Roadworks at Roseburn

[Hibby Bairn]

Does anyone know what they are actually doing? Been a mess for months now. What is taking so long?

[Scouse Hibee]

Does anyone know what they are actually doing? Been a mess for months now. What is taking so long?

Doing the cross city cycle route, costing millions and many months to go.

[Stairway 2 7]

Is costing millions but should hopefully be worth it. I read obesity costs the NHS 55 billion a year. I'd bet Scotland would be disproportionately high in that. Certainly many billions a year, possibly a billion a year in the lothians?

Money spent is money saved if we can get population fitter

[Scouse Hibee]

Is costing millions but should hopefully be worth it. I read obesity costs the NHS 55 billion a year. I'd bet Scotland would be disproportionately high in that. Certainly many billions a year, possibly a billion a year in the lothians?

Money spent is money saved if we can get population fitter

It won’t make the slightest bit of difference other than to those who already cycle. It certainly won’t encourage the masses to take up cycling !

[Stairway 2 7]

It won’t make the slightest bit of difference other than to those who already cycle. It certainly won’t encourage the masses to take up cycling !

Not at all cycling numbers are increasing every year and a lot of it is down to people feeling safer on the roads. I'd take my kid to school on a dedicated cycle lane but not on a main road. If we can get them cycling regularly then their health will be different in later life. We need to do what we can to get as many people cycling. Out of co2 omitting cars and helping crippling nhs costs

[Since90+2]

Not at all cycling numbers are increasing every year and a lot of it is down to people feeling safer on the roads. I'd take my kid to school on a dedicated cycle lane but not on a main road. If we can get them cycling regularly then their health will be different in later life. We need to do what we can to get as many people cycling. Out of co2 omitting cars and helping crippling nhs costs

They'd be better making Edinburgh leisure facilities free or massively discounted to local residents if they wanted to improve the health of residents. The cycle improvement program in Edinburgh must be running into the millions and is making Edinburgh's horrendous traffic even worse.

You'll get far more people taking up a free gym membership than you will trying to get them cycling about the city.

[Stairway 2 7]

They'd be better making Edinburgh leisure facilities free or massively discounted to local residents if they wanted to improve the health of residents. The cycle improvement program in Edinburgh must be running into the millions and is making Edinburgh's horrendous traffic even worse.

You'll get far more people taking up a free gym membership than you will trying to get them cycling about the city.

Fitness should definitely be subsidised. Cycling improvement programme is running into the millions and should massively increase. If its anywhere near a billion pound a year nhs Lothian spends on obesity, then if we cut that by even a tenth we could spend 100 mil a year.

Cycling numbers are increasingly hugely year on year and will further if roads are safe. Add in cars are helping this climate disaster then the more cars off the roads the better.

Yes some people need to drive in some cases. But taking kids to school, going for a few bits from the shop and taking short journeys on your bike or walk. It's now much quicker and cheaper Cycling in Edinburgh, electric bikes get rid of the hills also

[Paulie Walnuts]

Fitness should definitely be subsidised. Cycling improvement programme is running into the millions and should massively increase. If its anywhere near a billion pound a year nhs Lothian spends on obesity, then if we cut that by even a tenth we could spend 100 mil a year.

Cycling numbers are increasingly hugely year on year and will further if roads are safe. Add in cars are helping this climate disaster then the more cars off the roads the better.

Yes some people need to drive in some cases. But taking kids to school, going for a few bits from the shop and taking short journeys on your bike or walk. It's now much quicker and cheaper Cycling in Edinburgh, electric bikes get rid of the hills also

Where are you getting the £1b figure from?

That’s absolutely astronomical and seems extremely hard to believe (not saying you’re lying btw).

[Stairway 2 7]

Where are you getting the £1b figure from?

That’s absolutely astronomical and seems extremely hard to believe (not saying you’re lying btw).

It's poor quick maths to be honest

But the uk spends 58 billion a year
https://www.frontier-economics.com/uk/en/news-and-articles/articles/article-i9130-the-annual-social-cost-of-obesity-in-the-uk/#

Lothian is 900,000 people. So probably nearer £800,000,000 per year if just divided by population size. Although I think Scottish are more obese.

