FRIDAY 20 JUNE 2 – 4pm at GYPSY BRAE
Come along to this special Community Cycling & Walking event on Friday 20 June!
R2: Pedal and Paint community event
Tag: Walking
Game-changing footwear tech prevents trips and falls in stroke and MS survivors
Researchers at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh have developed an innovative new shoe which is helping prevent trips and falls in people with stroke and multiple sclerosis.
The new footwear technology is transforming the lives of people with foot-drop – a condition which makes it difficult for people to lift the front part of their foot and often results in falls.
People living with foot-drop find it very difficult and tiring to walk. They struggle to keep their toes lifted, and can therefore drag or catch their foot on the ground. This can be due to conditions that affect the nervous system, causing a malfunction of the communication between the brain and the muscles that lift the foot at the ankle.
The number of people who experience foot-drop is unknown, however, around 20% of people with stroke and almost 50% of those with MS develop foot-drop. So, just looking at these conditions alone, it is estimated that this new footwear tech could improve walking and prevent falls in 322,400 people across the UK and 3.8m globally.
The cleverly designed footwear has been developed by the Health Design Collective, a team of allied health professionals and researchers mainly based at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh.
After several years of design and testing, the research team now has a footwear prototype which has the potential to be a game-changer for people with the condition.
Professor Cathy Bulley, a physiotherapist at Queen Margaret University, is part of the research project, which is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). She explained: “Foot-drop can be caused by damage to the nervous system within the brain, spinal cord or the nerves in the lower back or legs.
“Walking can be a huge effort for people with foot-drop – both physically and mentally. People must concentrate to ensure their toes clear the ground, often by lifting their hips and knees up further and swinging their leg out.
“The increased risk of trips and falls can have a terrible impact on people’s quality of life. It leads to fear, avoidance of walking, reduced physical activity and less involvement in social and working life. It reduces people’s confidence and independence and can send them into a downwards spiral.
“There are various products on the market, but there are drawbacks with all of them. They don’t work for everyone, and can be expensive and difficult to tolerate.”
Cathy confirmed: “People with permanent foot-drop need a comfortable, affordable, and attractive, unobtrusive device that holds the foot up while allowing ankle movement.
“Our new footwear has been co-designed with people with stroke, MS and cerebral palsy, and feedback from our users is outstanding!”
Case Study
Jeanette Russell from Edinburgh worked as a nurse in the military before developing MS and subsequently, foot-drop.
She was one of the first people to trial the new footwear technology, and has become a key collaborator in the research.
She said: “This footwear is a gamechanger for people who struggle with mobility due to foot-drop. I really put the footwear through its paces. I wore them in and out of the house, at the exercise studio and whilst driving. My mobility, speed of walking, gait and confidence improved immensely, and I knew the team was onto a winner!
“What really amazed me was watching myself walking with my normal footwear on, and then the shoes. My normal rolling gait was gone, and I was walking upright, with confidence for the first time in eight years. It was life-changing!”
Jeanette loves hillwalking and being outdoors, but foot-drop has really made this challenging in recent years. Thanks to the new footwear, Jeanette has been able to confidently return to hillwalking. She really pushed the footwear to the max as she navigated steep gradients during a walking holiday in Glencoe this February.
She said: “The difference in my walking ability is mind-blowing. In my normal boots, I fell down on flat surfaces with no obstacles. Using the footwear, I can walk up and down steep pathways and literally traverse rocks and navigate slippery surfaces without falling.
“This is what the footwear allows me to do, and why I am so passionate about making sure everyone with footdrop has access to this life-changing footwear.”
Jeanette concluded: “I also can’t wait to wear them at the Remembrance Day Parade in London, later on this year.As a veteran, it means so much to me to be able to march, with confidence, past the Cenotaph.”
Low tech but clever footwear
Professor Derek Santos, from Queen Margaret University, is the podiatry specialist on the project. He explained: “We’ve developed a low-tech, all-season, every-day piece of footwear that incorporates an attractive design which is both comfortable and supports the foot during walking.
“It’s a fairly simple design, but it’s been co-developed with people who have lived experience of foot-drop, alongside experts who really understand the anatomy and mechanics of the feet and limbs when walking.”
