'We need the road dualled!' Petition launched against plans for A7 cycle path

Hundreds of people have signed a petition opposing proposals for a cycle path on the A7 within hours of it going online.

The road is a key route for motorists travelling between the Scottish Borders and Edinburgh.

And objectors say the proposals would “serve a minority interest at the expense of the majority”, arguing few cyclists would use it and that the route should, instead, be upgraded to a dual carriageway.

The petition calls on Midlothian Council to drop plans to add dedicated cycle/walking paths to the A7 corridor between Sheriffhall Park and Ride and Main Street, Newtongrange, which are currently out for consultation.

And it had received more than 350 signatures by lunchtime today (Monday) – 20 hours after it was launched on Change.org.

The local authority launched a consultation on the proposals last month. And the public only has until March 30th to have their say - here.

It says the new paths would “improve active travel connections making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for their everyday journeys and to connect to public transport services more easily.”

And it points out there is no or limited provision for walking or cycling along the majority of the road.

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It says: “Instead of reducing capacity by introducing cycle lanes, the road should be expanded to a dual carriageway to meet the growing demand for vehicle travel.

“The current proposal risks worsening traffic congestion and delays, negatively impacting commuters, local businesses, and the wider community.”

It comes as new 50mph signs go up on the A7 north of Galashiels. As previously reported, the speed limit is being reduced as part of an 18-month trial to make the road safer for motorcyclists.

Midlothian Council states: "We hope to secure funding to finalise the design of the preferred option along the A7 corridor in 2025/26. Construction of the scheme is hoped to be undertaken in 2027/28 but this will depend on funding being secured and the availability of land."

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