[Hibby Bairn]

Back to the Roseburn works. They have been at that stretch for at least 6 months. It's only a hundred yards or so. I don't see what it is that is taking so long?

[Paulie Walnuts]

Back to the Roseburn works. They have been at that stretch for at least 6 months. It's only a hundred yards or so. I don't see what it is that is taking so long?

Whenever I’ve drove past it, much like a lot of road works, there’s nobody there.

[hibsbollah]

They'd be better making Edinburgh leisure facilities free or massively discounted to local residents if they wanted to improve the health of residents. The cycle improvement program in Edinburgh must be running into the millions and is making Edinburgh's horrendous traffic even worse.

You'll get far more people taking up a free gym membership than you will trying to get them cycling about the city.

If you’re just measuring the two things in terms of getting fit, gym membership is £25 a month last time i looked, sometimes less sometimes more. Cycling is free, and if like me you sold your car and used the bike it to commute you’re saving £100-£200 a month on petrol if you drive, or something a bit less on bus fares around town. So one way of getting fit has a significant cost to the individual, one actually saves that individual money! I’d know which one I’d like the council to prioritise.

[Since90+2]

If you’re just measuring the two things in terms of getting fit, gym membership is £25 a month last time i looked, sometimes less sometimes more. Cycling is free, and if like me you sold your car and used the bike it to commute you’re saving £100-£200 a month on petrol if you drive, or something a bit less on bus fares around town. So one way of getting fit has a significant cost to the individual, one actually saves that individual money! I’d know which one I’d like the council to prioritise.

Cycling might be free, but the cost to implement the cycle schemes are not. I'd like to see them using the money for schemes that will actually get people fitter. IMO you'd have a far bigger impact with free / heavily subsided gym membership than some half baked cycles lanes.

[w pilton hibby]

Back to the Roseburn works. They have been at that stretch for at least 6 months. It's only a hundred yards or so. I don't see what it is that is taking so long?

I'm sure they found asbestos in the cellar of one or more of the shops there.

I think that has delayed the work.

[Stairway 2 7]

Cycling might be free, but the cost to implement the cycle schemes are not. I'd like to see them using the money for schemes that will actually get people fitter. IMO you'd have a far bigger impact with free / heavily subsided gym membership than some half baked cycles lanes.

How is cycling not making people fitter. If you cycle 20 minutes each way to work that will save hours in the gym a week. A gym that needs to paid for, massive energy bills and staffing ect.

I'd spend millions on both plus other schemes. Obesity is crippling us. The uk is clearly the most obese nation in Western Europe and has the 4th highest in Europe as a whole. Add in that during a cost of living crisis it will save the public thousands a year if they swapped the driving for cycling

[Scouse Hibee]

I'm sure they found asbestos in the cellar of one or more of the shops there.

I think that has delayed the work.

They did but have since admitted that the amount was small and the four week hold up it caused was unnecessary.

[Paul1642]

I can see zero downside of having good cycling infrastructure in our city. If you cycle or want to cycle then it gives you a safe way to do so helping you to save money and keep fit.

If you don’t want to cycle then it might help to reduce traffic if others do, along with long term savings to the NHS.

That and the benefit to local air quality if less cars are on the road. It’s not like thousands of people are immediately going to take up cycling to work at once but it will be a steady flow that will eventually make a difference over time. The quicker the infrastructure is in pace the quicker that process will accelerate.

This should be a separate issue to subsidised gym membership (which I am fully in favour of). It doesn’t need to be one or the other.

[Hibbyradge]

Cycling might be free, but the cost to implement the cycle schemes are not. I'd like to see them using the money for schemes that will actually get people fitter. IMO you'd have a far bigger impact with free / heavily subsided gym membership than some half baked cycles lanes.

I'm not sure you would.

Getting on a bike to cycle to work requires a lot less motivation than going to an optional gym after work.

Money isn't the reason most people don't go to the gym. It's a bloody slog and cycling for a definite purpose would be much more palatable. Not the right word but I'm in a rush.

[J-C]

Or simply spend the money resurfacing all the roads, paint cycle lanes as normal then cyclist won't have to cycle in the middle of the road to avoid potholes and such.

