Creating Safe Spaces for Walking and Cycling' initiative

With public transport severely restricted and a need to avoid a shift to increased car use, Edinburgh decided to take action to prioritise active modes of travel during and after lockdown. The 'Creating Safe Spaces for Walking and Cycling' initiative from the City of Edinburgh Council sets out a range of proposals to help people move around easier on foot, by bike or by public transport in the Scottish capital during and after lockdown. Amongst the proposals are street closures to vehicles, widened pavements, temporary cycle lanes, and bus priority measures. Improvements are proposed for other ‘pinch points’ across the city, such as road closures, the introduction of bus gates and temporary cycle lanes. As restrictions are eased and traffic increases, further changes to facilitate safe movement are likely to include pedestrian priority at signalised road crossings, extended bus lane hours, widened pavements and a review of speed limits. It is hoped that these measures will allow people to walk and cycle more easily whilst supporting the recovery of public transport.