Wheels in motion to allow cyclists to ride on pavement

IT'S a long-standing gripe about cyclists that some of them seem as at home on the pavement as on the road.

But under moves being considered by the city council, those on two wheels could soon be given the right to use the footway to get across the city.

As part of its campaign to increase cycling across the Capital, the council hopes to begin statutory procedures to permit bikes on sections of the pavement on the A8 Glasgow Road and at Granton.

The initiative is part of a project to create a continuous off-road cycle route from South Gyle to Newbridge, which will form part of the city's "family network" of bike routes.

In Granton, officials hope to create an off-road route linking the existing cycle path with Silverknowes esplanade.

Cycling will be allowed on extra sections of the footway to improve cycle access to Telford College and to link up with new cycle routes expected with development at Granton.

Gary Bell, a spokesman for the Better Way to Work campaign, which encourages commuters to take travel by bike, welcomed the move.

He said: "Just as there are inconsiderate drivers who talk on their mobiles and flout red lights, there are some bad cyclists who cycle on pavements.

"The focus should be on responsible cycling and there are areas of the city where cyclists and pedestrians manage along together just fine.

"There is a perception that roads are dangerous for cyclists, so the opportunity to cycle off-road is ideal.

"But as people get more confidence, hopefully they will accept the challenge and cycle on the roads as well."

So-called "lycra louts" - cyclists who use the pavements - are breaking the law as it stands.

However, the council changes will mean anyone using the new cycle paths will not be breaking the law.

The sections of footway where cycling is to be allowed are mostly wide enough to accommodate both cyclists and pedestrians, the council said. However, in some areas the pavements will be widened.

Hugh Bladon, a spokesman for the Association of British Drivers, said cyclists already used pavements, regardless of the law. He said: "They already do it, so this isn't going to make a big difference.

"They all do it, so why not just make it legal?

"We might as well just give up and let them do it. Make it legal, but make sure the onus is on the cyclist to act responsibly and avoid injuries to pedestrians."

Edinburgh is the only UK city to have signed up to the Charter of Brussels, which sets a goal of having 15 per cent of all journeys done by bike by 2020. Councillor Gordon Mackenzie, the city's transport leader, said: "Where there are relatively low levels of pedestrian use, then shared paths are a cost effective way of creating routes for cyclists.

"In most places, the paths are already wide enough, but we'll be widening some sections and looking at extra signs to make sure they can be safely used by both groups."