[Stairway 2 7]

Or simply spend the money resurfacing all the roads, paint cycle lanes as normal then cyclist won't have to cycle in the middle of the road to avoid potholes and such.

Painted cycle lanes are useless when cars vans and taxis always park in them. Also some cars just drive through them anyway. But road surfaces are definitely a problem

[J-C]

Painted cycle lanes are useless when cars vans and taxis always park in them. Also some cars just drive through them anyway. But road surfaces are definitely a problem

Nonesense, how do cyclist get around Edinburgh when there's no special cycleway for them, most never use painted cyclelanes due to the condition of the roads.

[stuart-farquhar]

Is costing millions but should hopefully be worth it. I read obesity costs the NHS 55 billion a year. I'd bet Scotland would be disproportionately high in that. Certainly many billions a year, possibly a billion a year in the lothians?

Money spent is money saved if we can get population fitter
You don't need cycle lanes to keep fit. What you do need is personal responsibility to eat well and do exercise that suits your age. That's about it.

[Since90+2]

I'm not sure you would.

Getting on a bike to cycle to work requires a lot less motivation than going to an optional gym after work.

Money isn't the reason most people don't go to the gym. It's a bloody slog and cycling for a definite purpose would be much more palatable. Not the right word but I'm in a rush.

Don't agree.

A nice, safe, warm gym environment that also has a pool and potentially a sauna are far easier environments to get people to excercise in compared to asking folk to cycle to their work in the kind of climate we have.

[speedy_gonzales]

Nonesense, how do cyclist get around Edinburgh when there's no special cycleway for them, most never use painted cyclelanes due to the condition of the roads.

I'm not sure what you're referring to as nonsense, but it is true that "painted" cycle lanes are pretty much a waste of time.
Firstly, paint protects nobody. A poor equivalence would be painting a walkway on a road without a pavement. Would a parent be happy letting their child walk along that?
Secondly, there's a bike lane that has been painted between Kings Buildings and Bristo Sq, maybe 20 years ago now. I think it's known as "QBC", quality bike corridor. I've never seen or known the painted bike lane to be clear, especially around Causewayside as there is invariably parked vehicles forcing cyclists out of the lane and in to general traffic.
So what's the point of paint on the road???

I know there's been quite a few high profile campaigns trying to educate drivers on the correct passing technique and how we have to give priority to pedestrians crossing at junctions, but in my lived experience, very few drivers are doing it. The majority of drivers are either ignorant of the rules or their deliberately choosing to ignore them.
I'm not as convinced as most that completely separate infrastructure will bring out the reluctant cyclists or potential encourage those to cycle that hadn't considered it before.
Personally, I'd try and foster, at local level, a better relationship between all road users, get rid of this toxic "them & us" conversation and provide road equity to those that need it.

[Stairway 2 7]

Don't agree.

A nice, safe, warm gym environment that also has a pool and potentially a sauna are far easier environments to get people to excercise in compared to asking folk to cycle to their work in the kind of climate we have.

These are separate issues why are you trying to make it a versus. We should have subsidised gyms and separately good cycle facilities. We need to do everything we can when it's costing us millions and hurting a struggling nhs

[Stairway 2 7]

You don't need cycle lanes to keep fit. What you do need is personal responsibility to eat well and do exercise that suits your age. That's about it.

Personal responsibility doesn't work hence we have by far the most obese nation in Western Europe. Why try and cut down alcohol use or drug use surely personal responsibility should work

[Pretty Boy]

Don't agree.

A nice, safe, warm gym environment that also has a pool and potentially a sauna are far easier environments to get people to excercise in compared to asking folk to cycle to their work in the kind of climate we have.

A free or very cheap gym membership would be something that loads of people would sign up for. How many would actually use it over the long term though?

There were a couple of studies conducted recently that showed between 55 and 77% of people who pay for gym memberships don't use them. If that's people who are paying anywhere between £15 and £60+ a month choosing not to use them what percentage will it be if we are giving them away for nothing?

