Dear Editor
As both a driver and cyclist within the city I share many of the concerns regarding the poor state of road surfaces. I want to focus this letter on Ferry Road which is a major transport artery. It is full or ruts and is generally poorly maintained and where there have been attempts at ad hoc repairs they are of a very poor quality. There is indeed an irony that on the one hand the council tries to encourage people to walk and cycle – yet the road network is not friendly towards cycle users – or cars, for that matter!
Now I hear some voices saying: use the cycle way – of course that is a good option, however there are occasions when that is not viable due to the destination.
Let me focus on a particular issue that highlights an apparent contradiction in policy towards cycling. There is a lined cycle way that runs from Crewe Toll to Granton Road – both sides. However that does not stop cars parking on the pavement and across the ‘dedicated’ cycle route beside Stewarts Melville rugby when there are matches on. It appears that there is no appetite to do anything about this. That gets at the heart of my cynicism. This double standard where there is a policy of promotion of cycling on the one hand whilst not dealing with an issue that is in direct conflict with the same policy.
I attended the recent Forth Neighbourhood Partnership meeting. The issue of transport was raised at the meeting in light of the growth of the Granton Harbour developments going forward. The issue of increased traffic growth and in particular concerns that residents on Lower Granton Road have had for years is still outstanding and won’t go away. Local Community Councils and community groups have been calling for a review of the transport plan for this area for at least two years – again there appears no appetite for this to happen.
Yours faithfully
Dave Macnab
West Ferryfield, Edinburgh
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