Over the last couple of years, I and am sure many more people who frequently stroll along the prom ie pensioners/families/dog walkers etc
are becoming increasing aware of the daily hazards with cyclists careering along the promenade at fair speeds!!
I know their is a 'sign' at the bottom of 'Kings Road' stating 'No Cycling' and there is probably one at the Joppa end! No idea how long the prom is!however, I feel that there should be 'prominent signage' to deter cyclist from using the prom for the aforementioned and following reasons:
Anyone accessing the prom from the feeder streets, Bath Street, Bridge Street etc. etc cannot see if there are any dangers ie cyclists,vehicles coming along, if one has children or pets - and the natural thing with children and pets when they see the beach 'they make a run for it', unfortunately they may not see a speeding cyclist or delivery vehicle(albeit the vehicles are normally sensible when it comes to the feeder streets) but the cyclists who use the prom for their morning exercise or route to work, appear to have the attitude that they have a right to cycle on the prom. Many's the time I have witnessed arguments due to 'near misses' I am wondering if the cyclists in question would be happy if their child/pet whoever was hit by a bike!!
In my and other's opinion who regularly use the promenade purely for recreational purposes - which it is meant to be for - (along with people whose flats front the prom) are aggrieved that the prom is turning into a major 'hazard zone' due to cyclists.
Therefore, as there appears to be money enough for landscaping 'paddling pools' perhaps before anything is done - safety for people using the prom and the 'proposed landscaped pool' should be a priority.
Perhaps the Environmental Wardens could be utilized more in detering cyclists.
Cycling on the Promenade
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Guest
Cycling on the Prom has always been a controversial issue, and one that splits the community. By coincidence, I had an email just the other day from Anna Grant, who chairs the Portobello Working Group. Part of her message deals with this very issue, as follows:
One of the criteria for the Seaside Award is that alternative forms of transport should be encouraged, and this would obviously include cycling. In other cities and other countries this seems to work and personally I feel that there is enough room on the Prom for everyone - pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders etc, if we all behave responsibly.
On the other hand not everyone cycles with consideration for others and this is a particular concern for the elderly and for parents with young children. My own young daughter was very nearly hit by a teenager who was behaving like an idiot.
So, is there a compromise? Could we have a designated cycle lane, for example, which seems to work pretty well in places like Middle Meadow Walk? As a community, shouldn't we be encouraging people, and particularly kids, to partake in something that is healthy and environmentally friendly? Or are we still as divided as ever on this issue?
What do you think?
I can see both sides of the argument. On the one hand, as an occasional cyclist myself, the Prom is an ideal off-road facility, particularly for young children and as a Safe Route to School. We shouldn't forget that the vast majority of cyclists on the Prom are careful and responsible. As ever, the problems are caused by a small percentage but everyone gets tarred with the same brush. (As a dog-owner I'm sure that Gemini can relate to that.) Personally, I feel that more 'no cycling' signs wouldn't make a jot of difference and the ban is in any case unenforceable in practice.Also, the issue of cycling on the Prom keeps re-surfacing particualry in relation to Seaside Award. The Portobello Working Group was wondering whether to re-consult with the community again on this issue. Do you think the web site's 'You Decide' could be used to guage public opinion?
One of the criteria for the Seaside Award is that alternative forms of transport should be encouraged, and this would obviously include cycling. In other cities and other countries this seems to work and personally I feel that there is enough room on the Prom for everyone - pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders etc, if we all behave responsibly.
On the other hand not everyone cycles with consideration for others and this is a particular concern for the elderly and for parents with young children. My own young daughter was very nearly hit by a teenager who was behaving like an idiot.
So, is there a compromise? Could we have a designated cycle lane, for example, which seems to work pretty well in places like Middle Meadow Walk? As a community, shouldn't we be encouraging people, and particularly kids, to partake in something that is healthy and environmentally friendly? Or are we still as divided as ever on this issue?
What do you think?
Cycling on the prom.
I'm sure that more lives will be saved by allowing cyclists to use the prom than force them to use the High St and Harry Lauder Roundabout.