I'm not convinced investment in cycling infrastructure is going to see a huge uptake in cycling either if I'm honest. I walk to work most days. I bought a bike a couple of years ago and despite having an excellent off road cycle way for the vast majority of my route to work my bike has rarely been used for about 18 of those 24 months. I just don't enjoy it and prefer the walk or run.

Being totally honest I think the reason a lot of people don't exercise is down to lifestyle choice rather than lack of facilities or the cost being prohibitive. It costs nothing to go for a walk and there are plenty sports that can be enjoyed for minimal outlay. I've got loads of mates who are starting to realise that lager and kebabs leave more of an impression at 35 than they did at 25. I've encouraged them along to ParkRun, which is free. They sign up initially, stick it for 2 or 3 weeks then lose interest again until it's time for new years resolutions when the 3 week pattern repeats. Same with the ones who started Couch to 5K, (mostly during lockdown as it was an excuse to get out the house). A couple really stuck at it and are now enthusiastic runners. The majority developed 'injuries' as soon as it got a bit tougher and never seem to have got over their stubbed toes or tight hamstrings. Give them a free bike or a free gym membership and they would be enthusiastic for about 5 minutes then Netflix, Dominos and a Sunday sesh would all become more appealing again.

[The_Exile]

The people who are targeted in these schemes to "get people cycling" can't afford to feed their kids or heat their homes at the moment so how will they be able to afford a bike? I have said this for years within my own social circle that cycling is the way forward, especially in a relatively small city such as Edinburgh, but free (means tested) bikes should be offered to anyone that wants one.

[He's here!]

Whenever I’ve drove past it, much like a lot of road works, there’s nobody there.

Agreed. Snail's pace progress. Very frustrating not to be able to turn right at the Roseburn Bar when heading towards town.

The other seemingly endless roadworks are at Craigleith Road which has quite literally been closed for years.

[Stairway 2 7]

The people who are targeted in these schemes to "get people cycling" can't afford to feed their kids or heat their homes at the moment so how will they be able to afford a bike? I have said this for years within my own social circle that cycling is the way forward, especially in a relatively small city such as Edinburgh, but free (means tested) bikes should be offered to anyone that wants one.

I agree. But you can get a bike that will get you about for 100, that's under 2 months of a bus pass or petrol for a car. So anyone who can afford to drive to work or get the bus will make a massive saving in the year that would help them financially

[Scouse Hibee]

Agreed. Snail's pace progress. Very frustrating not to be able to turn right at the Roseburn Bar when heading towards town.

The other seemingly endless roadworks are at Craigleith Road which has quite literally been closed for years.

I thought it had reopened?

[CropleyWasGod]

I thought it had reopened?

It has.

[gbhibby]

I am not against cyclists but having driven a taxi for a number of years cyclists were a nightmare, going through red lights and generally not obeying the rules of the roads. You can cycle on the road without going through any sort of testing system and education on the highway code. An education programme and testing may reduce the accidents involving cyclists. Not all cyclists are car/motor cyclists.

[Hibbyradge]

Don't agree.

A nice, safe, warm gym environment that also has a pool and potentially a sauna are far easier environments to get people to excercise in compared to asking folk to cycle to their work in the kind of climate we have.

I'd far rather cycle to work and back every day than flog myself on a treadmill or cross trainer.

I don't think anyone ever got fit in a sauna! 😁

[SChibs]

I'd far rather cycle to work and back every day than flog myself on a treadmill or cross trainer.

I don't think anyone ever got fit in a sauna! 😁

Each to their own. You couldn't pay me to cycle to work but I'll happily go to a gym and lift weights 5 times a week

[Since90+2]

I'd far rather cycle to work and back every day than flog myself on a treadmill or cross trainer.

I don't think anyone ever got fit in a sauna! 😁

Saunas are incredibly healthy, they won't make you fit per se but regular use is linked to multiple health benefits.

[Skol]

I am not against cyclists but having driven a taxi for a number of years cyclists were a nightmare, going through red lights and generally not obeying the rules of the roads. You can cycle on the road without going through any sort of testing system and education on the highway code. An education programme and testing may reduce the accidents involving cyclists. Not all cyclists are car/motor cyclists.

