It's all one almighty mess isn't it? Bus lanes with varying active times - at least Edinburgh's are all active during the same hours, but my problem is I don't trust the cameras not to log you when they should be inactive. I think many have the same problem, or can't read the signs, as it's common to see folk staying out of the lane when they could be in it and then having to do "battle" with the self righteous who have gone into the lane legally. The 20 mph restrictions can also be a problem as it's not unusual to come up behind someone doing 20 in a 30 because they have obviously missed the sign turning it back into a 30. The same is true for people who missed the transition from 30 to 20, although there are many who just don't obey the 20 (try taking a drive through Holyrood Park which is all 20 mph. try to stick to the 20 and you end up with some idiot behind you sitting 6 inches off your bumper trying to push you along) Mind you, the roads in the park, which were always 30 before, can easily take the higher limit very safely. If you're going to do it then just make the whole shebang 20 mph?
And what about the cycle lanes? Well, I do agree that cycling is quite dangerous, especially on the main through routes. Trouble is they are not wide enough throughout their length to have continuous dedicated lanes, so you get some bits with lanes and others without. Edinburgh is a hilly city and the winter weather is horrid so why do the authorities think everyone is going to suddenly take up cycling? This would seem to be born out from my personal observations of the cycle lanes along the Ferry road and up Telford road, as well as elsewhere, where you rarely see even one bike! The money which has been wasted on these extensive schemes is deeply disturbing and would have been better spent on road maintenance. I hasten to say I'm not anti bike, indeed I have one myself, a suitably old one with rod brakes even, I just don't think the money has been well spent.
