Cycling on the Promenade

CatzVP · Post by **CatzVP** » 05 Jul 2005, 23:57

I too think the Prom should be shared, it would be great at easing the conjestion of Portobello traffic from Seafield to Joppa during peak hours. it would be like a mini High Street bypass. even if it was just for trucks and heavy vehicles, it would make the high street less conjested and safer....and just think of the view on your morning drive to work!!

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 09 Jul 2005, 19:39

Seems like everyone and their dog has their own pet theory on how to resolve this issue. From today's EN:

Divide and conquer problem
WITH reference to the headline in the News "No simple solution to cycling on Prom" (Letters, July 4). There is a simple solution.
I used to go to Port Seton, park my car and walk along the links. The footpath is not half as wide as Portobello Promenade but it is divided into two sections by broken white lines (like on the roads). One side is for walkers while the other side is for cyclists.
It's as simple as that, so why don't the clever councillors not think of this as it is a very safe and sensible solution?
Another idea is it could be partitioned off with railings.
Mrs Kathy Birkett, Hercus Loan, Musselburgh

Maureen Child has raised the issue recently with the local Police Inspector, following complaints from residents on the Esplanade. The community remains divided on whether cycling should or should not be allowed on the Prom and I don't see that changing anytime soon.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 09 Jul 2005, 21:29

Bob Jefferson wrote: Maureen Child has raised the issue recently with the local Police Inspector....

What, no photos of this momentous happening?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 09 Jul 2005, 21:31

There's a signed copy in the post.

Post by **wangi** » 09 Jul 2005, 21:34

Never mind the cycling on the Prom...
...What about the idiots that tear down it two on a scooter! Happens a few nights a week.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 09 Jul 2005, 21:35

Is the boy from the Cocburn association not making the point that the Prom is a dedicated walkway and it should be preserved as such? I really do think the Prom is dangerous. PoP and I were having wine on Thurs night in the garden at Dal and I saw 2 very near misses with Cyclists (adults) and pedestrians.

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 09 Jul 2005, 21:40

Porty said

PoP and I were having wine on Thurs night in the garden at Dal

How romantic

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 09 Jul 2005, 21:41

Well, oddly enough the boy from the Cockburn Assocation would be wrong, since technically it is classified as a highway, though there are moves afoot to change this.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 09 Jul 2005, 21:46

Fair enough Bob, sounds like the boy got it wrong.
The Prom can still be dangerous. What would you do; ban cycling altogether due to the risk of what Wangi calls "turbo nutters" or allow cycling in the hope that people can be trusted to behave?

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 09 Jul 2005, 21:49

Are we still talking about cycling?

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 09 Jul 2005, 21:51

I guess we would have to include Skateboarding and whatever that other wheeled activity is that you have spoken about? Although, I dont think Skateboarding has nearly the same risks for passers by.

Post by **wangi** » 09 Jul 2005, 21:56

My "turbo nutters" was back in the thread about cyclists...
... Banning is a no-go simply because it's no going to be enforced. When the Prom is busy (like today) then folk should be cycling very slow along the Prom - say 3-4 MPH tops (about walking speed). Normally I go along the Prom at about 10-12 MPH, but if it's busy I just go along PHS.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 09 Jul 2005, 22:03

wangi wrote:My "turbo nutters" was back in the thread about cyclists...

I beg your pardon. it easy to get ones nutters mixed up when flicking from thread to thread on POL.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 09 Jul 2005, 22:07

Porty wrote:PoP and I were having wine on Thurs night in the garden at Dal and I saw 2 very near misses with Cyclists (adults) and pedestrians.

Was walking the dog with a terrible hangover and very nearly got run over by cyclist on prom a month or so ago.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 09 Jul 2005, 22:10

Sandra wrote:Was walking the dog with a terrible hangover...

Had it been mixing its drinks? How could you tell?

Post by **wangi** » 09 Jul 2005, 22:11

Sandra wrote:Was walking the dog with a terrible hangover and very nearly got run over by cyclist on prom a month or so ago.

I've cycled past you a few times Sandra... But always in the evening, so unless it was a killer of a hangover

Post by **wangi** » 09 Jul 2005, 22:15

Porty wrote:
wangi wrote:My "turbo nutters" was back in the thread about cyclists...
I beg your pardon. it easy to get ones nutters mixed up when flicking from thread to thread on POL.

It was back in this thread, about cyclists, not scooters.
There

foxy · Post by **foxy** » 10 Jul 2005, 12:21

Porty wrote:
Sandra wrote:Was walking the dog with a terrible hangover...
Had it been mixing its drinks? How could you tell?

