Fears over pavement cyclists

COUNCILLORS say they have "grave concerns" about plans to allow cyclists to ride on the pavement in some areas of the city.

The council wants those on two wheels to be given access to specially widened pavements to help create an off-road cycle route between Leith and Portobello.

There are plans to create cycle lanes on pavements at the junction of Carrington Road and East Fettes Avenue, and at Arboretum Place outside the Botanics.

But at yesterday's transport committee, councillors said they had reservations about the plans.

City centre councillor Joanna Mowat said: "There's too many cyclists on pavements at the moment. Only yesterday I had to pull my child out of the way of a cyclist who came gaily up on the pavement."

Cllr Stuart McIvor added: "I have grave concerns on the legal side, with collisions etc."

The committee agreed to delay the measures until further studies could be carried out.