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Q9: Any Additional Comments?
Survey 1
At the moment the walkway is used by all. the riders are courteous, and from a walkers point of view, can be heard approaching. The cyclists are not heard until they are level with walkers if they do not ring their bells which is on many occasions. Their attitude is inpolite as if they own the walkway. The joggers can be heard by their footwall and are also courteous. In my view the walkway is an accident waiting to happpen with the speed that the cyclists are travellling. If the walkway is paved the cyclists will travel even faster and the risk of accidents would be greater. This walkway is a rural path. Surely the users can wear suitable footware if it is wet.
10/1/2017 11:31 AM
yes hard surface and lit
9/26/2017 8:44 PM
I regularly use the walkway with a buggy as do many others. The whole aim is to get out into a natural environment with my family. Paving the path to me contradicts this as it is not the natural environment. It also makes children’s regular trips and falls more likely to result in injury as a paved surface will be much less forgiving to skin and clothing that the current path. I also have concerns about increased and faster bicycling on the path and the hazard this would pose to myself as a walker, my children and my dog. The water of Leith walkway is not a cycle path and it should not be turned into one.
9/26/2017 7:56 PM
No
9/25/2017 8:43 PM
It is more natural to have it unsaved and from a runners perspective better on the joints!
9/25/2017 7:59 PM
Paving the surface will not solve anything. Rain, leaves, twigs and horses will still create an accumulation of mud.
9/25/2017 10:41 AM
I’m happy to have the non-paved bits as they slow down cyclists a bit into reasonable speeds and demand more attention by people.
9/25/2017 9:57 AM
its already very congested for commuting by bike as there are so many dog walkers walking multiple dogs who dont have their dogs under control.
9/24/2017 10:37 PM
If the surface was to be hard, it would be better for all kinds of cyclists, which can reach high speeds…. will that be factored into the safety assessment… and will the oath be suitably divided thus making it safer for walkers, etc… the elderly that may be hard of hearing and not hear bells or shouts…
9/24/2017 10:28 PM
It’s great the way it is. Too much Tarmac means more runoff.
9/24/2017 9:59 PM
It is difficult to find unpaved routes near urban areas. Unpaved paths are much less damaging to your joints. Also more paving leads to more flash flooding.
9/24/2017 9:21 PM
A bit of mud doesn’t do anyone harm. We have too few ‘natural’ spaces in the city it is and the Water of Leith is a treasure in this regard. To see it paved would be heartbreaking.
9/24/2017 9:20 PM
Absolutely don’t want to see yet more tarmac in Edinburgh. It’s already difficult to run more than a very short distance on a natural trail route and speeding up cyclists on this path would spoil enjoyment for others in one of edinburgh’s most beautiful natural places. Mud washes off, but the effect of nature stays and has immense benefit on physical and mental health.
9/24/2017 8:14 PM
More sanitisation of our countryside!!!
9/24/2017 8:00 PM
I strongly object to it being covered in Tarmac There are other routes to take if you don’t want to get muddy. It’s part of its charm and mud didn’t harm anyone.
9/24/2017 7:08 PM
No
9/24/2017 6:49 PM
There’s is absolutely no need for this. The main reason that i use the route is because it IS soft.
9/24/2017 6:25 PM
There is a pavement at the road for those who want /need a paved surface
9/24/2017 5:53 PM
I see it as a county path and therefore expect it to me muddy when wet so dress appropriately. I feel tarnacing it would be jarring and uncomfortable to run on it will allow bike to travel faster and therefore become more dangerous than some already are. It would also take away from from the fact it is a natural green space. Please please please don’t do it!
9/24/2017 5:34 PM
The environment of the Water of Leith path, which runs from Balareno to Leith, would be worse if any more of it was paved!
9/24/2017 5:16 PM
No
9/24/2017 5:05 PM
Paving is only of benefit if there is a maintenance budget for ice treatment, leaves clearing etc.
9/24/2017 5:00 PM
Leave as is
9/24/2017 4:42 PM
drainage could be improved without a hard surface. It’s important that the path remains a little bit of the countryside in the city. Turning it into road like environment would be terrible.
9/24/2017 4:24 PM
I believe that the current path is only muddy in parts and some surfacing work would be much more affordable than a complete resurface. Concrete is bad for runners (there is no give in the surface) and the WOL path is one of the joys of running in Balerno, Juniper Green, Currie areas. A totally paved surface would lead to more repetitive strain injuries.
9/24/2017 4:12 PM
We have enough roads and pavements. The path is easily usable by cycles now, that is not the reason for people not using it. It just needs to be promoted more.
9/24/2017 4:10 PM
We have enough hard standing pavements and this is one of the few rural accessible paths in the area that’s not concrete. You will take away the fun of the countryside for children and it will be too slippy in winter. Leave it alone!
9/24/2017 3:59 PM
Its perfect as it is, it would destroy the beauty of it if paved.