Cycle lanes would help as Bob suggests and most cyclists would adhere to these and be considerate of pedestrians.
Unfortunately you get nutters who drive cars,ride bikes and jay walk onto roads and there's not a lot you can do about them ,apart from stay clear when in their vicinity.
Signage has never stoppped me riding along the prom and never will.The police have stopped me either.Mind you it is becoming difficult cycling through the rubbish that is pilling up in the prom,so I mind have to think of another route.
Cycle lanes would help as Bob suggests and most cyclists would adhere to these and be considerate of pedestrians.
Unfortunately you get nutters who drive cars,ride bikes and jay walk onto roads and there's not a lot you can do about them ,apart from stay clear when in their vicinity.
Signage has never stoppped me riding along the prom and never will.The police have stopped me either.Mind you it is becoming difficult cycling through the rubbish that is pilling up in the prom,so I mind have to think of another route.
Kevin.
Obviously persons who use the prom. to cycle on, totally disregard the signage!! so what's the point of having it in the first place if it's ignored and cannot be enforced!! do they ignore other such notices!!
Is there any resolve? cycleway perhaps! could this be an alternative?
I am totally for children using their cycles to get to and from school, as it is 'to date' a safe route and a healthy execrcise for kids.
Speaking as a parent, whose child's 'route to school' was the Sir Harry Lauder Road!!
The cycle route from porty. is via the Fishwives Causeway - and I think I posted another notice on the board regarding the hazards of using this route! Still 'no signage' here either, but if there was would it be
adhered too??
Is there any resolve? cycleway perhaps! could this be an alternative?
I am totally for children using their cycles to get to and from school, as it is 'to date' a safe route and a healthy execrcise for kids.
Speaking as a parent, whose child's 'route to school' was the Sir Harry Lauder Road!!
The cycle route from porty. is via the Fishwives Causeway - and I think I posted another notice on the board regarding the hazards of using this route! Still 'no signage' here either, but if there was would it be
adhered too??
Cycling on the Promenade.
The key here is safety.
Most cyclists choose to cycle on the promenade because it is safer than using a very busy High St.
I'm also sure that many of the cylists are all too aware of pedstrians,dogs,kids,skateboarders etc whilst cycling along the promenade and use reasonable caution.
The Promenade is wide enough for all users and it would be a sad day indeed if Cyclists were stopped from using it.
I also personally use the Fishwives Causeway route home from near the Kwik Fit garage as the Harry lauder Roundabout is far too dangerous.
Most cyclists choose to cycle on the promenade because it is safer than using a very busy High St.
I'm also sure that many of the cylists are all too aware of pedstrians,dogs,kids,skateboarders etc whilst cycling along the promenade and use reasonable caution.
The Promenade is wide enough for all users and it would be a sad day indeed if Cyclists were stopped from using it.
I also personally use the Fishwives Causeway route home from near the Kwik Fit garage as the Harry lauder Roundabout is far too dangerous.
Kevin.
Bikes on the Prom
Don't forget it's a PROMENADE and since all vehicles on official business are aware of that, why do cyclists decide their own speed limits? All motor Vehicles travel at less than ten miles per hour but some bikes travel at more than thirty. Did someone at sometime decide that bikes weren't included in that rule because they don't have engines?
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Guest
Well, you have heard some of the arguments. Now you have a chance to vote! The more observant of you will have noticed that we have recently changed the poll on our website front page. So if you haven't already voted please do so now. The Council is very keen to guage public opinion on this, so make sure your voice is heard.
In the meantime. let's hear your views for and against the idea.
In the meantime. let's hear your views for and against the idea.
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Guest
With 76 votes in, the verdict so far is most definitely FOR a cycle lane on the Promenade. Votes for outnumber those against by a ratio of 4:1. This may well be too small a sample to be considered statistically significant but nevertheless it does indicate strong support for the idea.
Having voted for, let me now play devil's advocate for a while. Would the creation of a cycle lane make an accident involving a bicycle and a pedestrian more or less likely? Would the cyclist not see the lane as his/her exclusive territory and be more likely to cycle in a fast and dangerous manner? Would young children understand the concept of a cycle lane? Remember, pedestrians would have to cross the cycle lane to access the beach.