Thanks to a grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the research team is now partnering with a design and manufacturing company to progress the production of the new shoes. The aim is to produce a shoe that will be attractive, low-tech and affordable, which will help to ensure that they are accessible for anyone who can benefit from them.
Professor Bulley concluded: “In the future, we hope that these innovative shoes will become widely available to patients through the NHS, so we can help improve the lives of a wide range of people with foot-drop.
“We would also like to adapt the design to create other types of footwear, such as hiking boots, exercise boots and an affordable sandal that’s accessible for people with foot-drop in countries with warmer climates.
“No matter where you live, how much money you have, or what condition or trauma has led to foot-drop – everyone deserves to have the best chance to improve their walking. We hope our clever new footwear will provide a simple, affordable solution for millions of people with foot-drop across the UK and internationally.”
New Tips for “making walking a habit”
80 percent of us drop our fitness resolutions by early February
- The founder of one of the UK’s leading health charities is sharing her five brand new tips for making walking a habit
- Research conducted by YouGov* shows that by the second week in February, 80% of us have thrown in the towel, particularly in relation to fitness goals.
- But Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of health charity Walk the Walk has the perfect solution for us all – make walking part of your life!
Nina’s new tips for making walking a habit:-
1. Put a walk in your diary!
Having a routine, no matter how small, makes it easier to turn going for a walk into a habit. Pick a time of day which suits you best and add it into your diary as an appointment.
2. Plan several walking routes for different distances and times
Whether you have time for a quick ten- minute walk or a longer session, having different routes planned means you will always know where you are going, how far and for how long
3. Have suitable comfortable clothing and shoes for any weather
Never let the weather stop you walking. The weather doesn’t change the impact a walk can have – some of the worst weather days can deliver the best walks!
4. Invest in a tracking device or app
A device or app which can track your walking steps and distance each day can be really motivating, tracking how far you go each day and helping you watch your progress.
5. Every step counts!
Whether you walk one mile, or the distance from your desk to the kettle to make a tea – engage your core, allow your shoulders to relax and think about your posture!
Nina’s tips are backed up by Public health expert Prof Nick Cavill, who is a huge advocate for physical activity including walking:-
“I’m often asked about what I think is the best exercise. My reply is that it’s the exercise you will do every day and keep doing for life. For most people that is walking – for fun, for relaxation, for exercise or for transport.
“Walking for half an hour a day is associated with improvements in over 20 health conditions, from reducing the risk of heart disease and some cancers to improving mental health and wellbeing.
“So, if you’ve ditched the New Year’s fitness resolutions, try the most natural exercise around – walking!”
*YouGov 2017
Walking boosts mental health as winter takes hold
Blue Monday sparks call for Scots to embrace walking
SCOTLAND’S national walking charity is calling on Scots to walk and wheel to beat the winter blues this Blue Monday.
Blue Monday (Monday, 20th January) is often considered the most depressing day of the year due to a combination of financial pressure, broken New Year’s resolutions, and limited daylight.
Walking has proven to be a powerful tool for mental wellbeing, with national walking charity, Paths for All reporting 84% of Scots say they walk to improve their health and wellbeing, up from 78% in 2019 according to the 2023 National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland.
As well as releasing feel-good endorphins, walking and wheeling offers a chance to clear the mind, alleviate stress, and improve concentration. These benefits are especially vital during the darker winter months when Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) can take hold.
Beyond the individual benefits, walking and wheeling also play a vital role in addressing broader societal issues such as loneliness and isolation. Qualitative feedback highlights how walking fosters a sense of connection and combats feelings of loneliness, particularly for individuals who live alone or work remotely.
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Winter can be a particularly challenging time for mental health, but walking and wheeling are free, accessible, and effective ways to support your wellbeing.
“Taking a walk during daylight hours not only helps to boost our mood, but also provides the opportunity to connect with nature and others, both of which are vital for our mental resilience.”
Walking offers a multitude of benefits, including opportunities to enjoy local greenspaces, parks, and beaches, which can foster a sense of calm and connection to nature while incorporating physical activity into daily routines, whether walking to school, work or the shops.
Joining a local walking group or walking with friends and family can strengthen social connections, further enhancing the benefits of this simple yet powerful activity.
