LAWYERS for dozens of cyclists who are suing Edinburgh Trams and the city’s council over injuries sustained in falls on tram lines were yesterday studying a report recommending improvements to make the tram network safer for bike users.
The report to the council’s environ- ment and transport committee followed a fatal accident in May at the junction of Shandwick Place and Queensferry Street.
Edinburgh University student Zhi Min Soh tragically lost her life when the 23-year-old Malaysian national and her bike were in collision with a minibus after her cycle wheel was seen to stick in a tram track.
The council stated: “New red- surfaced cycle lanes will be installed at a number of key points along the tram route in Edinburgh’s city centre.
“The measures, the first in a three-phase project to help all road users keep themselves and each other safe when negotiating the tram tracks, are aimed at demonstrating the optimum angle for crossing the tracks and reminding motorists to give cyclists extra space, particularly where tramlines are concerned. The red-screeded cycle lanes will offer those on bikes the safest route to cross the tram tracks to avoid slipping or getting their wheels stuck.”
There will be four phases of improvements in all, with the first three due for completion next year at a total cost of £230,000.
Solicitors are already dealing with up to 100 claims by cyclists injured in falls from bikes on the tram tracks.
One of the legal experts told The National yesterday that the announcement of improvements was significant. “It is not an admission that things were wrong in the first place,” said the source. “But the scope of the changes that are being made is extensive and significant.”
The changes will be rolled out over the coming weeks, along with warning signs and a multi-channel pub- licity and awareness campaign.
The campaign will urge all road users to “look out for each other”, stressing the need for drivers to give cyclists ample space when they’re manoeuvring into the safest position for crossing tram tracks.
The council’s transport convener, Councillor Lesley Macinnes, 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 1 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 signal clearly and as early as possible what they plan to do. By looking out for each other, we can ensure we all reach our destination safely.”
Dave du Feu, speaking on behalf of cyclists’ group Spokes, said: “Spokes welcomes the council’s three-phase project to tackle tramline-related cyclist crashes and injuries.
“The council rightly recognises that many crashes occur because traffic pressures force the cyclist into the tramlines at a poor angle. We therefore particularly welcome the phase one “Give Cyclists Space” signs and publicity.
“We urge the council to progress rapidly with the consultations and traffic orders required for phases two and three, which entail changes to traffic lights, road layouts, etc. We look forward to discussing these plans.”
Katherine Soane, senior officer, transport integration at campaign group Sustrans, said: “Sustrans welcomes the council’s proposals around crossing tram tracks. We look forward to a more wide-reaching programme around safety where vulnerable road users interact with motorists.”
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