I think the poll indicates that we are pro-cycling. We want to encourage cycling on the Prom as a healthy and environmentally friendly leisure pursuit. But is a dedicated cycle lane the answer? Interestingly, Ian Maxwell is not convinced, as demonstrated in a recent email:
Having voted for, let me now play devil's advocate for a while. Would the creation of a cycle lane make an accident involving a bicycle and a pedestrian more or less likely? Would the cyclist not see the lane as his/her exclusive territory and be more likely to cycle in a fast and dangerous manner? Would young children understand the concept of a cycle lane? Remember, pedestrians would have to cross the cycle lane to access the beach.
I think the poll indicates that we are pro-cycling. We want to encourage cycling on the Prom as a healthy and environmentally friendly leisure pursuit. But is a dedicated cycle lane the answer? Interestingly, Ian Maxwell is not convinced, as demonstrated in a recent email:
I think this view may surprise some people, coming as it does from a leading Spokes member, but it serves to highlight what a sensible and considerate group they are. I think Ian's idea is an excellent one. What do you think?In some ways, a manufactured compromise involving painted lanes would be the wrong answer, as it would give some cyclists the feeling that they had right of way. My ideal answer would be for the no cycling signs to be replaced with very prominent "careful and polite cyclists welcome" signs, plus a spot campaign to show that the police are serious about inconsiderate cycling.
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Guest
As one of the minority who voted against, I have to agree. A cycle lane is a green light for mad dashes from Joppa to Seafield - not what a promenade is about. I have no problem, on the other hand, with cyclists taking a relaxed jaunt. There's no reason why we can't all enjoy the prom if we're considerate.In some ways, a manufactured compromise involving painted lanes would be the wrong answer, as it would give some cyclists the feeling that they had right of way. My ideal answer would be for the no cycling signs to be replaced with very prominent "careful and polite cyclists welcome" signs, plus a spot campaign to show that the police are serious about inconsiderate cycling.
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Burt Toast
- Posts: 4
- Joined: 19 Oct 2003, 10:07
As a new member I'm very late in posting a comment on this subject 
. Having experienced the cycle lanes in the Meadows and the abuse you get from cyclists when you accidentally stray into their path, I am definitely NOT in favour of cycle lanes. Cycle lanes effectively give permission for cyclists to go tearing down their lane, into which children and animals would inevitably wander. The prom is not as wide as the Meadows path, there is no way of getting off the prom onto grass, and I think the current situation is generally safer: keep it a cycle free zone and don't enforce it - this seems to keep 99% of cyclists who break the rules cycling more carefully than I believe they otherwise would be.
. Having experienced the cycle lanes in the Meadows and the abuse you get from cyclists when you accidentally stray into their path, I am definitely NOT in favour of cycle lanes. Cycle lanes effectively give permission for cyclists to go tearing down their lane, into which children and animals would inevitably wander. The prom is not as wide as the Meadows path, there is no way of getting off the prom onto grass, and I think the current situation is generally safer: keep it a cycle free zone and don't enforce it - this seems to keep 99% of cyclists who break the rules cycling more carefully than I believe they otherwise would be.-
Guest
I'm sure that the 76.3% of those of you who voted in favour of a cycle lane on the Prom will be very disappointed to hear that it was decided recently at a Portobello Working Group meeting to maintain the status quo.
I should first of all explain that this group, consisting of representatives from various Council departments, local councillors and members of the Community Council, is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the development of the Promenade. This includes the ongoing improvements to the appearance of the Prom as well as events, promotion, the Seaside Award bid etc.
The online poll represents the views of 186 people at the time of writing. Questions, however, were raised about how representative this result was. Although individual members of the group are in favour of a cycle lane (not least because it promotes an environmentally mode of transport, which is something we will have to do if we have any aspirations of achieving Blue Flag status) those against the idea won the day. Crucially, Ian Maxwell's views on the subject were noted in this respect.
