Gas works delay cycle lane launch

THE launch of a new cycle lane connecting The Mound to King’s Buildings at Edinburgh University has been delayed until next month due to gas works in the Old Town area.

Teviot Row and the top of Middle Meadow Walk have been dug up to allow contractors to repair the gas network, cutting through the new red lanes. The bike lane was due to open last Friday.

Ian Maxwell, from the Spokes cycling organisation, said the network was part of a wider promotion of bike-riding city-wide and that cyclists would be prepared to wait. “The Quality Bike Corridor has been a signifiant step in the right direction but the long-term answer is to have space that’s going to be clear of vehicles,” he said.

Jim Orr, the city’s deputy transport leader, said: “The council is serious about getting more and more of us onto our bikes, that’s why we’re spending record sums on improving the infrastructure.”