Encouraging more Scots to walk during winter, particularly in natural outdoor settings, is a timely reminder of how small lifestyle changes can yield big mental health benefits as well as physical.
One survey participant described walking as their “lifeline during the winter,” while another shared how a daily walk helped them better manage stress and feel more grounded.
This activity also supports Scotland’s ambition to improve overall health outcomes and reduce pressures on public services. Walking is a free and accessible activity, making it a viable solution for individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their circumstances.
Paths for All supports local projects to deliver over 850 Health Walks across Scotland. These are free, short group walks led by friendly volunteers and you can find your nearest on the paths for All website: https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/health-walks
Established in 1996, Paths for All work in partnership with 30 national organisations with a shared vision of a healthier, happier, greener Scotland, where everyone can be active every day.
For more information and resources on making walking a part of your routine, visit:
Edinburgh schools ready to celebrate 15 years of UK’s largest active travel to school challenge
Schools in Edinburgh still have time to sign up to the UK’s largest walking, scooting and cycling to school challenge.
Taking place 11-22 March 2024, the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel inspires pupils to make active journeys to school, improving air quality in their neighbourhood and discovering how these changes benefit the world around them.
The challenge is delivered by Sustrans, the charity that aims to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and headline sponsors Schwalbe Tyres UK.
Dr Cecilia Oram, Head of Behaviour Change, at Sustrans said: “Millions of pupils have risen to the challenge and embraced walking, scooting and cycling throughout these past 15 years of Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel, and this time it’s going to be bigger than ever.
“Not only are pupils and their families enjoying quality time together during an active school commute, but they’re also improving traffic congestion and air quality around their schools.”
Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is open to all primary and secondary schools in the UK, including SEN/ASN/ALN schools, with prizes to be won every day.
The prizes on offer to schools this year include Micro Scooters, Frog bikes and Cyclehoop cycle parking and infrastructure.
Free resources are available to encourage pupils to help reduce air pollution and learn about the benefits of active travel for themselves, their schools, their neighbourhoods, and the planet.
Alison McLean, Acting Headteacher at Queensferry Primary School in Edinburgh, said: “Last year, our pupils had so much fun walking and cycling to school with their friends and family.
“We noticed they arrived at school refreshed and ready to learn. We were also thrilled to come in first place in the large primary school category in Scotland.
“I would encourage more schools to sign up to the Big Walk and Wheel as it’s a great way for young people to learn more about the local environment, air quality and how it affects them.”
15 years of the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel in Scotland
Since data collection for the challenge began in 2011, just over 1.5 million miles1 have been travelled by pupils taking almost 2.3 million active travel journeys to school in Scotland.
That equates to around 19 trips to the moon, or over 180 journeys around the Earth1, saving just under 1,200 tonnes of CO2 polluting the air on the school run, from 3.1 million car journeys had the participants been driven to and from school1.
Just over 340,000 active journeys to 340 participating schools took place in Scotland during the 2023 challenge, saving just over an estimated 240 tonnes of CO2 emissions if the journeys logged had otherwise been made by car2.
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director at Sustrans, said: “For 15 years, pupils across Scotland have enjoyed taking part in the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel. Parents save money by not having to drive and children get to be out and about exploring their world.
“The challenge shows that a healthier, more enjoyable and sustainable journey to school is possible. We want to transform school runs across Scotland by making it easier for all families to walk, wheel or cycle to school.”
Join in
Comment and share your active journeys to school, using the hashtag #BigWalkandWheel
Find out more about registering for the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel 2024.
Follow us on Twitter @SustransScot and on Facebook
Calls for Scots to step up their 2024 New Year’s resolutions
Report finds that nearly one in five people are not walking enough
The 2023 National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland – commissioned by Paths For All – found that 85% of adults walk several times per week or daily, with more than half (59%) walking for leisure or exercise.
While 84% said they enjoy walking because it is good for their health, a significant increase from 78% in 2019, only just under a quarter (24%) had heard or seen messages on the health benefits of walking.
Dr Fiona Bull, Head of Physical Activity at the World Health Organisation (WHO), presented compelling evidence at Paths For All’s 2023 Expert Lecture, hosted in Stirling in November, on how walking can save lives, and how Scotland is leading the charge.
