'Phenomenal' £17m cycle route opens - but will it be the last?

Concern Scottish Government funding changes threaten Edinburgh’s ambitious active travel plans

Stephen Jenkinson was joined by Fiona Hyslop and Karen McGregor alongside groups of local schoolchildren and representatives of the Dalry community for the launch

Edinburgh’s newest active travel route is undoubtedly impressive. The link between the Union Canal and Roseburn winds elegantly past a new playpark, between beds of newly planted shrubbery. More than that, it provides safe passage across the busy road and rail network of Dalry; including a bridge over Dalry Road and over the railway.

“I don't think it should be underestimated how challenging it is to put a bridge over a major live railway coming in and out of the city,” said Transport Convenor Stephen Jenkinson at the launch of the route.

The £17 million project marks a landmark in Edinburgh’s cycle infrastructure goals. “The links right across the city are important, linking all the different routes together, gives people that choice to walk, wheel or cycle, whether it’s for commuting or leisure,” said Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop.

Community benefit and support

The path is also integrated with wider investment in the community; Dalry Community Park itself is one of the greenspaces that has been upgraded with new play equipment after consultation with pupils at Dalry Primary School; some 200 semi-mature trees have already been planted along the route with further planting and seeding planned for spring 2025. This will create a healthier and more diverse woodland which will enhance the area’s ecological value.

Community gardens are planned for the Sauchiebank area, and a new toucan crossing has been installed across the West Approach Road to connect to Dundee Street.

No surprise then that local enthusiasm was evident in the dozens of cyclists who’d arrived to participate in an inaugural group ride on the new path.

Karen McGregor, the Scotland Director for Sustrans also lauded the success, saying that “Edinburgh is leading the way,” in active travel design, praising the city’s “massive ambitions” and the integration of active travel with other transport planning. “This is more than just a project to make it safer to walk, wheel and cycle; it's a project for the community, it’s made a difference to the local area,” said McGregor.