Thursday September 5th 2019
Trinity Primary p7 pupils trying out the route.
Written by Midlothian View reporter, Luke Jackson
Some of the capital’s youngest generation of cyclists pedalled through the rain to officially open a newly-improved active travel route beside Lower Granton Road.
Pupils from Trinity Primary, led by MyAdventure guides, helped test out the upgraded shared use path along McKelvie Parade, which forms part of the city’s QuietRoute cycling and walking network.
The £650k Places for Everyone scheme, funded by Transport Scotland through Sustrans, aims to enhance the route between Trinity Junction and Granton Square. It has seen the existing path widened and extended, better connecting to the North Edinburgh Path Network at Trinity Path, as well as the installation of a new toucan crossing near Granton Square.
The development of designs has been influenced by feedback gathered as part of a consultation with the local community.
Transport and Environment Convener Councillor Lesley Macinnes said:
“I am delighted to mark the completion of this scheme. We’ve really listened to the community as part of its development so we can deliver improvements that benefit as many people as possible.
“We are committed to encouraging cycling and walking as easy, safe and sustainable modes of transport and projects such as this, which enhance connectivity and provide welcoming, off-road routes, are key to these aims.”
Tierney Lovell, Infrastructure Delivery Manager for Sustrans Scotland, said:
“Routes that encourage walking, cycling and wheeling as part of an everyday journey are important to include as part of new housing developments. We’re pleased that Edinburgh were able to add the latest expansion of the Granton Waterfront to the growing QuietRoute network at an early stage, making sure that new residents can travel to the city centre and beyond on off-road routes from day one.”
Measures to create a welcoming environment along the route also include landscaping to create accessible viewing points, new seating and LED lighting. Planting of wildflowers and trees next to the pathway is set to be carried out by the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh in the near future.
It is intended that the changes, which better connect the area to the city’s cycling and walking network and result in a safer and more relaxed environment, will encourage more people to choose to walk or cycle. Additional funding from Paths for All’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme will further support the promotion of active travel in the area.
The scheme will complement broader plans to transform Granton Waterfront, which envision significant development and public realm improvements over the coming 10 to 15 years.
Find out more about cycling and walking projects on the Edinburgh Council website.
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