from	Dave du Feu <davedufeu@googlemail.com>
to	Chris Brace <Chris.Brace@edinburgh.gov.uk>
date	28 October 2010 00:52
subject	Re: A90 cycleroute
	
Dear Chris

I am replying on behalf of Spokes, having had a fair bit of feedback from local members, and also having spoken to Sandy Scotland convener of Spokes Planning Group.  Thanks for your earlier reply below and for meeting two of our members onsite.

Firstly we strongly support the proposal for the 2-way footway, which we feel will be particularly beneficial to less confident cyclists, and the many leisure and tourist users heading for the bridge.   This has to meet the standards of the NCN.   Some of our members who are regular commuters also have said they are very much looking forward to this.   We also see an important value in the project as a further lever on the Scottish Government to come up with their promised funding for the more difficult and expensive section which we hope will be possible next year.

We are grateful for your assurance of maximum attention to achieving a smooth surface on this path.

However we are strongly opposed to the removal of the existing cycle lane northbound on the road, for the following reasons...

a. For many cycle commuters, speed and convenience are of the essence, and they will continue using the road.   Indeed it is arguable that some travel too fast to safely use the path in the northwards direction.   However, some motorists unfortunately expect all cyclists to use a provided path, leading to motorist frustration which may be taken out on the cyclist, or subsequent cyclists, or may distract the motorist from proper attention to their driving.    Retaining the cycle lane would avoid this danger.

b. In your current proposals you do plan to retain a section of the cycle lane (at Chapel Gate Junction mouth - ACTUALLY AT BARNBOUGLE!) - if this section is retained there seems no reason to remove the rest of the lane.

c. As you know, there is concern about traffic speeds on this road.   The cycle lane narrows the traffic lanes, and its removal could well lead to traffic speeds rising further.

Finally,  we appreciate the various signage measures proposed to try and reduce speeds at the uphill blind corner, just after which cyclists will be crossing from the path to the minor road to Dalmeny Village.  These should help make motorists more aware, but in view of the cyclist crossing we would also like consideration given to any further measures which are legally permitted.

Best wishes
Dave
for Spokes