A major £1m scheme to transform a key walking, wheeling and cycling route in Edinburgh has been completed.
The upgrades have come to QuietRoute 61, which now connects Roslin in Midlothian to Portobello.
Signage has been expanded from Gilmerton Road, where it was originally, to Portobello Promenade, with further links added into the active travel network along the route, including National Cycle Network Routes 1 and 76 at Jewel Park and QuietRoute 10 at Portobello Promenade.
The initiative also saw the creation of a new ‘hybrid’ crossing and section of bi-directional cycle segregation at Gilmerton Road, plus the addition of three new ‘tiger’ crossings (a combination of a zebra and a crossing for cyclists) in and around the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and BioQuarter.
Crossings at Old Dalkeith Road and Niddrie Mains Road have been upgraded, along with further changes that improve conditions for people walking, wheeling and cycling.
Scott Arthur, councillor and transport and environment convener, said: “It was fantastic to join with members of the community and key project contributors to celebrate the completion of the QuietRoute 61 project.
“This has transformed a key cross-boundary route between Edinburgh and Midlothian, helping people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to walk, wheel and cycle easily and safely.
“It’s clear that we all need to rethink the way we move around the city if we are to cut congestion, air pollution and harmful carbon emissions, as we are reminded during Scotland’s Climate Week.
“Not only do Edinburgh’s QuietRoutes help people to make more sustainable transport choices, but they provide pleasant and enjoyable spaces, connecting key destinations around the capital.”
Edinburgh’s QuietRoutes are a network of walking, wheeling and cycling routes established to encourage safe active travel out of the way of main roads. The QuietRoute network is numbered and signed throughout the city, with some digital maps of the area available.
The idea behind QuietRoute 61 is to improve the accessibility of sustainable travel options by foot, wheel or bike. Key locations along the route are: Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, the BioQuarter and Portobello High School, as well as several communities in the south east of Edinburgh, such as Gilmerton, Moredun, Niddrie, Bingham and Portobello.
