An event has been held to mark the completion of a transformative active travel scheme in Edinburgh.

Work saw significant improvements delivered on the QuietRoute 61, which now links Roslin in Midlothian to Portobello.

Signage has been extended from its original end point at Gilmerton Road to Portobello Promenade, with numerous links into the wider active travel network along the route, including National Cycle Network Routes 1 and 76 at Jewel Park and QuietRoute 10 at Portobello Promenade.

Amongst work carried out under the £1 million scheme was the creation of a new 'hybrid' crossing and section of bi-directional cycle segregation at Gilmerton Road and the city's first of three new 'tiger' crossings in and around the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh and BioQuarter, which combines a zebra crossing with a crossing for people cycling. Improvements have also been made to crossings at Old Dalkeith Road and Niddrie Mains Road, along with other changes that better prioritise people walking, wheeling and cycling.


Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: "It was fantastic to join with members of the community and key project contributors to celebrate the completion of the QuietRoute 61 project. This has transformed a key cross-boundary route between Edinburgh and Midlothian, helping people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to walk, wheel and cycle easily and safely.

"It's clear that we all need to rethink the way we move around the city if we are to cut congestion, air pollution and harmful carbon emissions, as we are reminded during Scotland's Climate Week. Not only do Edinburgh's QuietRoutes help people to make more sustainable transport choices, but they provide pleasant and enjoyable spaces, connecting key destinations around the Capital."

Chiquita Elvin, Head of Programme at Sustrans, commented: "The improvements made to QuietRoute 61 will make it easier for people to walk, wheel, and cycle in the south east of Edinburgh. Through coordination between Midlothian and City of Edinburgh Councils, signage at key junctions has been improved making the journey to and from Roslin and Portobello more intuitive. We are excited to continue working with City of Edinburgh Council to make active travel an available and attractive choice for everyone."

Midlothian Council's Cabinet Member with responsibility for active travel, Councillor Douglas Bowen added: "We welcome the improvements along the QuietRoute 61 introduced by City of Edinburgh Council to support active travel and improved accessibility. This has created an excellent cross boundary route, connecting numerous communities and destinations in Edinburgh and Midlothian."