Dr Bull said: “Walking more regularly can contribute to saving lives and brings so many health benefits; but too often, walking is not being promoted enough.
“The work Paths for All has been doing to get more people active is incredible, bringing communities together and ensuring all have access to walking groups, as well as upgrading infrastructure, and educating the public.
“According to data released from Scotland, the country is bucking the trend, with collective action there has been a 7% increase in physical activity, and to see that nearly all Scots are walking for health benefits is commendable.”
Having led the development of the WHO Global Action Plan on Physical Activity 2018-2030, the new Global guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviours 2020 and the recent 1st Global Status Report on Physical Activity 2022, Dr Bull shared significant insight in making the health, social and economic case for all countries to do more to promote walking.
In particular, Dr Bull shared the alarming health impact of physical inactivity accounting for between 3.2 – 5.1 million deaths a year and this is a conservative estimate. She also highlighted new data providing a global “price tag” for not acting to promote more people being more active – estimated at US$27 billion per year – totalling US$300 billion by 2030.
Dr Bull reinforced to the audience that walking is the best way to get more people of all ages doing more physical activity both in Scotland and globally. Examples of how cities are making communities more walkable were shared including the example of Vienna which created a Year of Walking – Dr Bull suggested Scotland would be well placed to borrow this idea.
According to the National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland, people with a long term physical condition or mental health problem were also significantly more likely to have encountered cars parked on the pavement, roads that were difficult to cross or poor maintained pavements (53%, 34% and 54% respectively).
Of those walking for short journeys, we found a desire to get fit, relax and unwind, and enjoyment to be the main motivations for people to get out and about.
Louise Bursle, Paths For All’s Communications and Marketing Manager, said more Scots clearly recognise walking’s physical and mental benefits: “The fact that so many people walk for exercise and relaxation highlights this. We’re keen to eliminate barriers to make frequent walking possible for everyone in Scotland to reap wellbeing rewards.
“As we enter a new year, many people will be setting resolutions to be more active, but you don’t need to make big commitments to see the benefits. Just adding a short walk to your daily routine will have an impact.”
To boost regular walking, over 7-in-10 Scottish adults also voiced support for 20-minute neighbourhoods, ensuring services are nearby. Delivering these communities could help more than 30% of Scots who currently do not walk to places like shops and public transport stops because distances are too far.
Louise said the findings reveal clear priorities for Scotland’s health: “By making streets more welcoming through improved lighting, seating, better surfaces, and amenities within reach, we can help fulfil people’s desire to integrate walking into their days – ultimately getting Scots moving together.“
We support the Scottish Health Walk Network, which facilitates over 850 regular Health Walks across Scotland, with more than 14,000 dedicated volunteers leading and assisting the groups.
As we kick off 2024, we’re continuing the valuable work in partnership with 30 national organisations with a shared vision of a healthier, happier, greener Scotland, where everyone can be active every day.
Watch Dr Fiona Bulls full expert lecture here.
Work starts tomorrow on Pennywell – Gypsy Brae active travel route
Greens welcome new Active Travel Route in North Edinburgh
TOMORROW (Monday) we start work on a new active travel route between Pennywell Road and Gypsy Brae including a cycle route, pedestrian improvements + landscaping.
Walking + cycling links are part of Granton Waterfront Regeneration + Western Villages.
Greens welcome new Active Travel Route in North Edinburgh
Work has begun on the construction of the Western Villages Active Travel Route which is on the boundary of Forth and Almond Wards.
The work is part of the wider regeneration of Granton Waterfront and will improve infrastructure along Marine Drive and West Shore Road between Pennywell Road Roundabout and Gypsy Brae.
Work will include a fully segregated cycle route, improved pedestrian facilities including new footways and pedestrian connections, landscaping improvements including street trees and rain gardens.
This construction is being supported by Sustrans Places for Everyone Programme and is being carried out by CCG (Scotland) Ltd.
Green Councillor for Forth Ward, Kayleigh O’Neill said: “I’m really pleased that these are improvements are on the way. This work will create a coherent active travel network for people in my ward and anyone who wants to travel through.
“It is so important that these improvements are made as we need safe, accessible and well-connected routes for people to walk, wheel and cycle in.”
