Midlothian cycle facilities – now and future

Cllr Ian Baxter, Spokes member and Green councillor, has sent us an extensive list of cycling facilities in Midlothian, and is to draw up a paper of problems and opportunities which need addressed to encourage more people to use bikes for more journeys.

Cllr Baxter’s information is from a comprehensive official answer, and follows his agreement with the ruling minority SNP group [he is the only Green councillor in Midlothian] – which includes an emphasis on active and sustainable travel.  The cycling document is here [pdf 142k].

He is now planning to draw up a report listing problems large and small with existing cycling conditions, and opportunities to make things better, for discussion within the council.  He would like to hear from concerned Midlothian residents, or anyone else who uses a bike in the county.   Find his contact details here on the council website.   Spokes would appreciate you cc’ing us with any emails of suggestions.

Some major issues of current concern about which Spokes is aware include those below. This is just a list of issues that have been raised with us recently – it is certainly not an attempt to be comprehensive.   Please contact Cllr Baxter about these or any other Midlothian problems or opportunities which affect you or could help you and others.

• Ensuring good cycle connections between local communities and the new stations on the Borders railway.   See our Jan 3 news item for some specific examples and general discussion.
• Dangerous cycling connections between Roslin Institute and Edinburgh city, with fast roads and difficult junctions – and the University encouraging staff to travel by other than private car – a policy we endorse, but cycling conditions need to be safe and welcoming.
• A701, especially Loanhead to Roslin and Asda area – recently highlighted in the local newspaper.
• Straiton to Burdiehouse – we are pleased to report that Edinburgh Council has allocated funds to build this important connection in 2013/14, linking to Midlothian Council’s recent Straiton Pond path, thus providing a new minor-road/ path connection between the city and Midlothian.

Finally, if you cycle in Midlothian we can’t resist the opportunity to remind you of the Spokes Midlothian Cycle Map!