To: emailable Spokes members in North-West Edinburgh and Fife [plus Spokes Planning core group]


Dear Spokes member

We are writing about some issues that may concern you.  If so, please contact your MSPs or councillors as suggested below for each topic.

You can locate your MSPs and councillors at www.writetothem.com by typing in your postcode.

1. A90 PATH, EDINBURGH - FORTH BRIDGE

As you probably know, Spokes has campaigned consistently over many years for a really high-quality route between Edinburgh and the Forth Bridge.   Some successes have been achieved, but parts remain not just poor but positively dangerous.

A really major new opportunity has now arisen for further lobbying - with the subject having been raised by no fewer than 3 separate MSPs in the recent Scottish Parliament debate on cycling, which was initiated by Spokes member Alison Johnstone MSP.

Please read our April 1st report 'A90 Path Disgrace' at www.spokes.org.uk [despite the date, that article is very serious!]

*** If you agree with us, please contact your MSPs, as suggested there.   It is important to write to your own MSPs, and ask them to take up the issue with the Transport Minister - but it would be useful if you also separately copy your email for information to the 3 MSPs specifically mentioned in our article, and to Spokes.

2. WALK/CYCLE PATH ON THE NEW ROAD BRIDGE

You will probably know that the government has scrapped the foot/cycle path originally planned to be included in the new road bridge [currently known as the 'Forth Replacement Crossing'].   It is the view of most environmental organisations that the new bridge is now a done deal, which cannot be stopped, and also that due to the costs it is extremely unlikely that the government can be persuaded to reinstate the cycle/pedestrian path on it.   The path on the existing bridge will of course remain - except when that bridge is closed due to wind - or in the hopefully very unlikely event that the bridge is closed entirely at some time in the future.

However local Spokes member Bruce Whitehead has been waging a determined campaign on these points, and as a result the issue got a mention in the above Scottish Parliament debate on cycling.   We are happy to publicise this issue, and have included two articles by Bruce in the 6 Jan and 25 March issues of Spokesworker, together with his contact details.  You can find links to these under the Spokesworker tab on the Spokes website.

*** If this issue concerns you please read the Spokesworker articles and then contact Bruce and/or your MSPs.

3. BARNTON JUNCTION

Following a recent planning application for a nearby site, Spokes Planning Group has discussed the above subject.   As a result, Spokes has written to the council with the points below.

*** If  some or all of these points affect you and you would like to see action on them, or if you have other options, please tell your local councillors [not MSPs] and ask them to look into them for you.   If you have different or additional ideas please also copy your email to spokes.

Points from Spokes Planning Group...

"Whilst we would defend cyclists' rights to use Queensferry Road, etc we would not encourage its use - certainly whilst it remains at 40mph.

There are ways of avoiding Barnton junction which could be made better with a little work and which should be properly signed.  The principal routes are...

a. Cyclists travelling east along A90 from Cramond Brig should be signed left along Braehead Avenue and thence to NCN route 1 if travelling to the city centre, or to Whitehouse Road if travelling to Drumbrae.  There needs to be some work done at the barrier in Braehead Av to allow cyclists to pass; either shortening it somewhat or installing dropped kerbs and creating shared pavement use at that point.

b. Cyclists travelling from Whitehouse Road to Drumbrae or vice versa should be signed left into Barnton Grove and then via a very short path to go across the traffic lights straight into Drumbrae North.  This should also be the route signed towards Corstorphine.  The short length of path needs to be upgraded and cycle markings provided at the traffic lights

There may be other routes such as to and from Cammo but these are particularly important ones which would provide and show alternative routes to a difficult junction and thereby also reduce community severance."