9/24/2017 3:57 PM
Likely to cause a lot of disruption
9/24/2017 3:56 PM
I feel strongly about preserving a little of nature and avoiding creating a concrete jungle. Mud washes off and there are pavements/roads nearby if it is an issue.
9/24/2017 3:48 PM
I love trail running on soft muddy surfaces but I can see why there are advantages of a paved surface. How about considering a half and half paved and trail surface particularly where the trail is wide ?
9/24/2017 3:02 PM
This reduces something quite special to little more than a pavement. (Which there is one of a mere thirty metres away). Drainage issues are far cheaper to address than paving the length of the walkway, it’s a question of water mamagement.
9/24/2017 2:50 PM
Don’t pave it!
9/24/2017 2:48 PM
The path is a welcome break from the pavements and to pave it would completely spoil it. It’s a bit of countryside in the middle of the city and should be enjoyed as such. A bit of mud doesn’t hurt anyone. My children loved adventures on the Water of Leith when they were young, including splashing in the puddles. I strongly object to the Water of Leith walkway being paved. The canal path has already been spoiled in this way.
9/24/2017 2:30 PM
Whilst paving would deal with the issues stated, it would detract from the country feel of the current path. Maintenance of the existing surface would be preferable in my opinion. I do agree something needs to be done.
9/23/2017 7:05 AM
I’d like a hard surface but not too hard – as a runner, I wouldn’t like it to feel like road running…is that possible??
9/19/2017 11:22 PM
Lanark Road is getting more and more congested, and in the morning cycling from Currie in to Morningside the worst section of the ride is along the Lanark Road from Currie to Gillespie cross roads. I use the Water of Leith as often as I can, but when it is really wet and muddy I either drive (oh no – another car – not what is needed, just me in one car) or cycle along the road. Every time I cycle along the Lanark Road i feel I’m taking my life in my hands – its pretty scary now with so much traffic. It would be BRILLIANT to see some hard paving along the water of leith.
9/19/2017 10:11 PM
I think this is a ridiculous idea. I understand the pollution issue however what about the impact on the environment and nature. Together with the issues above paving the path would also continue to encourage this overly clean lifestyle people are becoming obsessed with. A little mud doesn’t do any harm! People need to be more involved in nature and paving the water of leith is not only a waste of money but it also just takes humans another step away from nature and the outdoors. As a dog walker we are used to getting muddy and it’s really not that big of an issue. People need to get a grip!! A grip on nature!!
9/17/2017 11:41 PM
The upper reaches of this path (i.e. the old railway line) is a ‘walkway’ and an accepted route for horses by CEC. About 20 years ago it became part of cycle route 75. As it was not originally constructed as a multi-use path it is, in places, much less than the Sustrans recommended minimum 5m width. At present some cyclists travel on this ‘muddy’ route as if they had right of way over other users. They don’t! They come up behind dog walkers and horse riders with no bell or other warning and seem to get cross when dog walkers need time to get their dogs off the ‘cyclist’s path’ or surprised if the horse shies. I enjoy riding and walking, with suitable footwear, on this pleasant country route. I acknowledge that different types of users, with different needs, have equal rights to be on it, but I am not in favour of this walkway being paved because cyclists could travel even faster than they do at present!
9/17/2017 9:07 AM
This is a country walkway in a country environment where the vagaries of an unsurfaced path are part of the attraction. As a regular cyclist over many years, I have not found the surface to be in the least offputting. As a dog walker I have found that some cyclists make no concessions to loose dogs and walkers by moderating their speed. When cycling, I have always felt that priority should be given to pedestrians as the name of the path is ‘Water of Leith Walkway.’ I fear that the increase in cycling speeds which would be a likely consequence of surfacing would not be in the interests of any users other than cyclists and would actually deter the other users. However, better drainage of the path without paving would be a reasonable compromise. I am not aware of walkers who use the route for commuting. I find it difficult to see how the paving of the surface would make a significant contribution to alleviating congestion on Lanark Rd West given the housebuilding currently going on.
9/16/2017 12:52 PM
If the path was paved the cyclists would travel faster making life even less safe for walkers with or without dogs and children. It is meant to be a country path, they can be muddy.
9/16/2017 12:44 PM
It would have to be wide enough and with good enough sightlines to allow for decent speeds on the downhill sections. Chicanes or barriers are not the answer!
9/16/2017 12:29 AM
I think a change is required, if the path is to be used regularly on foot, by bike and by horses.
9/14/2017 11:55 PM
If a hard surface such as tarmac is not feasible, compacted gravel and an increased camber of the path would increase drainage away from the path and therefore reduce mud.
