Troublesome Leith Walk cycle lane which was filled with lamp posts and signs gets new layout

A temporary Leith Walk cycle lane has been refurbished by Edinburgh City Council after complaints that it was not safe to ride on.

There was outrage from bike users last week when photos emerged showing the newly-created lane, which runs alongside the ongoing tram extension works, obstructed by street lamps and bins.

“It’s amazing that a real-life person actually thinks a real-life cyclist would be able to use that,” one resident said at the time.

Now, new images show changes to the lane, including wider sections for cyclists and directional arrows guiding users around obstacles.

“They've redone the cycle lanes on Leith Walk several times in the last couple of years,” one unimpressed local resident told the Evening News.

“Each time takes it to new levels of absurdity.

“They've left traffic lights, street lights and junction boxes - along with communal bins - on the cycle paths.

“Maybe they think the hoverboard *has* already been invented!” she added.

Reacting to the speed of the new changes, she said: “It goes to show that the cyclists of Leith are engaged and concerned about their transport links!

But she still won’t be using the lane despite the new layout.

“You have to think it's no' that safe,” she said, “I think I'd prefer to take my chances on the road!”

Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said: “The temporary cycle lane on Leith Walk has been redesigned to better accommodate cyclists and pedestrians in the limited space available, while retaining essential street lights during construction work.

"Moving the lights at this stage on the project, as some have suggested, would have meant considerable disruption and a complete loss of any pedestrian and cycling access while this work was completed.

“We will soon be installing delineators to help further distinguish pedestrian and cycling areas and will continue to monitor its use, making tweaks to the design where necessary. Longer term, we are building a permanent cycleway as part of the project.”

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