Did he try hair of the dog

Poppy · Post by **Poppy** » 20 Jul 2005, 21:28

This from Maureen Child's Summer Newsletter

Cycling on the Promenade
Local residents, particularly in Esplanade Terrace, have raised concerns and fears with me about cycling on the prom and there has been an ongoing debate in the letters page Evening News. Portobello Community Council did a lot of work on this a few years back to try and get consensus on a way forward. It is fair to say that there are almost as many opinions on this issue as there are people to express it. As far as it went, the consensus was that it was OK for children to cycle on the Promenade and maybe OK for cyclists to use it, but only those that took appropriate caution.

The Promenade is, first and foremost, what the name suggests - a place for people to walk and wander about aimlessly, and not necessarily in straight lines, without fear of being run over by wheeled things. The Council will ensure clear 'No Cycling' Notices will appear at all entrances to the Promenade, by the end of August. The Police Inspector, Norman Ward has also assured me that his officers will enforce that ban on any cyclist who is cycling in a dangerous manner. Clearly, the police can't be there all the time, so a bit of common sense is required of cyclists.

Post by **wangi** » 22 Jul 2005, 12:27

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 14 Jun 2006, 14:49

There have been lots of posts on this contentious issue. I will merge some threads into this if I can find them. Meanwhile, here's a letter from today's EN:

Leave bicycles at home

I TOOK my grandchildren down to the beach on Sunday as it was such a lovely day, and to watch the runners in the marathon. I constantly had to pull the children out of the way of cyclists who were on Portobello Promenade. Adults and children alike, were racing in a very busy place. Surely these people should know that on a lovely day the prom would be very busy? Use the cycle paths, that's what they are there for - or leave your bikes at home and go for a lovely Sunday walk like the rest of us.

Maureen Taylor, Bath Street, Portobello

EDIT - now merged

Post by **wangi** » 14 Jun 2006, 14:59

"Use the cycle paths", and the cycle paths are where exactly? Joppa to Leith using cyclepaths would take people via the city centre...

Most people who cycle along the Prom do so with care and attention, yes there are those who dont. Just like there are dog walkers who don't have their dog on a leash and let them shit everywhere, but it's not fair to simply say "dog walkers" and tar them all with the same brush.

As for it being illegal, well say that to the police who cycle along the Prom in the summer.

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 14 Jun 2006, 17:15

wangi wrote:
Most people who cycle along the Prom do so with care and attention, yes there are those who dont. Just like there are dog walkers who don't have their dog on a leash and let them *** everywhere, but it's not fair to simply say "dog walkers" and tar them all with the same brush.

As for it being illegal, well say that to the police who cycle along the Prom in the summer.

well said my man.

earlier in the year my 5 yr old daughter was given a rollicking by a big brave man on a bicycle who got annoyed because she emerged onto the prom on her scooter and got in his way. What a plonker. I think the same about the plonkers who kick footballs about when it's busy, or who walk around 5 abreast when it's busy.

'discussions' about cycling anywhere don't really get anywhere because cyclists are still perceived by most people as deviant or otherwise slightly strange. The ones who cycle fast along the prom at busy or inappropriate times are likely to be the same ones who either do or would roar through the high street in their cars and screech to a halt at the traffic lights. They're just numpties on bikes, not 'cyclists' in the same way as they are numpties in cars, not 'drivers'

most cyclists are considerate. Most drivers are vaguely considerate. Most people can be considerate. Lets target the ones that need to be targetted and leave out the 'cyclists' badge in favour of the 'inconsiderate cyclists' badge.

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 15 Jun 2006, 09:29

mr magnolia wrote:'discussions' about cycling anywhere don't really get anywhere because cyclists are still perceived by most people as deviant or otherwise slightly strange.

Its not just a perception

teddygirl · Post by **teddygirl** » 17 Jun 2006, 22:51

wangi wrote:"Use the cycle paths", and the cycle paths are where exactly? Joppa to Leith using cyclepaths would take people via the city centre...

Most people who cycle along the Prom do so with care and attention, yes there are those who dont. Just like there are dog walkers who don't have their dog on a leash and let them *** everywhere, but it's not fair to simply say "dog walkers" and tar them all with the same brush.

As for it being illegal, well say that to the police who cycle along the Prom in the summer.

Hope you are not implying that dogs should be kept on their leads on the Prom at all times, most people walk their dogs there so they can be let off for a bit of freedom. Again common sense comes in to it, I keep mine on the lead when it is busy but let him off when it is quiet. I do try to keep him out of cyclists way but should he wander a bit then I feel that he has as much right if not more to be there than they have.