9/13/2017 9:43 PM
The water of Leith is a nature haven and trail is part of getting off the beaten path and into the wild. Sadly due to housing the nature corridor feel is also now lacking. I Iike the off road surface and the access it gives me to the hills from the city. I’d be sad if there wasn’t a trail section. But I do see the benefit of paving for the reasons you have outlined. I just don’t think we should pave over everything in our city. Get a bike that can handle the mud. Road cyclists will always choose the road. I’m a cyclist both road and I use my hybrid for commuting and I choose the hybrid as there are off road paths that get muddy. Therefore I don’t think it should be a barrier. Same with walking, the right shoes should be employed.
9/13/2017 6:15 PM
I think it’s important to keep a country/rural feel to path. I wonder if the paths drainage could be improved and gravelled with small lights, very much like the Union Canal path. I am aware that lots of mountain bikers like to use this path so this might mean that a balance can be found fro walkers, horse riders, cycle commuters and mountain bikers
9/13/2017 4:50 PM
I have already been in email contact with Caroline Paterson Caroline.Paterson@edinburgh.gov.uk / ActiveTravel@edinburgh.gov.uk asking if there any chance the surface could be improved. She gave some reasons why it’s not paved: It cant be gritted due to access and salt run-off into the Water of Leith. As such, tarmac in frost would be slippy. It’s not in keeping with the natural environment in the area. And tarmac isn’t as suitable for horses or walkers. Personally I would love it surfaced, especially given the increase in housing along the route, and the increase of traffic on the Lanark Road. I would also suggest that walkers and horse riders wanting natural paths have plenty of other options, whereas this is the only safe route between the villages for cyclists. I would also think that more walkers would use it if they didn’t need to don hiking books / wellies! However, I acknowledge Caroline’s comments – and any proposal should address/counter this. I would suggest something like paving 1.5m width with tarmac, leaving the water side ‘natural’ – thus giving horses / walkers an option, and cyclists an option. If frosty, people could cycle on the hardpack, if muddy, walkers could walk on the surfaced track. There are some sections that could easily be surfaced. Other sections could be left hardpack but just need much improved drainage.
9/12/2017 9:48 AM
Comparisons can be drawn with the canal path, which has become a valuable resource and is now very well used since the path was given a hard surface. Currently the WOL path is at times only accessible to those who like getting muddy.
9/11/2017 12:13 PM
Paving may be a bit harsh but finding a more suitable surface would be a great benefit.
9/10/2017 6:05 PM
Paving the path is unrealistic as very costly. I think a compromise would be to have it properly maintained and muddy holes filled. As the path is part of the national cycle route network one would think either the council or some other government organisation would already be responsible for maintenance. Recent works to install broadband cables along the pathway have further contributed to the current poor state.
9/9/2017 8:03 PM
I’ve written to the council about this but the response was that they had other priorities. I haven’t had an answer to my question about how priorities are set. The path is not fit for purpose and is not going to attract anyone to travel to Balerno and Currie.
9/5/2017 7:28 PM
I generally commute into town along the canal towpath, partly because it’s more immediately accessible from where I live and going in along the WoL you end up on the towpath anyway, but also because it has a better surface, not affected by rain, more even (mostly…) and no large stones. I do cycle into Colinton along the WoL, but it is a trial in winter months especially, and I find that the mud clogs up the gears of my bike. Wouldn’t want the WoL path paved as such, but some kind of permanent hard surface which is sensitive to the surrounding woodland etc would make cycling along it more attractive.
9/3/2017 8:35 AM
Other than bridges, it’s probably wide enough to keep an un-paved side and have a paved side.
Survey 2
Cost!
9/1/2017 5:23 PM
I realise I don’t ride this particular track, but I’ve seen what paving over does and you can never get it back. Maybe a meeting with a representive from the British horse society. Many riders also cycle etc so we do understand about nicer off road tracks, so hence suggestion of part soft, part harder surface.or maybe review the drainage there.if you Tarmac it, it becomes more like another country lane rather than quiet right of way.
8/31/2017 9:24 PM
Great idea. Would definitely make me use it more
8/31/2017 5:18 PM
When walking it is good to be able to get away from the tarmac and the softer surface is more pleasant as well as less intrusive with respect to the wildlife. Any change to the surface should look carefully at the impact to the wildlife and rural look. While having not used this path in the winter, I am well aware of how slippery tarmac can get once icy. From the point of view of cycling, I don’t think it is reasonable to expect you are not getting to get any muck on you, although mud guards do definitely help. Cycling on roads, you still get spray from cars, etc. To reiterate, I think any change needs careful consideration on the impact it would have on the current users of this path, as well as the impact to the wildlife and environment.
8/31/2017 4:41 PM
As per previous comments, this is a really bad and dangerous idea. It will also be far more expensive to do any sort of maintenance on paving going forward and as previously noted, a badly managed paved surface would be disastrous.
8/31/2017 4:12 PM
Smoothed tarmac woupd be horrendous for not only horses but most of the path users as soon as becomes slightly frosty.