So what does the status quo mean? It means that cycling is not allowed on the Promenade and that sensible, otherwise law-abiding folk will have to break the law (and risk prosecution) if they wish to cycle on the Prom in a considerate and careful fashion. At the same time, it does nothing to deal with the real problem of the very small percentage of people who cycle in a reckless fashion. Burt suggests having a law that we then don't enforce, but where is the logic in that?
Surely, there must be a compromise that we can all live with? A cycle lane with a speed limit perhaps? 'Give Way' lines at access points to the beach? What we have is unsatisfactory for everyone concerned. Anyone have a solution?
I should first of all explain that this group, consisting of representatives from various Council departments, local councillors and members of the Community Council, is charged with the responsibility of overseeing the development of the Promenade. This includes the ongoing improvements to the appearance of the Prom as well as events, promotion, the Seaside Award bid etc.
The online poll represents the views of 186 people at the time of writing. Questions, however, were raised about how representative this result was. Although individual members of the group are in favour of a cycle lane (not least because it promotes an environmentally mode of transport, which is something we will have to do if we have any aspirations of achieving Blue Flag status) those against the idea won the day. Crucially, Ian Maxwell's views on the subject were noted in this respect.
So what does the status quo mean? It means that cycling is not allowed on the Promenade and that sensible, otherwise law-abiding folk will have to break the law (and risk prosecution) if they wish to cycle on the Prom in a considerate and careful fashion. At the same time, it does nothing to deal with the real problem of the very small percentage of people who cycle in a reckless fashion. Burt suggests having a law that we then don't enforce, but where is the logic in that?
Surely, there must be a compromise that we can all live with? A cycle lane with a speed limit perhaps? 'Give Way' lines at access points to the beach? What we have is unsatisfactory for everyone concerned. Anyone have a solution?
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Guest
Cycling on the prom is not a new concern by any means... As I was updating my web site I came across a photo taken on the prom about 10-12 years ago (before the boat shed was demolished)
http://www.morrice.info/wallpaper/signs.html
It seems a reasonable request(?), but someone decided to take the michael and graffiti the sign.
http://www.morrice.info/wallpaper/signs.html
It seems a reasonable request(?), but someone decided to take the michael and graffiti the sign.
As far back as I can remember there have always been no cycling signs on the prom. However, as far back as I can remember there have always been cyclists on the prom too! I'm in agreement with those who consider the prom to be the safest place for cyclists. We will always have inconsiderate cyclists but signs saying "Please cycle carefully/slowly/safely" (or all three!) might help. More than once I have come down to the prom via a side street to be faced with cyclists, horses (which in my opinion are far more dangerous when careering along the soft sand at however fast a galloping racehorse can go with no brakes), and once a Police car doing about 40! I now no longer let my dog off the lead until we are properly onto the promenade and I can see what traffic there is there. I am concerned about kids running down the side streets onto the beach - although mine are no longer at Towerbank that was also their route to school - it is only a matter of time before an accident does happen. I can't really see an adequate answer though!
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Guest
Given the decision taken at the Portobello Working Party (see 3 posts up) this is a bit of a dead subject at the moment, although I am sure it will re-surface. As a postscript the final results were:
Would you support the creation of a cycle lane on the Prom?
Yes - 206 (76.01%)
No - 60 (22.14%)
Don't know - 5 (1.85%)
Total votes cast - 271
The following comments were submitted:
Would you support the creation of a cycle lane on the Prom?
Yes - 206 (76.01%)
No - 60 (22.14%)
Don't know - 5 (1.85%)
Total votes cast - 271
The following comments were submitted:
Yes please. A simple lane could be marked to keep us cyclists out of the way of others.
As a cyclist who currently uses the prom, I would support a cycle lane. However, the current scenario of tacit approval (by most) of cycling does have its advantages, as cyclists are likely to be more mindful of the concerns of pedestrians. Either way, it is important that cyclists should feel free to use the prom, as any small increase in aggravation / danger to pedestrians will be outweighed by risk avoided by the cyclist (who then doesn't need to cycle the High Street, the Kings Rd roundabout, and Seafield Road).