Post by **wangi** » 21 Jun 2006, 22:11

teddygirl wrote:Hope you are not implying that dogs should be kept on their leads on the Prom at all times, most people walk their dogs there so they can be let off for a bit of freedom. Again common sense comes in to it, I keep mine on the lead when it is busy but let him off when it is quiet. I do try to keep him out of cyclists way but should he wander a bit then I feel that he has as much right if not more to be there than they have.

Not at all... Just the ones that get in my way when i'm cycling recklessly

Seriously, it like everything else - done right there's nothing wrong with letting dogs off the lead. And it's much better than those windie-up sooper long extending leads - who the hell invented them!?

L/

teddygirl · Post by **teddygirl** » 22 Jun 2006, 15:51

Have to agree with you about these retractable flexi leads.............they are a nightmare

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 23 Jul 2006, 14:48

Don't know if anyone noticed the grown man roaring up and down the prom on the kiddie motorbike this morning? Very responsible, not.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 23 Jul 2006, 17:26

Maybe his jet ski was broken

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 07 Sep 2006, 12:22

Spotted in today's EN Letters Page:

Stop danger riders

REGARDING dangerous cyclists, the obvious place to see them is Portobello Promenade. They race along there without care for anybody, young or old. The section of the Promenade from King's Road to Joppa is a no-cycling area, and there are signs up to that effect. It's about time these clowns watched what they are doing, or the law should step in.

James Sherry, Northfield Drive, Edinburgh

Porty · Post by **Porty** » 07 Sep 2006, 12:58

Bob Jefferson wrote:Spotted in today's EN Letters Page:

Stop danger riders

REGARDING dangerous cyclists, the obvious place to see them is Portobello Promenade. They race along there without care for anybody, young or old. The section of the Promenade from King's Road to Joppa is a no-cycling area, and there are signs up to that effect. It's about time these clowns watched what they are doing, or the law should step in.

James Sherry, Northfield Drive, Edinburgh

I can sympathise with Mr Sherry but at the same time we should consider the clowns. If I were a clown I would definitely get around using a bike. It must be a pain in the ass having your car doors fall off every time you beep your horn.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 07 Sep 2006, 13:09

I think you should submit that response to the Evening News.

impossiblevoices · Post by **impossiblevoices** » 07 Sep 2006, 14:26

Another one eh?

Why don't these moaning complainers stop the cyclists - actually stop them I mean - and tell them that this is a 'No Cycling Child Dog People Safe Zone' instead of whining about it on the forum.

For reference, I regularly ride my bike along the prom.

Pal of Porty · Post by **Pal of Porty** » 07 Sep 2006, 17:43

Porty wrote:
Bob Jefferson wrote:Spotted in today's EN Letters Page:

Stop danger riders

REGARDING dangerous cyclists, the obvious place to see them is Portobello Promenade. They race along there without care for anybody, young or old. The section of the Promenade from King's Road to Joppa is a no-cycling area, and there are signs up to that effect. It's about time these clowns watched what they are doing, or the law should step in.

James Sherry, Northfield Drive, Edinburgh
I can sympathise with Mr Sherry but at the same time we should consider the clowns. If I were a clown I would definitely get around using a bike. It must be a pain in the ass having your car doors fall off every time you beep your horn.

Take a gold star - best post ever. I just cannot stop laughing.

Bob Jefferson · Post by **Bob Jefferson** » 05 Oct 2006, 17:23

From today's EN Letters Page:

Cyclists must obey the laws as well

IN a recent letter from the Roads Department, I was informed that cycling is forbidden on Portobello Promenade and is a matter for the police. Indeed for many decades it has been clearly signposted as such.

Despite that, careful leisure-cycling has been tolerated. Exception has to be made though to the very people who want to use the Prom as a commuting route. They are the people who misuse the Prom as a means to go from A to B as fast as possible and I have to add to that sports-cyclists who have nothing better to do than fulfil their quota of miles as fast as they can.

Most of them won't even slow down for kids playing on the Prom. I see them daily but have yet to hear of a prosecution.

The cycling lobby selfishly regard themselves as road-users but don't want to acknowledge the attendant laws applied to them. It should be foremost in their minds that as road-users they take on the responsibilities for their own safety and as such consider if the roads they traverse are safe.

Asking for links between their claimed cycling tracks (Evening News, October 3), they have to recognise that this town was not designed for cyclists. I have been a cyclist for many years. For town riding I use a town-bike, i.e. an upright bike. Riding with one's head bent over the handlebars adds to the dangers. And incidentally I have also been a motorist for many years.

J I Visser, Esplanade Terrace, Edinburgh

Talk Porty ~ Portobello

Cycling on the Promenade

Don't Cycle on the Prom!

Cycling on the Promenade