8/31/2017 4:01 PM
My concerns about paving this path do not jut concern equestrian use as I mentioned previously, however, I will reiterate these points below: As someone who has also run along this path in the past I can also say this is not good for humans either and I would not run along this route if it was paved. It would also spoil the rural feel of this route when walking/running. As a cyclist I also makes this route another boring tarmacked path and although I no longer use this route for commuting I have in the past and a little mud never put me off I just got some mud guard for my bike and enjoyed the cycle. I also cycled along this rout summer and winter so I know what it is like through out the year. There are plenty of other surfaces that could be explored rather than tarmacking this path. Not to mention the environmental impact of tarmacking/paving the work for drainage which is going to affect the flora and therefore the wildlife along the route.
8/31/2017 2:12 PM
how is the path going to be maintained, kept ice free and although the path if paved will not get muddy the water will lie on top unless drainage sorted, how are speeding cyclists going to be slowed down otherwise the path will be for cyclist only and walkers/horse riders will be using it at their own risk with fear of being mowed down by inconsiderate cyclists using it as a race track.
8/31/2017 1:22 PM
I can manage on a bike when it’s muddy – it’s not pleasant but I can cycle it and get dirty. But it’s just not worth it to take the buggy down there when it’s muddy. We don’t use this path with the buggy/walking during the winter months at all.
8/31/2017 12:16 PM
There are limited routes in this area where the ground doesn’t have a hard surface limiting where we can exercise the horses
8/31/2017 7:34 AM
It would ruin it
8/31/2017 12:17 AM
Improving the drainage system would be a better option for all users
8/30/2017 11:23 PM
I have a relative that is wheelchair bound and before she was stuck in a wheelchair she used to love walks along the water of leith but due to the type of surface and her now being wheelchair bound she isn’t managing to get taken along on her favourite pathway so this change would not only benefit horse riders and cyclists etc but would also benefit people with disabilities.
8/30/2017 11:23 PM
We are losing riding paths and paving this will mean we will lose more. Many cyclists will NOT slow down and this is dangerous for all other path users.
8/30/2017 11:17 PM
see above
8/30/2017 10:42 PM
Just what i already said in previous box about East Lothian Council. Might be worth finding out what they used. It is probably cheaper than paving and keeps everyone happy
8/30/2017 10:34 PM
I’ve ridden and walked the water of Leith for forty years. Waterproof trousers and wellies help
8/30/2017 10:24 PM
It would also be hard on the dogs paws running on a hard surface. I think there could be other ways of improving the area like adding drainage to flooding areas.
8/30/2017 10:22 PM
The mud is manageable and the use of it will be limited by this and not improved.
8/30/2017 9:56 PM
Please don’t pave the path.
8/30/2017 9:30 PM
No
8/30/2017 9:03 PM
The walkway appears to have minimum maintainence with regard to drainage and plant growth, and the complaint of muddy and wet is not across the full width or extensive lengths, perhaps some improvements in areas would be more appropriate funding as tarmac also would deteriorate as i cannot believe it would be properly laid like a road surface and could end up a potholed broken surface far more dangerous in the future.
8/30/2017 8:59 PM
I walk this path as it’s natural surface if I wanted to walk on concrete paths I’d stick to Lanark road
8/30/2017 8:56 PM
N/a
8/30/2017 7:46 PM
No
8/30/2017 7:39 PM
Please DONT tarmac the path it then becomes a spred track. If you don’t like mud use the pavement or move and live in the center of town. The countryside does contain mud.
8/30/2017 7:37 PM
My concerns is if you put down a harder surface the cyclist will go even fast and there will be accidents with walkers and animals like dogs and horses and allso if hard surfaces put down this will add preasure onto the horses hoofs and to there joints
8/30/2017 7:34 PM
Concerned about safety during winter for all users. A paved surface would be slippier and can’t see the council gritting it. Feel it would encourage cyclists to go faster and would be less pleasant to walk/run on. I would prefer to walk my dogs on the current surface than on a paved surface.
8/30/2017 7:30 PM
No
8/30/2017 7:26 PM
Opens up more dangers to all users absolute piece of nonsense. When the WOL was maintained before it was a great track to ride on off road with a break from hard surfaces.
8/30/2017 7:22 PM
The Water of Leith Path is a rare peaceful and tranquil country path that brings a bit of the countryside into the city. Please do not ruin it by urbanising it in the name of active travel. There are plenty of other options and funding for active travel.
8/30/2017 7:02 PM
This is an oasis of country within an ever increasing concrete jungle, let’s keep it that way
8/30/2017 6:52 PM
Please don’t take one of the only public places we have to hack. Perhaps tarmac a cycle lane but please leave a soft bridle path for the many horeses using the water of leith
8/30/2017 6:48 PM
All users should be considered Rather than concentrating on the most vocal users
8/30/2017 6:29 PM
Keep the path as it is
8/30/2017 6:07 PM
Make it safe for all. The roads are.dangerous enough this is one of only few off road options in the area
8/30/2017 6:07 PM
Whatever surface is put down it has to suit everyone, there has to be a solution that addresses the flooding and improves access to everyone
8/30/2017 6:07 PM
Leave it as it is, nothing wrong with it. If you don’t like the mud get out the countryside ??
