If approved by councillors next week, plans for a "family-friendly" cycleway between Roseburn and Leith Walk will be put to the public, who have already indicated support for bike projects, for feedback.

Members of the Transport and Environment Committee will consider the proposals to consult on the suggested route, which runs through the city centre via George Street.

The high quality cycleway, which includes sections of segregated lanes on main streets, would plug a gap in the cycle network and link to the city’s off-road paths.

It comes after a poll, by sustainable transport charity Sustrans and Edinburgh City Council, found that three-quarters of people living in the capital would support an increase taxpayer funding for cycle-friendly policies and infrastructure.

The poll found the average amount people in Edinburgh, already Scotland's most bike-friendly city, would like to see invested from national and local transport budgets in cycling is £23 per person per year - equivalent to around £11.3 million per annum for the population of the capital.

Lesley Hinds, transport convener, said: “This route is key to our commitment to ensure safe and easy cycling across the city, and will provide an essential link to our extensive network of routes.

“I look forward to hearing what the public think of our proposals and would encourage anyone interested to submit their feedback.”

Proposals for the route follow a series of workshops with interested groups including community members, cyclists and businesses, as well as engagement with the city’s Transport and Active Travel forums.

Aiming to provide safer, more direct access by bike to key destinations around Edinburgh, the project would also deliver improvements to the street environment for other users, particularly pedestrians.

Project consultants predict an increase of approximately 90 per cent in cycle use in the corridor served by the route, amounting to a 16 per cent increase in overall cycle use in the city if it was delivered.

Source: Herald Scotland