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Cycling in Edinburgh

Edinburgh Cycle Journey Planner

Welcome to the Beta launch of the exciting Cycle Journey Planner for Edinburgh. This is a development of the one that's been running in Cambridge for two years. The developers (Simon Nuttall and Martin Lucas-Smith) have done an amazing job to produce something that not only offers you direct and scenic route options but will also show photos taken along the route - different depending on which direction you plan to travel.

The mapping is based on OpenStreetMap which is a relatively new idea where anyone can contribute. Edinburgh is pretty well mapped but are there still bits missing - local paths, accurate street names etc. The current tram works in central Edinburgh will make CycleStreets route planning slightly difficult. It also highlights the fact that any computer generated route planning system will produce anomalies or 'mistakes'.

YOU can improve this by adding to OpenStreetMap or giving direct feedback to the CycleStreets website's developers.

Edinburgh CycleStreets has been made possible because local non-profit cycling promotion business ChangingPace saw the potential of the work done in Cambridge and persuaded the Scottish Government's Sustainable Transport section to give a small grant (with the help of Cycling Scotland) to develop an Edinburgh version of Cambridge Cycling Campaign's cycle journey planner.

The work done so far, and the development of OpenStreetMap, means that eventually it will be possible to plan journeys almost anywhere. At present there is a current maximum journey limit of about 50km, which will be lifted in due course as webserver resources permit.

One feature we hope that you will find useful - every time a route is planned it is given a unique URL (the link at the top of your browser, starting http:// ...). This can be used by you in future or sent to a friend who (for instance) is thinking of cycling to work but doesn't know the best route. It is also possible to view planned routes on mobile phones that have internet access.

Cycling in Edinburgh

Have a look at cyclingedinburgh.info for more information on cycling in Edinburgh.

Other areas …

Latest photos of the area

See also a full list of photos in this area.

“Climate Emergency Service” 😕 https://t.co/md4UG0nYfo

Victoria Street, Edinburgh

Pedestrian and cycle zone, Grassmarket, Edinburgh

Swerve to avoid a tram-pinch.

National Cycle Network milepost outside Haymarket Station, Edinburgh.

Scottish Parliament themed cycle parking and a march in support of Ukraine 🇺🇦.

View from Arthur’s Seat

Rose Street, Edinburgh One rack survives from a group of three.

Haymarket Station, Edinburgh

Morrison Street from the Point A hotel first floor.

Ghost Bike on Princes Street, Edinburgh Zhi Min Soh https://www.cyclelawscotland.co.uk/article/zhi-min-sohs-family-win-civil-case

Ghost Bike on Princes Street, Edinburgh Zhi Min Soh

I'm a cyclist approaching this junction. What on earth am I supposed to do?! https://t.co/N1IYq4Z0Fn

DYLs. Blocking road & pavement

Blocking pavement l

Double yellows & creates a pinch point for bikes

How many vehicles can you see breaking how many rules? How are we going to get 8 to 80 year olds cycling in Edinburgh when the authorities fail to keep usable even the few segregated bike lanes we have? #queensferryroad https://t.co/FFzYJvx ... [more]

Chicanne Challenge. Cycle route N1 Forkenford 1crop Location: Duddingston, (Scotland, United Kingdom) Showing how chicanes make it difficult to use non-standard or even standard bikes, on or near cycle route N1. Picture credit: Iain ... [more]

Edinburgh: we want more people to cycle! Also Edinburgh: here’s a new cycle lane on a main road! https://t.co/cQ5YDcmF2U

South Queensferry High Street is now one way except cyclists.

Waverley Bridge, Edinburgh

Give cyclists space Princes Street, Edinburgh

This is Fishwives Causeway. It is an ‘alternative route’ for those cyclists wanting to avoid Porty High St/SHLR junction if heading to/coming from Portobello Rd. Is it now free storage for a local business at the expense of safe cycling ... [more]

WARNING TO ALL CYCLISTS: don’t use the Potterrow cycle path south bound as there is a cement mixer in the middle of it, no warning or closure signs. I’ve just been assaulted by a workman who threw cement over me when I asked him if he� ... [more]

Location not precisely set yet! Celebrating three years to the day since we moved to Scotland with a walk to the urban shopping dystopia that is Fort Kinnaird. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 https://t.co/ilpsRWDOwo

Normal afternoon on The Meadows as a Sinclair C5 and Penny farthing glide past… https://t.co/CcNIgWh00e

SaveLanarkRoad Protest Location: , Slateford (Scotland, UK) Edinburgh City Council is considering to remove some of the temporary infrastructure put in as part of the SpacesForPeople programme during the pandemic. In particular there ... [more]

Don't stand a chance do we 🙄🙄 @nigelbagshaw https://t.co/8AzJDcwcsC

Why? Why would you not just park your van in the space? #ComistonRoad https://t.co/Wndys7gWOX

Steps over railway at Bruntstane Station on NCN route 1

Hey @Edinburgh_CC, what’s the thought process to install cycle lanes on roads but then let nettles grow over them so they’re impossible to use? This is Duddingston Road West. Any chance in getting this fixed ASAP? @SpokesLothian @Spokes ... [more]

Tremendously exciting! A pulley transfer and cable inspection pit, with its c. 9 foot pulley wheels sitting just below the surface! https://t.co/Wd7EmYVG4M https://t.co/9uUUCReHUD

[Image taken 7.7.18] Noticeboards next to cycle parking inside Waverley Station, Edinburgh. See also: #165435, #165436, #165437.

[Image taken 7.7.18] Noticeboards next to cycle parking inside Waverley Station, Edinburgh. See also: #165435, #165436, #165438.