8/30/2017 6:04 PM
I feel a better option would be to improve drainage into the water of leith. Also, this is a countryside area and the aesthetics of our beautiful water of leith would be greatly lost if the path were resurfaced with tarmac or similar. We are very lucky to have such beautiful Green spaces in edinburgh, what a shame to think people would consider tarmacing it all, loosing what is such a draw to the city, that you do not have to travel far to escape the built up areas, noise and pollution.
8/30/2017 6:02 PM
no
8/30/2017 5:51 PM
Please don’t focus on commuting cyclists. Keeping it natural makes it more attractive and more enjoyable even when muddy. Don’t keep urbanising the countryside.
8/30/2017 5:42 PM
This path is a very popular with horse riders whose horses are not good in traffic. To put tarmac down would spoil the enjoyment of riding and increase safety concerns. Also some cyclists seem to think they are on a racetrack as it is and tarmac will just increase their speed.
8/30/2017 5:15 PM
The disruption to wildlife would also be a serious concern, big heavy noisey machinery scaring away wildlife. It’s bad enough we currently have 5 building sites building thousands of houses, we don’t and should put more tarmac along an area where wildlife can live in a natural environment. People should be less selfish, who cares if you’ve got muddy wheels or dirty shoes, it’s called living in an alleged “green belt” area. Mud washes off, once it’s tarmaced there’s no going back. A very silly idea!
8/30/2017 5:14 PM
Tarmac would very quickly become muddy anyway as well as upsetting every horse rider that uses this path!
8/30/2017 5:11 PM
N/a
8/30/2017 5:10 PM
No
8/30/2017 4:28 PM
See above for ideas
8/30/2017 4:23 PM
Paving the surface will make it dangerous in subzero conditons for all users. Currently it’s unpleasant at times but not dangerous. Pavement will increase the speed of cyclists to the detriment of all other users.
8/30/2017 4:14 PM
Leave as is or just improve drainage
8/30/2017 4:14 PM
The present surface has been good for the past 30+ years. It is has give in it and has been good without the cost of paving. Plus if you pave you may as well use the road. It is spoiling the countryside & will flood more if you pave & don’t fix the drainage.
8/30/2017 2:43 PM
Concern at he black topping of all paths, old grass and natural surfaces can sustain multi-use
Survey 3
Showing 64 responses
Too much hard surfacing causes flooding. It should not be increased
8/26/2017 11:39 AM
Some aspects of nature should be left alone. Though I do understand your point. However i do not consider the path to be a “green” commuter highway. Cyclists would then travel too fast.
8/26/2017 11:08 AM
I support the path being paved if it’s the only option to make it less muddy. I just wonder whether a better alernative might be to put in more effective drainage in the particular spots which get very muddy and wet. Often it is just a few particular places which are very bad, but they are enough to stop on using the path.
8/26/2017 10:28 AM
As a walker I would prefer the path not to be paved as I prefer it to be more natural. I do understand the issue for cyclists but I wonder if there is some compromise option…such as keeping a fine gravel surface regularly refreshed.
8/26/2017 10:07 AM
Don’t pave
8/26/2017 9:34 AM
Would the intention be to pave all of it or only where it currently gets muddy? Full paving might detract from its character
8/26/2017 8:55 AM
Pros of a rough surface; it keeps cyclist speeds down, it adds to the sense of being in the country rather than the city, it’s cheaper to maintain. If you want tarmac, use the road. If you want to stay dry, get mudguards. To be fair, I mostly use the WoL for access to the Pentlands and other outlying areas but getting dirty is part of the fun. I don’t want to ride out (or back) on a motorway.
8/25/2017 7:31 PM
Don’t like big loose gravel. A good compacted but porous and free daring surface would be best.
8/25/2017 4:25 PM
I used to commute by cycle on this route. Some areas could certainly do with better surface (for example, below the Colinton Tunnel). However, in my opinion, paving the whole route would increase average speeds for cyclists (which may make it less pleasant for walkers) and reduce the pleasure running on the route.
8/25/2017 10:43 AM
This would lead to cyclists using it at greater speeds
8/24/2017 10:16 PM
it does not need to be paved but could be better surfaced and drained. a consultation with sustrans would help and holding workmen etc to account after they have chewed up the paths would help
8/24/2017 4:20 PM
I would welcome a less muddy path as even in the summer there are parts of the path that cannot dry out because of the canopy however I would be slightly concerned regarding the speeds that some cyclists may get up to if the path is paved.
8/24/2017 7:33 AM
While it perhaps seems unpleasant, the ‘mud’ that occurs during wet periods is significant, as it provides a mechanism for detaining runoff, and reducing potential downstream buildup of floodwater during rainfall events. Paving over the top of this will accelerate rainfall-runoff dynamics and result in a threat to downstream areas, while also introducing an erosion risk. Rather than paving over with a hard surface, the laying down of a permeable alternative would be much more sensible.
