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johnrobson87.bsky.social
@johnrobson87.bsky.social
330 followers 300 following 180 posts
Person on a 🚲 in Edinburgh & beyond!
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Reposted
spokes.org.uk
👍 #FerryRoad path: closure rethink

Our letter to council & cllrs attached..

#EdTravCyc @edi.bike @robbieainsworth.bsky.social @iammelissa.bsky.social @sarcainian.bsky.social @thedreadedlurgy.bsky.social @andrewburnie.bsky.social @crgn.bsky.social @stefsagrott.bsky.social @tracygriffen.bsky.social
post from Prof Peter Matthews saying pathto be reopened for a rethink on the closure by Leonardo UK Spokes letter, part 1 I'm writing regarding the closure of the Ferry Road Path between Leonardo and Morrisons in TTRO TEMP/25/148 from today 21st November until 16th January 2026. As I'm sure you know, this path forms an important Active Travel connection in the north of Edinburgh, being Quietroute11 and a protected Core Path. It is estimated to have 300-500 daily cycle trips (NPT Scotland), along with many more pedestrian journeys. Usage typically peaks 8-9am and 3-5pm. Being an offroad path, it is relied on by many users who are not comfortable or experienced cycling on a main road, including families and children. Risk The safety measures for these works appear surmountable and should not require a full closure. The fence erection works are similar to works conducted by the council in the past, such as tree felling works. I've attached an example on the Coltbridge Viaduct from 2020. The diversion across the Crewe Toll Roundabout is extremely busy with motor vehicles and surely presents a greater dangerous to cyclists otherwise using an offroad path. Will this diversion be signed and made suitably safe? I note the requirements in the NRSWA Red Book to ensure diversions are risk assessed for all users. Spokes letter, part 2 Amenity We are also concerned by the duration of this closure and the lack of notice. It is dissapointing that the closure was only signed on Wednesday, less than 48 hours before coming into effect, for what are clearly long planned works. TTROs are advised by the council to be submitted 30 working days in advance for adaquate process, and we would expect atleast a weeks notice. Advance signage should be placed to warn users of the closure, such as the attached example from Holyrood Park. The closure can be included within the weekly Edi.bike cycling newsletter on Monday. The 8 week duration of the closure appears very onerous. Works extends over the Christmas period when no work will likely be taking place. Additionally, we would expect works on such a busy route to be limited to outside of peaks hours. For example, recent path closures on the Union Canal were limited to 9:30am-3:30pm, with a member of staff present to assist disabled access. Will it be possible to reopen the path during peaks hours and the Christmas period? Statute I note the Department of Transport TSM Chapter 8, repeated in the councils own factsheet, state: D3.32.17 Wherever possible, access should be maintained for cyclists in both directions throughout the period of road works, avoiding more hazardous diversions. Where possible, a segregated cycle lane or route away from the carriageway should be provided particularly on dual carriageways or multi-lane roads. D3.32.18 When cycle routes, and other facilities for the exclusive use of cyclists and pedestrians, are affected by the road works the changes should be clearly signed well in advance of the road works. D3.32.19 Where there is cycle provision, such as cycle lanes or tracks, efforts should be made to keep these open or to provide an acceptable alternative during the road works.
November 21, 2025 at 7:11 PM
Reposted
spokes.org.uk
🙄 #StMarks closure: info+notice unacceptable

Emailed council

@edi.bike @spurtle.bsky.social @andyheald.bsky.social @euanbaxter.bsky.social @johnrobson87.bsky.social @jackrmcaldwell.bsky.social @marklazarowicz.bsky.social @ellatasm.bsky.social @tracygriffen.bsky.social @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social
Clip of post re short notice for St Marks Path closure... #edibike @spokes.org.uk quite short notice for a well-used route, next to a school Spokes email to the council... I am emailing on behalf of Spokes planning group. We note with concern the proposed closure of St Marks Path. https://www.c-c-g.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Site-Info-Sheet-Powderhall-1.pdf The main issues we would highlight: 1) there is currently no visible signage notifying path users of this closure 2) The path is to be closed for 8 weeks, a significant proportion of which is during the contractors proposed Christmas shut down period 3) we are not aware of alternatives having been explored vs shutting the path 4) there is a suggested pedestrian diversion but it it not clear what alternative provision there will be for those cycling 5) there is a suggestion that this closure could be extended beyond 8 weeks map of the closure online concerns... ‪johnrobson87.bsky.social‬ ‪@johnrobson87.bsky.social‬ · 13h This is not appropriate with such short notice and no diversion. Surely access could have been via a diversion through the old waste reclaim site? Yet again active travel been considered last. ‪Ella‬ ‪@ellatasm.bsky.social‬ · 15h Great news in the long run, but a challenging route change for those of us who use it nearly daily. @spurtle.bsky.social ‪Andrew Heald‬ ‪@andyheald.bsky.social‬ · 13h Sorry but a major path closure with only 72 hours notice and with no agreed diversion is completely unacceptable. This work has been planned for months and yet there’s been no recent meaningful community engagement, and no information about the closure.
November 15, 2025 at 8:51 AM
johnrobson87.bsky.social
This is not appropriate with such short notice and no diversion. Surely access could have been via a diversion through the old waste reclaim site?
Yet again active travel been considered last.
November 14, 2025 at 7:40 PM
johnrobson87.bsky.social
Good find. The Manor Powis roundabout is a real missing link between Stirling and the Clackmannshire cycle network via Cambuskenneth.
Also Brunstane NCN bridge is being redesigned.
November 7, 2025 at 11:04 PM
johnrobson87.bsky.social
Yep it would useful if Voi & @edinhelp or BS equiv could respond to these concerns. I spotted the app now has photos which show temporary corners for “parking area” however up in Burntsfield they moved the well use dock and still people park at the old one?! 🤷‍♂️
November 6, 2025 at 5:15 PM
johnrobson87.bsky.social
Thanks to roving reporter Stella for the updates 👏
Retweets welcome 🙏
Safe cycling.
October 23, 2025 at 10:52 AM
johnrobson87.bsky.social
Indeed 🧐
October 7, 2025 at 11:04 AM
johnrobson87.bsky.social
Really 🤔?! Yes please don’t replace the same again as I reported it ages ago and it’s been missing more than it’s been there. Can’t actually remember when it was last in place.
October 7, 2025 at 10:50 AM
johnrobson87.bsky.social
I think the bollard was removed due to the works for the cycleway on Henderson St etc. to maintain access for the bins etc.
October 7, 2025 at 10:16 AM
johnrobson87.bsky.social
Used this yesterday. Such an improvement! 🙌
October 6, 2025 at 6:33 AM
johnrobson87.bsky.social
🪫 Seems to be popular but only 4 bikes available since this afternoon. Many bikes at docks but batteries are flat… obviously early days but prospective users getting disappointed & can’t be relied upon yet.
Did VOI forget the spare batteries 🔋 or are Edinburgh hills too steep?
FYI @spokes.org.uk
Map of cycle hire bikes available VOI app prompt where low battery bike is scanned VOI Ebike VOI ebike low battery light
September 5, 2025 at 8:19 PM