I am not against taxi drivers but having cycled on the roads of Edinburgh for a number of years, taxi drivers were without a doubt the biggest danger. Assuming the rules of the road do not apply to them and they take priority over everyone else, putting many cyclists lives in danger. An education programme and testing may reduce the accidents and near misses involving taxis.

[SChibs]

Saunas are incredibly healthy, they won't make you fit per se but regular use is linked to multiple health benefits.

Excellent benefits when used post workout for people trying to gain muscle or strength. They are also linked to a lower risk of heart and other problems when used regularly

[gbhibby]

I am not against taxi drivers but having cycled on the roads of Edinburgh for a number of years, taxi drivers were without a doubt the biggest danger. Assuming the rules of the road do not apply to them and they take priority over everyone else, putting many cyclists lives in danger. An education programme and testing may reduce the accidents and near misses involving taxis.
I agree about taxi drivers especially some of the black cabs cyclists are more vulnerable so should not be running red lights and make themselves visible to other road users we all need to follow the rules.

[hibsbollah]

I am not against taxi drivers but having cycled on the roads of Edinburgh for a number of years, taxi drivers were without a doubt the biggest danger. Assuming the rules of the road do not apply to them and they take priority over everyone else, putting many cyclists lives in danger. An education programme and testing may reduce the accidents and near misses involving taxis.

:greengrin

I’ve said this before but despite commuting through town a lot I don’t see all this cyclist-motorist rage that everyone talks about online. In reality It’s all quite respectful and everyone trying to avoid having an accident , which is what we all want really :dunno:

[He's here!]

I thought it had reopened?

Really? It's been closed so long I'd just factored it in as a no-go route.

[He's here!]

I'd far rather cycle to work and back every day than flog myself on a treadmill or cross trainer.

I don't think anyone ever got fit in a sauna! 😁

London Street Sauna arguably offers scope for a stimulating workout...

[gbhibby]

London Street Sauna arguably offers scope for a stimulating workout...
Do they do flogging as an extra, just asking for a friend
😁

[Scouse Hibee]

Really? It's been closed so long I'd just factored it in as a no-go route.

Drove along it tonight, definitely open 😀

[overdrive]

I'd far rather cycle to work and back every day than flog myself on a treadmill or cross trainer.

I don't think anyone ever got fit in a sauna! 😁

Depends on the type of sauna and how vigorous you go at it :wink:

[Paul1642]

:greengrin

I’ve said this before but despite commuting through town a lot I don’t see all this cyclist-motorist rage that everyone talks about online. In reality It’s all quite respectful and everyone trying to avoid having an accident , which is what we all want really :dunno:

It’s something I never really noticed until I started cycling. More often that not it’s the fault of the road layout or state of repair rather than the cyclist or their motorist e.g motorists is mad that the cyclist is in the middle of the road whilst probably being unaware that the side of the road is full of pot holes so big they would bring you off your bike. A pothole that a car driver would barely be aware of is enough to pop a road bikes tyre and ruin your day.

Whilst there are clearly people in every category with chips on their shoulders or who don’t follow the rules and show respect to others, most issues really come down to poor infrastructure.

[Skol]

I agree about taxi drivers especially some of the black cabs cyclists are more vulnerable so should not be running red lights and make themselves visible to other road users we all need to follow the rules.

I agree, but it’s not true about cyclists running red lights. Some do but almost all don’t. Whereas drivers and particularly taxis who run red lights close are a danger

The bigger issue with cyclists are those wearing dark colours with no lights.

[McD]

:greengrin

I’ve said this before but despite commuting through town a lot I don’t see all this cyclist-motorist rage that everyone talks about online. In reality It’s all quite respectful and everyone trying to avoid having an accident , which is what we all want really :dunno:

In regards the avoiding accidents point, I have this conversation with my wife regularly. She’ll ask why I haven’t gone at a particular moment on a junction, when I say I’ve been avoiding a car/bike/truck/whatever, she’s replied saying ‘but you’ve got right of way’. I’ve always responded saying ‘avoidance of a crash is better than having one for the sake of saying I’ve got right of way’

[Stairway 2 7]

In regards the avoiding accidents point, I have this conversation with my wife regularly. She’ll ask why I haven’t gone at a particular moment on a junction, when I say I’ve been avoiding a car/bike/truck/whatever, she’s replied saying ‘but you’ve got right of way’. I’ve always responded saying ‘avoidance of a crash is better than having one for the sake of saying I’ve got right of way’

I say the same. I might take a minute longer cycling to work, but I just let the nutters through if they are racing and don't cut inside cars ect. I don't fancy arguing that it was my right of way when I'm in the hospital

[patch1875]

Roseburn Gardens permanently closed off now. Was always a handy short cut when busy.