8/24/2017 12:30 AM
I fully agree that this path should be surfaced. In its present condition it is a barrier to active travel; it shows that non-motorised users are not valued. A good quality path would encourage more people to cycle and walk.
8/23/2017 11:00 PM
No
8/23/2017 10:11 PM
I dont see the quantity of water on the path as a negative thing. In fact, as a mountain bike rider regularly using the path, i like it. Its one of the very few (only?) routes within edinburgh that is not already tarmac covered and the changing conditions, for me, make to track all the more exciting and challenging. Covering the path in tarmac would be a negative and unneccesary thing in my opinion Firstly, I understand that your concern is the mud accumulating on the path when it rains. In terms the rain causing the path to be less attractive to commuters for “a large proportion of the year”, rainfall stats say otherwise. The met office shows that for Edinburgh, the number of days with rainfall greater than 1mm is 137 days (or 38% of the year). Source: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/climate/gcvw5vmsn How many of those 137 days are commuter days for you? Five out of every seven? Thats a hundred days (27%) a year or so. Despite Scotlands reputation for being a rainy hellhole, serious rain once every 3.5 days or thereabouts is not very much. Do you cycle to work in winter? Second, I think its dubious as to whether having a paved surface would have “a significant positive environmental impact by attracting large scale commuting via bike or on foot along this route.” Looking at census data for Edinburgh south-west shows that the proportion of people cycling to work is already relatively high compared to the scottish average. On this basis, i would suggest that the potential that paving the track has to generate new cycle commuter trips is low. Source: http://www.scotlandscensus.gov.uk/documents/news/UKPC_Census_Profiles_All.pdf In terms of commuting on foot, how many people live within Edinburgh south and within a reasonable walking distance of a major employment centre? Very few i reckon. Again, i would suggest that the potential that paving the track has to generate new walking commuter trips is very low. Additionally, whether a person cycle or gets the bus, you must remember that the bus will still run. One fewer person on a bus means higher emissions per person on that bus. The emptier the bus gets, the less environmentally friendly it is. Finally, i would like to point out that paving the track would lead to a call to arms for lighting also. As the track is largely under trees, the LED sockets wouldnt work (as they are solar powered). The answer would probably be lighting columns. Can I ask if you really want that all the way along the old railway? It will attract vandalism and be a maintenance burden not to mention it would be an eyesore in what is currently a very pleasant green corridor full of nature.
8/23/2017 8:50 PM
Although I cycle for leisure on the Water of Leith path, I think to pave it could cause faster cycling speeds and more conflict. The whin surface has not been renewed for decades I think. Perhaps selected sections could be paved.
8/23/2017 5:59 PM
Depends really on ‘hard paved’. If you mean concrete / tarmac I think it would take away from the more natural appeal of the path. However, a midway of a hardpack surface with good drainage would be ok. I think there are already sections like this.
8/23/2017 5:24 PM
I agree that a better surface is required to avoid the mud and spray caused by the rain. However a totally hard surface would result in cyclist using the path as a racetrack, as currently done on Union Canal, and cause more friction between users. Is there a possible half-way surface like light packed gravel?
8/23/2017 4:14 PM
I have commuted by bicycle(all year round) from Balerno to the western general hospital for ~15 years using the cycle path whenever the conditions allow. You should be aware that the council re lay the path with whin dust every 5-6 years but this lasts about 6 months before it is washed away leaving the mud below. Also when I first moved to Balerno there was a sign at start of the walkway that prohibited horses, I’m not sure when this was revoked. I have also heard via village gossip that Cala were going to surface the walkway. I am also aware that Graham Bruce the local councillor was pursuing the idea of tarmacking the surface. There is a small part of the walkway already tarmacked when you come off the pedestrian walkway over the Lanark road at Redhall brae the tarmac runs for about 400m. Over the years it has blended in well with the environment and is an ideal surface for cycling. The resurfacing of the walkway is long overdue and would make safe commuting into Edinburgh possible all year round and it cannot happen soon enough as far as I am concerned.
8/23/2017 3:51 PM
I cant say I’m particularly bothered by the WoL conditions, it’s more pleasant than cycling or running on the road but that’s not a comment on traffic I just prefer offroad cycling and running. I cycle, run or walk on the WoL pretty much every day of the week. While I appreciate your efforts I like the ungraded surface and think it suits the environment of the path. I feel like the benefits of having the path graded you mention are subjective and wonder if you have any evidence of the potential for increased usage or, for example, Lanark Road current pollution levels.
