Support for cyclists
As part of the Spaces for People initiative to provide additional space for physical distancing to protect public health, work has started to create a temporary pop up cycle route between Prestonpans and Cockenzie and Port Seton. The route will run parallel to Edinburgh Road and will be 3m wide and hard surfaced.
Environment spokesperson, Cllr Norman Hampshire, said: “We received many comments in the public consultation around Spaces for People on the need to provide suitable space for people cycling. Many people are currently cycling this route and we need to cater for the current increase in cyclists during the covid-19 pandemic period."
“In common with other Spaces for People measures this route is for temporary use as we gradually move out of restrictions and will also provide a viable alternative to the use of the private car and/or public transport for shorter distanced essential or leisure trips in the area.”
The works will also include the introduction of temporary crossings of Edinburgh Road at either end of the route through the use of ‘buildouts’ and bolt-down bollards. In addition, the proposals also include traffic calming measures on Edinburgh Road to slow down traffic with a temporary reduction in the speed limit to 30mph between the two towns, in tandem with the introduction of 20mph limits within the towns themselves.
Cllr Hampshire added: “We were aware of a collection of painted stones that have been carefully laid by local schoolchildren alongside the existing footway along Edinburgh Road and recognise that these are important to the local community. The Community Council has arranged for these to be carefully collected prior to the start of the works and have been relocated on the other side of the road.”