Edinburgh council announces walking, wheeling and cycling paths programme

OVER 82km of new cycle, wheeling and walking paths are to be provided in Edinburgh, the city council has announced.

Under the so-called Active Travel Investment Programme (ATINP), it is estimated the investment will cost more than £117m.

A new ATINP is currently in development, for up to 2030.

Says a council announcement: “The City of Edinburgh Council will pay for less than 20 per cent of the ATINP as most of the funding is secured from external sources, with more than £80m committed by the Scottish Government via [walking and cycling charity] Sustrans.

“A report to be considered by the Transport and Environment on Thursday, (October 14) covers a review of the ATINP. It aligns the plans with a Sustrans budget review as well as the delivery of council projects and priorities. Changes in travel behaviour relating to the Covid pandemic are also examined, taking into account the temporary measures introduced under Spaces for People, now Travelling Safely.”

Earlier this week, Glasgow announced 270km of walking, wheeling and cycling paths – here.

The Edinburgh announcement adds: “In addition to several major projects to transform the city, like City Centre West East Link and Meadows to George Street, the ATINP will increase spending on key improvements to prioritise travel by foot, wheel or bike. This includes the installation of dropped kerbs and citywide bike parking.”

Pictured: Morningside, Edinburgh, Picture credit: Place Design Scotland