8/23/2017 2:53 PM
Things to consider: Yes I believe its a no brainer having a hard surface. How else can you cycle on a normal road bike on a muddy surface or walk for that matter. Hopefully the path is wide enough for a 3/4 lane marked for cycling and a 1/4 of the path marked for walking. The walking lane should be on the south side of the path as that is the side that will have less risk of a collision with a bike going at a slower speed up the very slight incline towards Balerno, (usually against the wind) The council should treat the path as a priority route for transport so it should be swept once a month for leaves and gritted just like bus routes are. Clever and well placed signage to remind all users that the path is a shared space and that loose dogs and dangerous cyclists are not welcomed With regards to horses, they are capable of walking on a hard surface so no issues there.
8/23/2017 1:28 PM
Consideration will need to be paid to the type of surface, its water permeability and drainage from the path to the surrounding land. Some kind of sustainable drainage system will need to be considered. With this in mind, it may also be necessary to consider that the path is a former industrial railway route, and so contamination may be present below the surface soil levels. Measures will also be required to ensure that cyclists do not speed along the path. Again consideration will need to be paid that any such measures reduce speeds but are not a hinderance so as to put off cyclists, and such measures should also comply with the Disability Discrimination Act (as there are many gates, etc, in Edinburgh that do not), thus allowing for wheelchairs, push chairs and child cycle trailers. It may also be advisable to install LED lighting studs on the path in a similar manner to the Union Canal, however this should only be decided upon following an ecological study of their potential effects on wildlife in the area, particularly insects, and as a result, bats and birdlife. Some kind of traffic modelling should be undertaken that takes account of modal shift in transport choice in order to assess the potential impact both on the path itself and surrounding roads. Any resurfacing project should also incorporate navigation/interpretation boards along the route, highlighting the industrial and natural history of this section of the Water of Leith along with a review of the links from the path to the communities and facilities along it so that these can share in any upgrade.
8/23/2017 1:26 PM
i like the paved option for the reasons outlined above but i also like the softer surface as it is now (for running)
8/23/2017 1:01 PM
Paved path would be great for cycling, but people like the rural feel of the path I think, and paving it would detract from this. Also, I would guess that unless leaves are cleared from the path regularly in autumn, the number of trees means that leaves getting churned up by bikes and feet means it would get pretty muddy again anyway. I’d like to know the options for paved surfaces and how long they’d last I guess.
8/23/2017 10:07 AM
The path just needs drainage gullies and levels adjusted to ensure water runs off to the gully. There are many examples of alternatives to paving that can be used all year round that would keep all users happy.
8/23/2017 10:05 AM
As a cyclist, and dog walker, and walker with young children i think there is a fair degree of education required for cyclists and dog walkers about their responsibilities. Look at some of the cycle commuters on the canal to see what the result could be. This is a problem just now. Actually i think paving could be good as it would allow for painted segregation like with the broomhouse path.
8/23/2017 10:02 AM
The path is currently bumpy, uneven and with large muddy sections is far from ideal for commuting by bike. I have to take the Lanark Road which is filled by traffic and often dangerous as the Water of Leith path is not suitable. I then join the canal so can cycle off road.
8/23/2017 9:39 AM
I’d use the path for daily commuting (rather than lanark road which I use at present) if it was paved. It would be preferable if it was segregated with painted lines.
8/23/2017 9:36 AM
We drive our kids down the A70 to a nursery that is right next to the Water of Leith path. Our house is next to the path too, further up the hill. We tried a bike trailer but it’s just so muddy (and in winter, so dark) that it’s not a regular option for us. If there was a proper surface like other railways (north Edinburgh) it would take one car off the road every day.
8/23/2017 9:26 AM
A segregated cycle route on Lanark Road could potentially solve this problem for everyone.
8/23/2017 9:25 AM
Paving the path is a great idea, the fact that it’s flat and holds water long after the rain has stopped is a real nuisance and means I can’t use the path to commute to work after wet periods.
8/23/2017 8:54 AM
n/a
8/23/2017 8:47 AM
I enjoy running on the Water of Leith path as it is; paving it completely would make me less likely to use it. I cycle regularly on the Lanark Road and agree that that is only suitable for current cyclists who are willing to deal with heavy traffic. However I’m not sure how useful the WoL is as a commuting route if you are not starting in Balerno – there are only a few points in between where you can get a bike to it, and to get to those points you’d still have to deal with the Lanark Road.
8/23/2017 8:35 AM
Will walkers assume that path is just for their use making cyclists once again use the lanark road. Perhaps split path with signs as per paths in meadows in city centre.
8/23/2017 7:47 AM
My biggest concern is drainage from a hard surface. Perhaps rather then paving, coarse gravel may be more appropriate; i.e. not paved, not mud but something in between. I would not like to see lighting or similar installed.
8/23/2017 6:47 AM
Need to consider safe drainage to avoid pollution of the river.
8/23/2017 1:18 AM
The only reason not to pave is horses, a simple parallel sand track fixes this at minimal cost. Wheelchair users must be the prime concern, failing to provide equal access is unfair and possibly and offence under Equalities act. I’m not local but I’m worried about the number of these schemes that get denounced as “urbanising” this is a nonsense excuse that ignores the greater impact of increases motor traffic and lack of amenities for the vulnerable user. Best of luck!
