Cycling up 26% on Edinburgh cycle path network.
This year the Edinburgh Bike Station has again taken part in an annual cycle survey, counting the number of cyclists at key locations in Edinburgh during the morning commute (7.30-9.15am).
At Fiveways Junction, on the Haymarket to Ocean Terminal/the Shore path, we recorded a 26% increase in the number of cyclists compared to November 2010. This section of Edinburgh's paths has been a key part of the Edinburgh Bike Station's and Edinburgh and Lothians Greenspace Trust Innertube project to promote and improve the paths, supported by the People's Postcode Lottery Dream Fund.
On Causewayside, we recorded a 15% increase compared to last November. Causewayside is the main corridor between Edinburgh University's two largest campuses and will soon see major improvements to become a cycling corridor.
The third location we surveyed was North Bridge, where the number of cyclists compared to last year has dropped by 1%. With the increases seen elsewhere, the North Bridge result is probably more to do with increased car traffic and congestion on that route due to the closure of the Mound and Princes Street for the tramworks, so many cyclists have sought alternative routes.
Both counts were carried out on the third Tuesday of November, and the weather was almost identical on both days, allowing a meaningful comparison.
These results prove what is visible - ever more cyclists on Edinburgh's streets.
Mark
A further breakdown of the 2011 cycle count results show some even greater increases.
On Causewayside - cyclists heading South towards Edinburgh University's Kings Buildings went up by 23%. KB is a major destination for city centre based students and staff. Edinburgh University's transport team have done much to increase cycling amongst the university community, including regular Bike Station Dr Bikes at their various campuses.
At Fiveways Junction - cyclists heading South to the City Centre went up by 28%. Those heading East to Leith, Newhaven, Ocean Terminal and Victoria Quay went up by 36%. As well as the new Innertube map of this and all of Edinburgh's paths, Greener Leith ran a two year CCF-funded project aimed at those living and working in Leith.
Spokes carried out a cycle count on their regular locations of Lothian Road and Forrest Row (for the sixth year running) on the same day, showing very similar increases - 12% on November 2010, and even higher numbers than in May 2011. On Lothian Road, cycles made up 25% of all vehicles.
