Dunfermline cycle path back on track despite objections

Members of the City of Dunfermline area committee have given the green light for the route on the south side of Aberdour Road.

The two-way cycle lane is the last piece in a bigger active travel network, and developers now have permission to finish it.

In 2022 the council announced plans for a £700,000 shared use, four-metres wide path on Aberdour Road, from Hospital Hill to the Masterton roundabout.

The section from Masterton roundabout to Blacklaw Road is already completed.

READ MORE: Aberdour Road Active Travel Corridor proposals go on display

However, the final “missing link” from Blacklaw Road to Hospital Hill proved controversial and objections forced the council to change their plans.

Residents had expressed concerns that the proposed cycle lane would have a negative impact on road safety, particularly the speed and volume of traffic.

Other concerns included the perceived difficulty of crossing the cycle track, restrictive bollards or islands, a preference for use of the north side and concern about the physical appearance of segregated cycle tracks.

“As a local ward councillor, while I’m really in favour of active travel, I’m still a bit concerned that some of the issues raised haven’t been addressed,” said Councillor Cara Hilton.

However, roads and transportation teams have previously assured councillors that the cycle-lanes are not a safety concern.

Allan MacLean, lead consultant in sustainable travel, also explained that his team is “not looking to cause chaos in traffic terms”.

“The modelling is so we can reassure ourselves and the community that nothing we would do that would negatively impact and make traffic queues any longer than they already are,” he replied.

“There is a balancing act to be had there as to how we take forward design to put in an active travel facility – modern and adhering to best practice – but not cause undue concern to local residents.”

READ MORE: Moves to complete Aberdour Road cycle track

Now that councillors have approved the plans, the two-way, segregated cycle lane will be built using part of the existing Aberdour Road carriageway.

It will make traffic lanes slightly narrower than before, but Mr MacLean said it won’t impact road capacity.

Thanks to a new and improved “whole street approach”, the council have also recommended the installation of speed cushions to slow traffic down.

They have also added plans to introduce a new zebra crossing to the west of St Lawrence Street.

The pedestrian crossing island at the mini roundabout at Blacklaw Road will be widened as well so people can cross the road in two stages – one line of traffic at a time.

The speed hump proposals will be subject to a separate consultation and review process, but for the time being the committee has approved the plans to create two-way cycle lanes on Aberdour Road.

Although there was some pushback and criticism from members, the decision was made unanimously.