[speedy_gonzales]

Roseburn Gardens permanently closed off now. Was always a handy short cut when busy.

In one direction only surely? I thought, well looking at the proposed plans, you could still take a left from Terrace in to the Gardens?

[Keith_M]

I cycled occasionally when we lived in Germany, as it felt pretty safe, what with dedicated lanes on pavements and lots of off-road routes.

I've never felt the same about it since coming back to the UK. as I'm not entirely convinced about the safety aspect.

Yes, there are some dedicated cycles routes you can use, but travelling between them, on busy roads, can be a nightmare. They're also few and far between, so usually not suitable for where I want to go.

[patch1875]

In one direction only surely? I thought, well looking at the proposed plans, you could still take a left from Terrace in to the Gardens?

Maybe I’m wrong but it looks like the pavement goes straight across now.

Going past later will have a look!

[Glory Lurker]

I hope they’ve accounted for the additional wear and tear that the stabilisers on jambos’ bikes will make.

[hibsbollah]

It’s something I never really noticed until I started cycling. More often that not it’s the fault of the road layout or state of repair rather than the cyclist or their motorist e.g motorists is mad that the cyclist is in the middle of the road whilst probably being unaware that the side of the road is full of pot holes so big they would bring you off your bike. A pothole that a car driver would barely be aware of is enough to pop a road bikes tyre and ruin your day.

Whilst there are clearly people in every category with chips on their shoulders or who don’t follow the rules and show respect to others, most issues really come down to poor infrastructure.

I agree with that. Some of the pot holes (and the cack handed attempts by contractors to fix them by pouring a bit of hardcore in the hole) are laughable. But I also just urge folk to give urban cycling a try, it’s not as scary as it seems.

[J-C]

Maybe I’m wrong but it looks like the pavement goes straight across now.

Going past later will have a look!


It's opened up, the pavement has been changed and looks like it goes all the way across but you can exit from the Gds no bother.

[J-C]

I agree, but it’s not true about cyclists running red lights. Some do but almost all don’t. Whereas drivers and particularly taxis who run red lights close are a danger

The bigger issue with cyclists are those wearing dark colours with no lights.


For someone not against taxi drivers, you're having a right good go at calling them all criminals by deliberately running red lights, that's something I take personally and don't appreciate. :grr:

[Skol]

For someone not against taxi drivers, you're having a right good go at calling them all criminals by deliberately running red lights, that's something I take personally and don't appreciate. :grr:

I said run red lights close. Amber gamblers if you like although some are just in to the red. I also sailings all drivers.

It’s hard enough forncarsvtryingbtonturnnrightbwhen this happens. As a cyclist you have no chance and can be left dangerously exposed.

[speedy_gonzales]

For someone not against taxi drivers, you're having a right good go at calling them all criminals by deliberately running red lights, that's something I take personally and don't appreciate. :grr:

I'm sure you'll understand that many cyclists (who may also be drivers) feel the same when folk blanket comment on all cyclists breaking the rules/laws, tarring then all with the same brush. It could so easily be pedestrians, white van men, motorcyclists, taxis etc.
As I alluded to earlier, it shouldn't/can't be a them v's us argument unless it's a responsible v's irresponsible argument.

[heretoday]

I agree, but it’s not true about cyclists running red lights. Some do but almost all don’t. Whereas drivers and particularly taxis who run red lights close are a danger

The bigger issue with cyclists are those wearing dark colours with no lights.

High viz tops and helmets should be mandatory. It's common sense. No use occupying the high moral ground if you're lying in traction.

[gbhibby]

High viz tops and helmets should be mandatory. It's common sense. No use occupying the high moral ground if you're lying in traction.
As well having lights on the bike