Creating a cycle lane could hamper some pedestrians on the prom - eg those helping small children walk along the wall. On the other side it would disturb people enjoying a rest on the benches. Pedestrians outnumber cyclists, so why the need? Most cyclists are small children who don't cause a problem.
Thanks to everyone who participated.I think the Prom is wide enough to accommodate all its users - cyclists, dogwalkers, families etc. I cycle (considerately) on the prom to get to work but I feel slightly awkward as the official rule is no cycling. The alternative is a dangerous route along the busy High Street, or taking the car and adding to the congestion. A cycle lane would be great for separating the bikes and letting us feel welcome. Cyclists would still have to keep their speed down to avoid collisions with unpredictable children and dogs.
For a first post i'll dig up this old nugget!
I cycle along the prom at least twice each day to and from work. It is a lot better than stressing along the High Street. I always cycle with consideration for other folk on the prom (it's normally packed with school kids at that time in the morning).
This morning when I went past a woman there was a loud sigh - so I stopped for a wee discussion... She agreed I wasn't going fast and was indeed showing consideration, but "it's just so hard now for her to enjoy the prom with all the bikes". She talked about the "no cycling signs" and I pointed out that in fact these were confusing at the best:
Now, I think the current situation is fine - yes there are a few cycling nutters but they go hand in hand with the dog walkers who leave the dog crap and pedestrians who walk 10 across...
A dedicated cycle lane would be bad news, I've seen myself bomb around these on the Meadows - you just assume it's "your" space...
Good to see a gate installed yesterday at the Joppa Rd end - people were parking on the prom at times, now that is annoying!
L.
I cycle along the prom at least twice each day to and from work. It is a lot better than stressing along the High Street. I always cycle with consideration for other folk on the prom (it's normally packed with school kids at that time in the morning).
This morning when I went past a woman there was a loud sigh - so I stopped for a wee discussion... She agreed I wasn't going fast and was indeed showing consideration, but "it's just so hard now for her to enjoy the prom with all the bikes". She talked about the "no cycling signs" and I pointed out that in fact these were confusing at the best:
- 1.From the start of the prom at Seafield till about Bridge St (leisure centre) the prom is signed as dual use (you know, the cycle flying over the ped sign)
2. Coming onto the prom from side streets there are no signs teling you about cycling at all, or...
3. There are actually signs telling you the prom is dual use (this is certainly the case at the bottom of Marlborough Street)
Now, I think the current situation is fine - yes there are a few cycling nutters but they go hand in hand with the dog walkers who leave the dog crap and pedestrians who walk 10 across...
A dedicated cycle lane would be bad news, I've seen myself bomb around these on the Meadows - you just assume it's "your" space...
Good to see a gate installed yesterday at the Joppa Rd end - people were parking on the prom at times, now that is annoying!
L.
That Rat Race today down the prom on a bike between Joppa Rd and the swim pool really does show hom much worse the situation could be... Mothers were pulling kids out from in front of the speeding bikes...
Don't get me wrong, I think it's a good thing to make use of the beach. However a bit of planning and consideration for its other users should be a requirement! Compare the planning for the marathon to todays...
I said to one of the marshals that the prom wasn't really meant for cycling and perhaps they should be being a bit more careful... response - "maybe we got it closed". Pal, the lack of notices on streetlights says otherwise...
I cycled down myself with mrs wangi and upon getting to just before the pool we were shouted at by a marshal to "get out of the way of the bikes"... Aye, tae fuck. She got a bit of mind! Ended up having a word with one of the many police situated at the wrong end of the prom - complaing about the bikes etc while on a bike myself!
Don't get me wrong, I think it's a good thing to make use of the beach. However a bit of planning and consideration for its other users should be a requirement! Compare the planning for the marathon to todays...
I said to one of the marshals that the prom wasn't really meant for cycling and perhaps they should be being a bit more careful... response - "maybe we got it closed". Pal, the lack of notices on streetlights says otherwise...
