Spaces for People

Spaces for People (2020 funding bids)

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, we looked at ways to encourage more people to walk, cycle and travel actively.

Our bid to Sustrans

Here are details of our first bid to Sustrans Scotland, the walking and cycling charity. Sustrans manage the Spaces for People programme for the Scottish Government.

These proposals involved changes to roads, streets, foot and cycle paths for the duration of the pandemic crisis. This was an emergency response, and we could only bid for temporary measures. The priorities were for social distancing, and routes to work and school.

Proposals approved for funding by Sustrans

The following projects were approved for funding:

• Improved social distancing on footpaths through cut-back vegetation
• Temporary measures in Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg, Gorebridge, Loanhead town centres (not being progressed by the council)
• Easthouses Road to Waterfall Park, Dalkeith
• Eastfield Industrial Estate to Beeslack High School link development
• Social distancing signs to encourage correct behaviours on our paths
• Dalkeith to Pathhead covid-19 rural cycle route

The above were completed with the exception of the temporary measures in town centres.

Second bid applications

Any suggestions not taken into account in the first raft were included (several from community councils). Sustrans assessed the following as eligible for funding: 

• Vehicular traffic ban on Crawlees Road, Oatslie Road and Roslin Glen Road (No decisions or actions to implement the proposal were taken. There was a public consultation in October 2020 before any decision was taken.) Find out more and give your views by Friday 30 October 2020.
• Signage for Spaces for People
• NCR1 & 196

Other proposals not approved for funding

• A7 Newtonloan Toll to City of Edinburgh boundary north of Danderhall
• A768/C35 Midlothian - City of Edinburgh boundary improvement
• Eastfield Drive, Penicuik to City of Edinburgh link improvement
• Easthouses Road and Lauder Road improvement
• Lamp post cycle safety banners in town centres
• Mauricewood Road, Penicuik improvement
• Seafield Moor Road cycling connection
• Wadingburn Road, Lasswade improvement
• Covid 19 school route signage
• School Crossing Guide site safety
• Social distancing guidance flyers on routes to school
• Lasswade Primary, social distancing route improvements

Download the assessment table for more details (PDF)

Our permanent infrastructure plans progressed as crisis restrictions ease. Please look at our Active Travel Strategy showing the priorities for permanent walking and cycling infrastructure in Midlothian.