Edinburgh to introduce cycle lanes indicating safest angle to cross tram tracks

New red-surfaced cycle lanes are to be installed in Edinburgh indicating the optimum angle for crossing tram tracks. The measures will be introduced along with a campaign urging all road users to "look out for each other".

Hundreds of cyclists have been injured on Edinburgh’s tram tracks at an estimated cost to the NHS of more than £1m. Many are also taking legal action with two lead cases to be heard in May 2019.

In June, Zhi Min Soh was killed after coming off her bike on tram tracks before being hit by a minibus. At the time, it was said that Edinburgh tram bosses had “largely ignored” a report warning that cycle lanes should be installed along the length of the network.

Shandwick Place, where the incident occurred, is one of five locations where the new markings will be added. The Scotsman reports that while cycling safety measures were already under consideration prior to her death, Shandwick Place had not up until then been among the locations earmarked for improvements.

The four other locations are York Place into Elder Street, Princes Street on to Waverley Bridge, Princes Street into South St David Street and Princes Street into Frederick Street. The work is due to be completed by the end of October.

Lesley Macinnes, City of Edinburgh Council's transport convener, said: "Road safety is one of the council's top priorities and we've been working very closely with cycling groups for many months on ways to help make it easier for cyclists to safely cross tram tracks in the city centre.

"The measures we've been able to bring forward as phase one will help demonstrate the safest angle to cross the tracks at five key points along the route, something which we know will be especially welcomed by less confident cyclists.

"We're emphasising that this is about all road users looking out for each other to keep themselves and each other safe.

"Drivers need to make sure they give cyclists plenty of time and extra space to get into the position they need to be in to cross the tram tracks safely and cyclists need to clearly signal – as early as possible – what they plan to do. By looking out for each other, we can ensure we all reach our destination safely."

Last month we reported that cyclists would get dedicated lanes for the planned £165.2 million Ediburgn tram extension under which trams will run from York Place/Picardy Place to Newhaven by 2022.