To saunter up Bellevue into Mansfield Place, writes David Hill, and survey, in the middle distance, the gentle ascent of Broughton Street into the city centre is an experience to make the heart leap.
It certainly would mine, were I in possession of one. It is one of the city's great vistas, albeit perhaps an under-appreciated one. Approaching from the north, you are enticed by the unfolding streetscape.
Unhappily, however, the marvellous vision of the approach belies the reality of a less than satisfactory on-street experience for those on foot.
The word pedestrian is a synonym for unimaginative, which certainly mirrors current thinking – or lack thereof – on how this street could best meet the needs of this primary user. At the moment, and in spite of the existence of many great shops and cafés, walking along it is not a pleasant experience. Indeed, Broughton Street gives the impression that it would actually prefer it if you did not linger, perhaps even stayed away entirely.
So, what, then, is the problem? It's not the relative shabbiness of the street at ground level, although this clearly does not add to its appeal as an attractive destination. Nor is it the volume and speed of traffic in itself, although this feeds into the issue. Rather, it's the lack of consideration for, indeed what almost seems like active hostility towards, the pedestrian that seems to be inherent in the street's traffic management.
For instance, traversing the busy Albany Street intersection can be a particularly bracing experience as many cars turn at speed there, and often also neglect to indicate. The treatment of those on foot is tiresome and stress-inducing, and also performs a disservice to the street's businesses.
What can be done? I'd love to see a verdantly vibrant street reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. Just imagine what a glorious street that would be! Personally, I'd never leave. In the meantime a crossing point somewhere in the middle would ease the situation. No need for traffic lights: a zebra would do the trick nicely. It would obviously assist in getting from one side of the road to the other; and, by strongly encouraging more cautious driving without especially hindering drivers, would also make crossing side streets less of a trauma than it currently is.
Would that not be delightful? It might even help increase footfall for local shops and services. Prioritising the pedestrian is not, as some still consider it to be, irrational.
As things stand, pedestrian users of the street – be they shopper, flâneur, commuter, or bon viveur – are being seriously let down by the belief – tacit or otherwise – that the convenience of the motorist passing through must take priority over the comfort, safety and welfare of those on foot. Using the street should be a joy, and not the struggle it so often seems to be.
This amazing street already has much to offer; a less hostile environment would greatly add to its charms.
******
Since we received David Hill’s article on Broughton Street, Spurtle has been emailed by City of Edinburgh Council alerting us to its consultation about draft Edinburgh Street Design Guidance. You can read the document and complete the online survey on the Council’s website or send comments directly to streetdesign@edinburgh.gov.uk Progress on the consultation can be followed on Twitter.
Interestingly, at this stage, the Guidance is at pains to point out its aspirations for prioritising place over movement. For example:
Place importance will be very high in shopping streets; socialising places will be of higher quality, with more frequent and more sizeable provision where there are more pedestrians.
Opportunities will be taken at intersections and well-used pedestrian areas to improve their function as a place.
Shared areas, including shared surfaces, will be considered for use to better balance place and movement in both high and low traffic flow areas of travel to work.
If you agree or disagree with Hill's article above, or have taken the time to read the Council document and/or respond to the survey, we’d be very interested in hearing your thoughts. Contact us by email: spurtle@hotmail.co.uk Twitter: @theSpurtle Facebook: Broughton Spurtle
---------------------------
@theSpurtle 20mph limit would be a good start
Flâneurs For a Better Broughton Street. Count me in. RT @theSpurtle http://www.broughtonspurtle.org.uk/news/place-movement-and-public-spaces … pic.twitter.com/GlUJ8GlUjYIan
@NewTownFlaneur @theSpurtle Broughton St: a street where Edinburgh opens out to the wider world, foodwise. Not before time.
@IanCrofton @NewTownFlaneur Interesting. But – to be honest – also somewhat baffling. Would you care to expand (as tweet or article)?
@theSpurtle @NewTownFlaneur When my daughter lived there 2 yrs back there were restaurants from many countries. Happy memories of tapas.
@IanCrofton @theSpurtle Also cars from many countries & consequently, pedestrians with many anxieties. Zebra required; not in steak form.
@NewTownFlaneur@theSpurtle Yes, terrifying crossing that road. When are we all going to pedestrianize?