8/22/2017 11:27 PM
I’d love to ride my bike along the full path (from Canonmills) but don’t have good enough off-road skills to use it at the moment. It’s great for running and walking though. If a loop was possible linking to where the canal crosses near the water of leith visitor centre I think a lot of families would use it with bikes.
8/22/2017 11:25 PM
Get it fucken paved
8/22/2017 11:10 PM
This could be paid for by the house-builders who appreciate the peace and quiet that the water of Leith path has for lovely big new house owners.
8/22/2017 11:08 PM
Downhill bike speeds could be excessive so maybe some thought should be given to that. Perhaps mark up the surface to separate pedestrians and cyclists.
8/22/2017 11:04 PM
I live in Balerno and cycle to my place of work in Edinburgh four or five times a week. I prefer to use the water of leith as I find the roads are becoming too busy and road surfaces are poor. The water of leith path becomes unusable for me when it’s wet and muddy.
8/22/2017 10:55 PM
I use the lanark rd daily rather than the WoL path, but the rd isn’t pleasant, it’s busy/ lots parked cars (get rid of the parked cars and it could have a bike lane). The nepn shows how well used well maintained paths are for active travel.
8/22/2017 10:46 PM
In some ways I would like the path to remain simple hard packed ground with worst areas improved. Given the growth in the area due to the large number of homes I think it is necessary to improve the path to make daily, year round, commuting much more attractive along WOL path
8/22/2017 10:28 PM
I’m a regular commuter on this route from Balerno to Longstone and then around the allotments & graveyard at Chessar to Murrayfield, come rain or shine. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to assist you. @lchessar lchessar@yahoo.co.uk
8/22/2017 10:20 PM
I use the Water of Leith everyday for commuting from Balerno to Edinburgh. I have accepted that me and my bike are trashed after 1 ride in the wet. But I have accepted this as a necessary price to pay to avoid the ridiculously dangerous A70. The Water of Leith needs a paved surface, some more drainage ditches and some hard pruning of some trees/hedges in order to make it more useable. Low level lighting could be useful (especially in the winter for the early morning and evening commute) however this is not as important as having a paved surface. Thanks for your effort in this regard.
8/22/2017 10:19 PM
With all the new housing being built along this route, it is vital that it is paved to enable active travel to be a realistic and attractive option.
8/22/2017 9:10 PM
Cala HOmes should pay for this given all the homes they are holding on or near the Water of Leith. There is a fibre optic cable under the Water of Leith Path from juniper green to Balerno. Hurdles and chicanes should be considered to stop vehicle access
8/22/2017 9:00 PM
Current path is ideal for running on a surface that isn’t hard. It would be very disappointing to lose this.
8/22/2017 8:58 PM
No
8/22/2017 8:29 PM
Commuting cyclists in particular would be better served by a segregated cycleway alongside the A70. This would be free of conflict with dog walkers, joggers, families, horse riders etc and therefore faster than the Water of Leith path, whilst avoiding the “frustration” of drivers you speak of. Tarmacing the Water of Leith path would be a useful intermediate step and will increase its use significantly.
8/22/2017 8:25 PM
Currently the path is slippy and covered with leaves for most of the year. Paving goes part of the way to remove mud, but a regular clean, particularly during autumn, is required to remove the layers of fallen leaves.
8/22/2017 7:48 PM
.
8/22/2017 7:44 PM
Surely a cheaper, more aesthetically pleasing option would be to patch the puddles with ash/grit. It’s not as if the entire length of the path is muddy.
8/22/2017 7:21 PM
No
8/22/2017 7:20 PM
No
8/22/2017 7:14 PM
The council should support active travel but providing suitable infrastructure.
8/22/2017 7:11 PM
I would like to see the surface improved for all weather, all year round use and this does point towards a hard surface being required. I would welcome exploration of suitable hard surface types that may better fit the area than tarmacadam. Products such as Toptrek may be more appropriate for example.
8/22/2017 6:50 PM
Prior Q ‘re whether I’d use for commute if hard surface was N/A for me (and prob many others) given not on my route.
8/22/2017 6:18 PM
I’m a road cyclist and would consider using the path if it was paved.
8/22/2017 6:12 PM
I was surprised when I moved to Edinburgh to find that the path wasn’t a hard surface, as I’d heard it was good for cycling. I had a road bike with thin tyres, that I was nervous about using through muddy puddles.
8/22/2017 6:05 PM
Making this route paved would certainly make a difference for cycling, and would potentially benefit Colinton Village with the increased number of cyclists passing through.
8/22/2017 4:41 PM
It’s long overdue. Money was available many years ago but at that time there was local opposition. Now that the surface has deteriorated even more let us hope it can be improved so can be used for walking and cycling by all types of people all year round.
8/22/2017 4:39 PM
CycleJarJar 