morningside, Stockbridge etc) and to help local businesses.

So what has united the communities of North Gyle and Craigmount in anger and exasperation? They are both quiet, peaceful suburban communities with moderate traffic, and a few pedestrians and cyclists who are never troubled by social distancing.

Out of the blue council officials have suggested radical proposals (to use part of the £5m) that virtually seal off the communities and force all car traffic from the area to use one single dangerous junction (which they are intending to reduce from two lanes to one lane).

The measures affect the local secondary school, and while we all want as few as possible to use cars to drop off pupils, many parents still do. The measures will make an already hazardous time even more dangerous, forcing drivers to do three-point turns in addition to the drop-off, making it more dangerous for those who do cycle or walk to the school. People who normally shop at the Gyle who live near the school will have a detour of around two miles adding to pollution and congestion. The Drum Brae Roundabout, already congested, will have even more traffic forced through it. To cap it all is a suggestion that there should be a segregated cycle lane up Drum Brae North. For those who know it, the road is like the side of a cliff. Only the most dedicated Chris Hoys of the cycling world even attempt to cycle up it. Most get off and walk. What a waste of valuable resources!

I’m glad Lib Dems persuaded the council to allow local councillors and community councils to comment on proposals before they are implemented. My ward colleagues and I certainly will take full advantage the opportunity. These proposals have almost nothing to do with helping pedestrians and cyclists to social distance. They seem to pander to the rather perverse view that if you gum up traffic it is good for pedestrians and cyclists. Patent nonsense as many of the pedestrians and cyclists who have contacted me have said in their angry but well considered comments.

Let’s not forget that our well-loved and respected bus company needs support too and make sure that none of the measures would make it more difficult for bus services to run smoothly and quickly. So let’s spend the windfall £5m wisely on projects which really will help pedestrians and cyclists and local businesses and listen to the wise citizens of North Gyle and Craigmount.

Cllr Robert Aldridge is Lib Dem councillor for Drum Brae/Gyle

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