“This report puts vehicles at the top of the priority list rather than the safety of pedestrians and cyclists above those of drivers.
'The ‘sustainable travel hierarchy’ national policy, which states that infrastructure changes must always put the most carbon-saving option first, is not once referred to in the 46 page report.
"It is bewildering that the Council and Sustrans Scotland rubber stamped the vehicle friendly report’s conclusions. Without the path there is no safe route for pedestrians, push chair users, wheelers and cyclists between these communities away from the dangerous B1345 road.
“We ask that East Lothian Council's senior politicians and senior officers, using professional advisers as appropriate, take the lead in resolving the position regarding land availability."
Jim Densham, Cycling UK in Scotland, said:
“It is time to create safe space for those who choose to walk or ride a bike, and in some locations this will mean redesigning roads and changing what drivers are used to.
“Designs for the desperately needed missing link in the path from Gullane to Drem must redress the balance to stop the B1345 into Drem being a danger zone for people cycling or walking.’’
Background
In 2021, Sustrans Scotland awarded £30,000 to East Lothian Council to assess the feasibility of options for the first section of a cycle and walking path at Drem.
Ends