THE City of Edinburgh Council is considering using Rose Street as a cycle lane during long-term George Street closures, a decision that Edinburgh’s cycling charities oppose.
As part of the council’s City Mobility Plan, George Street is set to close for up to three years as it transforms into an area that “prioritises walking and wheeling, then cycling, then public transport”.
During this time, councillors have considered using Rose Street as a two-way cycle route, so that active travel can continue through the city centre.
This has been met with disagreement from councillors and charities alike though, who see issues with the volume of pedestrians that currently use this route.
Rose Street already allows cyclists to travel westbound, but safety concerns may arise when travel is also permitted in the opposite direction.
The council’s report also considers Queen Street, Young Street, Hill Street and Thistle Street as alternative routes connecting George Street to the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL), but many of these have traditional setts which can be difficult to cycle on.
It states that Rose Street could offer a “low-cost alternative route that can be implemented quickly without the need for major infrastructure changes”.
The report reads: “As a pedestrian focused street, Rose Street already provides a safe, largely vehicle-free environment.
“One-way cycling on Rose Street is already permitted (cyclists can travel westbound with vehicular movement).
“Promoting two-way cycling as a secondary route provides potential to enhance the economic vibrancy for Rose Street.”
It also, however, considers that the space is “primarily designed for pedestrians” and is relatively narrow, meaning dedicated cycling infrastructure would be vital.
Transport convener Stephen Jenkinson told the Edinburgh Evening News: “Of the options that are in front of us, my personal opinion is that Rose Street is more feasible and ticks more boxes”.
UK charity for pedestrian safety, Living Streets, told the Edinburgh Inquirer however that: “Designating Rose Street as the main ‘temporary’ cycle route through the city centre would be insane.”
Lothian cycle campaign, Spokes, said: “We support two-way cycling on Rose Street to help people reach local shops and destinations.
“However, it is clearly not a suitable diversionary route for George Street or as a main cycle route.”
Convener of the Edinburgh group of Living Streets, David Hunter, said today: “Rose Street is the closest thing that Edinburgh has to a pedestrianised street and although cyclists are currently permitted to use the street in one direction yes, we were very alarmed to hear a council proposal to designate the street as a major route for cyclists between the west and east of the city centre.
“Although this is only a temporary proposal while plans for a more permanent route through George Street are still developing, we think it would be crazy to encourage Rose Street to be used as a through-route for cyclists across the city centre.
“Rose Street is often full of pedestrians walking, shopping and using the tables and chairs of cafes and pubs.
“It isn’t a suitable environment for mixing with high volumes pf cyclists, some using electric bikes (including all-too-often, illegally modified ones).
“There are various alternative routes for cyclists – not least Princes Street itself.
“None of these may be ideal, but Rose Street should be off the table as an option.
“We’re optimistic that common sense will prevail and the plans will be withdrawn but if not, we’ll encourage as much public opposition as possible.”