[Image taken 7.7.18] Noticeboards next to cycle parking inside Waverley Station, Edinburgh. See also: #165435, #165437, #165438.

[Image taken 7.7.18] Noticeboards next to cycle parking inside Waverley Station, Edinburgh. They are used for publicising events and to provide other information of interest to people who cycle. An excellent practice other cities could adop ... [more]

Really impressed someone has managed to make this section of road more dangerous for cyclists. Didn't think that was possible #allhailthecar https://t.co/LSq0JouDEa

2020.10 edspokesmap11:71 Ramp to the canal

2020.10 edspokesmap 11:71 Ramp to the canal

2020.10 edspokesmap 12:70 Alternative path to EICA. This path was dug up to install a sewer pipe. It is now rough.

2020.10 edspokesmap 10:70 Steps to the canal

What a difference! #SpacesForPeople has made Comiston road an actual delight for people not in cars.

Excellent practice at Civerino's Pizza in Edinburgh - the pop-up cycle lane is for cyclists, not drivers wanting to collect pizza.

Start of the Brunstane Burn path

Start of the Innocent Railway Tunnel

This on southbound A7. There to protect cycle lane to #ERI. Wands dumped inside entrance to park. @EdinPolSE @lmacinnessnp https://t.co/wpTD6YNrrV

Cycle lanes aren’t real lanes. https://t.co/QaqvxZPIyj

This is why we need #ProtectionNotPaint This new cycle lane was painted yesterday but today there are 7 cars parked on it. Hopefully wands will be added like at the new cycle lane to #RoyalInfirmaryOfEdinburgh @edinhelp @NHS_Lothian ... [more]

Path down to Threipmuir Reservoir

Novelty cycle parking, presumably in keeping with the design of the Scottish Parliament, but reminds me of wire puzzles.

A very clear banner giving the location of the cycle parking.

Same as it ever was https://t.co/IgLR8AuVQL

@edinhelp @ 350 Leith Walk https://t.co/EoG9JprzQk

The only (?) Segregated cycleway between Midlothian and the city and it's used as parking on a frequent basis for housing development. @lmacinnessnp @SEStCC @SpokesLothian https://t.co/MknV62iylB

Chester Avenue, Slateford, Edinburgh. Where we built an out of town shopping centre in the middle of a residential area. Sunday, 1pm. https://t.co/XspjiI2zjF

Tram tracks on Princes Street

Enjoying the final days of the segregated cycling infra on Leith Street. Back to getting squeezed by drivers next week. https://t.co/16c8v4aUxD

Union canal feeder

Steep narrow steps. Not recommended for a bike, no room at the top of the stairs

Union canal feeder

Footway parking on Waterfront Avenue has reached its magnificent worst this morning. You can see where the bollards were removed and the end result. Frequently meet cars head on on the cycle track. https://t.co/yHlOgGBuJc

A bit of a stroll down Princes Street to see the - wait, what do we call these things? - to enable cycles to cross tram tracks. https://t.co/ujg4aq3wOO

After a torrent of protests the ban on cycling into Edinburgh Waverley station has been lifted - but there's a barrier to force dismounting at the bottom.

Temporary cycle routes during Edinburgh's Christmas market

Temporary cycle routes during Edinburgh's Christmas market

Sign for temporary shared-use route during Edinburgh's Christmas market

Cycle link to housing development on former Scottish Water site

Sign for cycle routes parallel to the Edinburgh bypass

Sign for cycle routes parallel to the Edinburgh bypass

Uphill cycle lane only.

Now that Princes Street is only used by buses, trams and bikes the ASL seems less necessary.

I wonder if they could have found a way to send NCN route 1 this way instead of on the road.

Short shared-use section allowing cyclists to bypass traffic lights.

There are no cars now on Princes Street, so the sign is a bit confusing.

Instructions for bike carriage in Edinburgh trams

Bikes welcome on Edinburgh trans

There are quite a lot of these signs along the Edinburgh tramway

Footpath link towards Haymarket station

Cyclist heading towards Haymarket station on this footpath link.

Traffic-free route to Haymarket station

Traffic-free link from Haymarket station

Buses, taxis and bikes only on Castle Terrace, Edinburgh

NCN1 by the railway and tramway west from Haymarket station

There are lots of these and similar signs along Edinburgh's tramway.

Cycle lane and cyclist preferring to keep right of the tramlines.

Cycle route (NCN1) crossing tram tracks at Haymarket station, Edinburgh

I'm not sure why there is this brief diversion to the left.

Cycle-friendly sign at roadworks

Very narrow cycle lane - obviously trams will just have to hang back and follow cyclists, but it's still terrifying just to see this.

Cycle parking and temporary signs at roadworks at Haymarket station

Decent covered cycle parking at Haymarket station

Bike & Go bikes at Haymarket station

Now brightly painted, the Sustrans milepost at the new Haymarket station, Edinburgh

How is anyone to safely use Leith Walk cycle lane when this is a daily sight @edinhelp @Edinburgh_CC @leithsworstpark https://t.co/CkMQTEgq8c

1/2 Yet another #designfail for #Edinburgh #cyclinginfrastructure. If this is what extra funding gets us we're screwed. https://t.co/8XNeziZQjN

So my first trip up the protected cycleway on Leith Walk was predictably enjoyable https://t.co/1OKNi69gCn

Milepost Middle Meadow Walk

Lins Mill Aqueduct https://unioncanalunlocked.org.uk/index.php

We welcome your feedback, especially to report bugs or give us route feedback.

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