I cycled down myself with mrs wangi and upon getting to just before the pool we were shouted at by a marshal to "get out of the way of the bikes"... Aye, tae fuck. She got a bit of mind! Ended up having a word with one of the many police situated at the wrong end of the prom - complaing about the bikes etc while on a bike myself!
cycling on the Prom
PROMENADE:
A Leisurely walk, especially one taken in a public place as a social activity.
A public place for such walking, especially along the the seafront. In this sense, also informally called 'prom'.
Simple
A Leisurely walk, especially one taken in a public place as a social activity.
A public place for such walking, especially along the the seafront. In this sense, also informally called 'prom'.
Simple
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Bob Jefferson
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Time to resurrect this thread in light of this letter from today's EN:
Portobello Prom cycling ban is not having an effect
Portobello Prom cycling ban is not having an effect
I don't see a problem with cycling on the prom, as long as the cyclist is sensable, may a lane would be a good idea... the only time I see problems is the summer months!
I personally dont think there is much the police can do for ignoring no cycling
I personally dont think there is much the police can do for ignoring no cycling
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Bob Jefferson
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From the EN letters page:
Walking the walk
Walking the walk
IN reply to James E Fraser, Chairman of the Cockburn Association (Letters, June 15), cycling on Portobello Prom is forbidden and a sign to that effect has been up at the Joppa entrance for many years.
As sun and salt had just about obliterated and corroded it and its post, the latter has been replaced with a new one. All the other entrances have or had the same.
Cyclists, officially classed as road users, should be aware of and comply with the Highway Code. By definition a promenade is "a place for leisure walking".
As a Prom-dweller I know that leisure cycling here has been tolerated. It is in particular those who use the Prom for commuting or sport cycling at speed who do this with a devil-may-care attitude, even when children, by right, play on the Prom. The same in fact goes for those who use footpaths.
If someone chooses to cycle, he takes the responsibility for his safety in his own hands, but not to the detriment of others.
JI Visser, Esplanade Terrace, Edinburgh
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Bob Jefferson
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Lawrence replies in the EN letters page today:
Light touch on cycle ban
Light touch on cycle ban
JAMES E FRASER asks me to clarify the position regarding cycling on Portobello Promenade. It is allowed from the Cat and Dog Home to the Indoor Bowls Centre but prohibited from there to Joppa.
The community remains divided about allowing cycling on what, after all, is a promenade. That's why the current ban remains on the busiest part of the Prom.
Enforcement is carried out with a light touch in recognition of the usefulness of the Prom to cyclists and as appropriate given the circumstances. But reckless cycling is not tolerated.
Councillor Lawrence Marshall, Portobello Ward, Edinburgh City Council, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh
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Bob Jefferson
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Keep the Promenade simple
Is it just me, or does the chairman of the Cockburn Street Association come across as slightly deranged? At least a dozen policemen walking up and down the Prom?
Is it just me, or does the chairman of the Cockburn Street Association come across as slightly deranged? At least a dozen policemen walking up and down the Prom?
I'd rather risk being mown down by a cyclist.Bob Jefferson wrote: Is it just me, or does the chairman of the Cockburn Street Association come across as slightly deranged? At least a dozen policemen walking up and down the Prom?
And exactly what is this "sad history" Portobello has relating to child safety?
If only there were a dozen or so Police patrolling the prom! especially in the evening and at night.
However, IMHO, the prom. is a dangerous place to walk along, lots of mad cyclists and as many vehicles.
There has been quite a serious accident, with a cyclist running into a
pensioner, just as he ventured out of his stair. By all accounts the pensioner suffered a broken hip. I'm sure there have been incidents that have not been reported.
Most people don't have a issue with children learning to cycle on the prom. its the would be racers that cause the problems.
I think the prom should be used for what it was intended - and that was not cyclists and vehicles.
However, IMHO, the prom. is a dangerous place to walk along, lots of mad cyclists and as many vehicles.
There has been quite a serious accident, with a cyclist running into a
pensioner, just as he ventured out of his stair. By all accounts the pensioner suffered a broken hip. I'm sure there have been incidents that have not been reported.
Most people don't have a issue with children learning to cycle on the prom. its the would be racers that cause the problems.