“Earlier this year the Scottish Government announced the allocation of £20 million as part of its active travel funding. With Greens in the room this issue is being taken seriously and it’s amazing to see on the ground.”
https://edinburgh.gov.uk/area-regeneration/developments-far/2…
Expert dog welfare group shares advice for helping to keep flat-faced dogs safer in the heat
‘WHEN IN DOUBT DON’T GO OUT’
During summer last year, when the UK faced record-breaking high temperatures of over 40C in July, over 50% of dogs treated for ‘heatstroke’ by PDSA* were those with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) such as Pugs, British & French Bulldogs and Shih Tzus.
With the summer season underway, a group of UK dog welfare experts is urging owners of flat-faced dog breeds to take extra care to protect these dogs in the warm weather.
The poor ability of these types of dogs to keep themselves cool by panting because of their abnormally flattened faces means that they are at huge risk of heatstroke in hot weather.
A survey by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) showed that over half of vets surveyed had treated flat-faced dogs for heatstroke in the past year.
In a separate BVA survey, following last year’s record-breaking heatwave, many vets also reported being especially concerned about the impact of hot weather on flat-faced dogs, with some vets worried that owners often did not recognise visible or audible signs of heat stress in their dogs.
The Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG), a national group of the UK’s leading dog health and welfare organisations and vets, has issued advice specifically aimed at owners of flat-faced breeds, to help protect these dogs in the hotter temperatures and summer sunshine:
- Help them stay cool in hot weather – Dogs don’t sweat like humans do; instead the main way they cool themselves down is by panting. The limited breathing abilities of some flat-faced dogs means they often struggle to cool themselves down and ineffective panting in these dogs only further exacerbates their breathing difficulties.
Encourage your dog to stay in shaded areas, avoid exertion (such as outdoor walks or a game of fetch) and stay indoors through the heat of the day. Never leave flat-faced dogs in a car or conservatory, where they can overheat rapidly even on a relatively mild or overcast day.
- Plan your walks – Always avoid the warmest parts of the day to head out with your dog. Plan your walks for dawn and dusk. If this isn’t possible, it’s far better to skip a walk rather than risk a flat-faced dog going outside – a dog can develop heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes in warm conditions.
- Keep cool with fresh drinks – Ensure your dog stays well hydrated by placing bowls of fresh water around the house. And for an extra cool drink, you can add in some ice-cubes.
- Spot the early signs your dog is struggling with the heat – Being aware of physical changes to your dog from over-heating can enable owners to intervene earlier, hopefully before heatstroke sets in. Look out for the following changes in your dog: breathing more heavily than usual, having less energy, less playful than normal, panting more, stumbling or laying down.
- Recognising the signs of heatstroke – Being able to spot the signs of heatstroke and knowing when to act can save your pet’s life. Signs can vary from excessive panting, confusion, bright red gums, foaming at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse or even seizures.
- Cool your dog down quickly – if your dog shows any of the above signs, it’s essential to cool them down as quickly as possible. Move them into a cool area, pour cool water from the cold tap and offer them small amounts of water to drink. Be sure to contact your vet as soon as possible so they can offer the best advice for your situation. Always remember to ‘cool first, transport second’1 when taking your dog for veterinary care for heatstroke.
- Knowing Pet First Aid could save your pet’s life – Being comfortable and able to perform Pet First Aid before you get to a vet could be vital for your dog in an emergency, especially in cases of heatstroke. PDSA has a free Pet First Aid guide, full of tips and tricks for pet owners, should the worst happen.
Due to their flattened skull shapes, flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs do not have the naturally longer nose that helps other types of dogs to lose heat during panting, meaning flat-faced breeds often struggle more than other types of dogs to lose heat effectively.
These problems are exacerbated in hot weather and especially if the dogs are exercised. Owners of flat-faced breeds should be extra vigilant in the summer months when it’s likely to be warmer than usual. Warm weather can be fatal for all breeds of dogs, so it is important all owners are aware of the severe dangers.
Dr Dan O’Neill, Chair of the BWG, said: “Flat-faced dogs are currently hugely popular in the UK but owners of these breeds need to especially vigilant to protect their dogs from heatstroke.
“Avoid exercise during hot parts of the day and wet these dogs liberally as soon as they show are any signs of overheating.
