News on Edinburgh Spaces for people

Since the launch of the interactive Commonplace map , on 29th May, there have been thousands of ideas received to make physical distancing easier while walking, cycling and wheeling.

Comments from the map, and emails before its launch date, range from removing guardrails on narrow pavements to pedestrianising streets, to speed reduction or pop-up cycle lanes and are all extremely valuable. The council’s teams are working hard assessing all responses, as well as linking them to those actions already identified across the city.

Edinburgh Council have already delivered many initiatives and in the last week there has been more than 5km of pop-up cycle lanes installed.

As lock down eases, businesses will begin to reopen. As the economy gets back on track, the public’s health must still be protected. To ensure this happens, the City of Edinburgh Council will begin implementing several, major interventions in the city centre to help create a safer environment, encouraging people to spend time on foot or bike as restrictions ease.

These include footway widening and the introduction of bus, cycle and taxi gates on East Princes Street and South St David Street, reducing traffic volumes and aiding cycling and public transport, and the partial closure of Waverley Bridge.

Councillor Lesely Macinnes said:

To find out more please read the full press release sent by the City of Edinburgh Council.

Remember to share the Edinburgh Commonplace page with your family and friends. The more people involved, the better the needs of the whole community will be reflected.