I think the prom should be used for what it was intended - and that was not cyclists and vehicles.
Gemini, as a regular cyclist along the prom I would say there is a place for cycling on it. However I am angry with turbo-nutter cyclists, and the bad light they paint responsible cyclists in.
Cycling is something that should be promoted at every opertunity. Don't let the minority of bad cyclists taint the majority who by and large are responsible.
Cycling is something that should be promoted at every opertunity. Don't let the minority of bad cyclists taint the majority who by and large are responsible.
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Pal of Porty
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Quite right Bob. The only thing simple in that article is the author.Bob Jefferson wrote:Keep the Promenade simple
Is it just me, or does the chairman of the Cockburn Street Association come across as slightly deranged? At least a dozen policemen walking up and down the Prom?
Justice delayed is justice denied.
That was my thought too- if so, it's a pretty irrelevant and extremely tasteless argument, in my view. Got nothing to do with cyclists on the Prom, surely?Marya wrote:I may be wrong, but I can only assume he's referring to the abduction of Caroline Hogg.ecm wrote:
And exactly what is this "sad history" Portobello has relating to child safety?
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Bob Jefferson
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Bob Jefferson
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and there's more...
Note he is nicking your best lines Epykat!No simple solution to cycling on Prom
JAMES FRASER (Letters, June 30) seeks a "simple" solution to cycling on Portobello Promenade. No such simple solution exists.
I represent the views of my constituents, and these are very mixed with respect to cycling on the Prom, hence the "light touch on cycle ban" approach contained in my previous letter.
Much work has been done in the local community on this issue over the years, particularly by Portobello Community Council.
Cycling along the Prom to Towerbank Primary School is a perfect "safer route to school" but no bye-law can say children only are allowed to cycle on the Prom - and, anyway, families wish to cycle together.
A dedicated cycle path isn’t feasible and in many ways is undesirable. Cycling when the Prom is quiet is fine but less so when it’s busy - but how do you frame a bye-law to express that?
Reckless cycling is not tolerated, and should be reported to the police. In truth, there have been very few accidents involving cyclists on the Prom.
By contrast, there have, unfortunately, been a few cyclist deaths in and around Portobello High Street in recent years.
Life isn’t black and white, but I can easily put Mr Fraser in contact with many local people if he wishes to pursue this issue further in the local community.
Councillor Lawrence Marshall, Portobello Ward, Edinburgh City Council, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh
Path to enlightenment
JAMES E FRASER’S timely reminder of the dangers cycling would cause on Portobello Promenade brought back a vivid memory of my childhood.
As a Portobellonian, I often cycled along this promenade in the 1950s when I was about nine years old although notices said this was illegal. Until, that is, one summer’s day when I suddenly noticed a large, burly policeman walking towards me. I tried to nip by him, but he thrust a rigid arm out and caught me by my shirt collar. I remained in mid-air with my legs dangling whilst my bike eventually toppled over several yards away.
This policeman lectured me on the dangers to myself and others and, believe me, I took notice. I never repeated my crime.
Of course, if that happened nowadays, that policeman would, no doubt, be suspended until charges of assault were examined and I would have continued to cycle on the Prom and probably progressed to graffiti, vandalism and petty theft.
Whilst children have to be protected, perhaps society should have stuck to at least some of our old practices.
Colin Wilson, Maggie Woods Loan, Falkirk
Share the Promenade
I FAIL to understand why James Fraser commented on Portobello Promenade while wearing his Cockburn Street Association hat, and I dispute the case he made.
Walking along the Prom last Sunday, one of the warmest and busiest days of the summer, I watched pedestrians, cyclists, skaters and roller-bladers, old and young, mixing happily in the sunshine. Everyone can share the Prom, and it is a wonderful place for young children to learn to ride their bikes in safety.
I agree that reckless cyclists need to be dealt with severely, alongside the people who allow their dogs to foul the beach and those who drop litter. But you cannot condemn all dog owners because of a few miscreants, and the same applies to cyclists.
Let’s open up the prom to all non-motorised users as long as they behave.
Ian Maxwell St Mark’s Place, Portobello