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.
Have a look at cyclingedinburgh.info for more information on cycling in Edinburgh.
See also a full list of photos in this area.
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 edspokesmap 12:70 Alternative path to EICA. This path was dug up to install a sewer pipe. It is now rough.
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.
This on southbound A7. There to protect cycle lane to #ERI. Wands dumped inside entrance to park. @EdinPolSE @lmacinnessnp https://t.co/wpTD6YNrrV
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]
Novelty cycle parking, presumably in keeping with the design of the Scottish Parliament, but reminds me of wire puzzles.
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
Enjoying the final days of the segregated cycling infra on Leith Street. Back to getting squeezed by drivers next week. https://t.co/16c8v4aUxD
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.
Very narrow cycle lane - obviously trams will just have to hang back and follow cyclists, but it's still terrifying just to see this.
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
I despair - pavement, double yellow lines and right by a major cycle route - in Leith this morning https://t.co/Dcssr3FgcY
I wonder if @forthroadbridge have plans to trim the bushes, as pedestrians can't keep to their side of the line. https://t.co/84pIlB6kcQ
The rules on the Castle Street pedestrian area have been well & truly bent! Street clearly not safe @edinhelp @LivingStreetsEd https://t.co/n5ZBAElSt6
. @south_team why the barriers? Needed lot of heavy lifting among the rubbish, cut finger. Path behind Morrison Gilmerton Rd. https://t.co/Oa6XUJPvp7 Reply from South Team: Barriers erected at request of public to deter motor bikes etc. ... [more]
2017 Alternative path to EICA. edspokesmap 12:70 2020 This path was dug up to install a sewer pipe. It is now rougher.
Famous sights in Edinburgh including the Scott monument with Princes Street in the background. Waverly station's tastefully repurposed booking office is to the right. https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pub-histories/scotland/edinburgh/the-boo ... [more]
Lunchtime cycle Location: East Pilton, Edinburgh (Scotland, United Kingdom) West Granton Road Underpass
@Edinburgh_CC @CyclingEdin @ScottishPower Path and Cycle path completely blocked. Would you leave a road like that? https://t.co/0xjvLTnShL
Colinton Dell Tunnel (13/365) [explored] Location: Colinton, City of Edinburgh (Scotland, United Kingdom) Back down to earth with a bump after yesterday's 'Made Explore for the first time in years and got 40+ favourites' excitement. ... [more]
Replacement 'magic paint' cycleway on George Street as much use as a chocolate teapot https://t.co/2qb5jsG69n
A contractors' access turning circle surrounded in barriers, while passengers, including those with bikes, restricted to narrow walkways on the entrance ramps (see also #67002). The priorities sign is wrong too.
Leaving the King's Buildings Campus, a toucan light allows you to set off in all directions during the pedestrian phase. Unfortunately, in the other direction you can use the toucan only from the "quality bike corridor" on Mayfield Road (fo ... [more]
Chicanes at the bottom of the path leading into Craigmillar Castle Park. They are quite narrow and difficult to negotiate as they are at the bottom of a fairly steep section of the path.
Chicanes, another set a bit further down in background of the image. A little bit too narrow, you can wiggle through on a normal bike but tandems and trailers are blocked.
Chicanes at beginning of path between Forkenford and Kings Haugh, in good state but a bit narrow, not recommended for trailers or tandems although the path is wide enough for maneuvring.