“If you are concerned, contact your vet as soon as possible. The core message is ‘when in doubt, don’t go out – Dogs Die on Hot Walks’.”
The BWG, which is made up of veterinary associations, welfare organisations, universities, the government, breeders and dog owners, has more information about heat-related illness in brachycephalic dogs, and an infographic with advice, on the Group’s website.
Healthy Heart Tip: Walking for Heart Health
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK
Healthy Heart Tip: Walking for Heart Health
May is National Walking Month, which encourages us to leave the car at home and find ways to incorporate more walking into our days. Walking a little each day can offer a great benefit to our overall health and wellbeing, including our heart. It is a low-impact form of exercise so most people can give it a go.
Right now is also the perfect time of year to get outside as the evenings lighten and temperatures start to warm up. Here are some ideas to help you clock up more steps this May and beyond.
Set a goal
Setting a goal and planning can really help you make walking a daily habit. A good example would be aiming to walk for twenty minutes a day, five days a week.
Plan your week every Sunday evening and schedule in your walking times to make sure they happen.
Walk with a friend
Finding a walking partner can really help you stay motivated and committed to your scheduled walks.
Another benefit of walking with a friend is you are more likely to try harder, so if you are heading out on a longer walk, walking with someone else will push you to try as hard as you can. It is also a great opportunity for catching up and checking in with a friend.
Make it fun
Get the kids involved by going on a scavenger hunt or wildlife spotting walk.
You could simply head out with the family and look out for certain colour cars, anything to add an element of fun.
For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips.
Oh, oh: Council to launch ‘Leith Connections’ active travel project
MORE DISRUPTION FOR BELEAGUERED LEITH BUSINESSES?
Work will soon begin on a scheme to create safer, more welcoming places to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in Leith, the city council has announced.
The first phase of Leith Connections will introduce measures to limit through traffic and enhance streets for pedestrians and people cycling in areas around Constitution Street, Leith Links and the Shore.
Construction will begin in the week commencing 10 April and is expected to last until late June. Amongst the changes are improved pedestrian crossings, planting and seating in newly created pedestrian spaces, community-inspired artwork and pavement decluttering.
This is alongside new traffic layouts in several of the streets to prioritise people travelling by foot, wheel or bike. These include the closure of Sandport Place Bridge to motor traffic, bus gates at the Shore and Links Place and modal filters to prevent through traffic in some areas.
All residential and business properties will still be accessible by motor vehicle, while blue badge parking will be unaffected. Full details are available on the Leith Connections website.
Leith Connections designs draw from two years of engagement with the community and local stakeholders, encompassing online co-design workshops, public drop-in sessions and focused meetings. Some of the measures, those to the east of the Shore, will be implemented on a trial basis under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).
The project is being funded through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Leith Connections is a really exciting opportunity to create safer, more welcoming spaces to walk, wheel and cycle in Leith, as well as for spending time with friends or visiting local businesses.
“These changes have drawn on feedback from the community, as well as the Council’s own monitoring. They will also provide better connections to popular walking and cycling routes nearby, like the north Edinburgh path network and the Water of Leith walkway and soon, protected cycle lanes on Leith Walk, delivered as part of the Trams to Newhaven project.
“The team has drawn up a robust monitoring and evaluation plan so that once it’s in place, they can understand the benefits and impacts of Leith Connections. I look forward to hearing what the community thinks too, as part of the ETRO process. I shall be watching this installation closely as I am keen to see more schemes like this in Edinburgh.
Michael Melton, Grant Manager at Sustrans, said: “We are pleased to be working with City of Edinburgh Council to make Leith a safer and more accessible place to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time. The Leith Connections project has been shaped by the local community, with changes including new traffic layouts, improved pedestrian crossings and community-inspired artwork.
Officers will closely monitor the impact of the project through automatic traffic counts, air quality monitoring, market research and focus groups. Information gathered will feed into recommendations for the future of the project.
Further phases of Leith Connections will deliver protected cycle lanes running from the Foot of the Walk to Ocean Terminal (delivered in parallel to the Trams to Newhaven project) and from the Hawthornvale path to Seafield.
These plans are still under development and will include additional improvements to the public spaces in the area.