Edinburgh City Council has officially opened a landmark scheme which will transform walking, wheeling and cycling between the east and west of the city.

Construction work commenced in February 2022 on the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL). It was principally funded by the Scottish Government through Sustrans' Places for Everyone programme. The scheme connects Roseburn to Leith Walk via Haymarket and the West End with a safe and direct cycle route, as well as improving streets for those walking, wheeling and spending time there. This will tie into a new George Street cycling thoroughfare delivered as part of the George Street and First New Town project.

Pupils from local primary schools took part in a group ride from Old Colt Bridge which arrived in Haymarket in time for the festivities. They were greeted with a musical performance by St Mary's Music School pupils and a range of walking, wheeling and cycling-themed activities.

Members of the community joined Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener; Patrick Harvie, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants' Rights; and other stakeholders in Haymarket to celebrate the momentous occasion, following the completion of the CCWEL.

CCWEL will be a part of the growing walking, wheeling and cycling network, connecting with Roseburn to Union Canal, George Street and First New Town and other key routes. This kind of joined-up project delivery is essential for helping people to choose clean, sustainable modes of transport, in turn supporting our net zero 2030 goals, as well as improving air quality and reducing congestion.

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Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: "This major scheme is not only one of the largest pieces of active travel infrastructure delivered in Edinburgh, but it has transformed spaces along the route for the use and enjoyment of people who live, visit and work here."

Patrick Harvie, Minister for Active Travel said: "This new active travel route forms a key part of the growing network across Edinburgh, providing another safe and sustainable option for people to move about Scotland’s capital. This ambitious investment in active travel infrastructure was made possible through grant funding from the Scottish Government administered through Sustrans Scotland’s Places For Everyone Fund. I am grateful to City of Edinburgh Council for working so closely with all partners, not least the many communities set to benefit from this investment."

Karen McGregor, Scotland Director for Sustrans said: "The City Centre West to East Link is an absolute game-changer within the world of active travel. For the first time ever in Scotland, we’ve delivered a fully segregated walking, wheeling and cycling connection that cuts through the heart of the city centre. In doing so, this fantastic new route gives the people of Edinburgh a safe and accessible driving alternative, allowing people to get to where they want, how they want, regardless of age or ability. I would like to thank all those involved for their support and keen involvement in its delivery."

Other activities along the route included free bike inspections offered by Dr Bike, bicycle marking services provided by Police Scotland, trials of cargo bikes, and the opportunity to meet the team responsible for the project.

In addition to connecting with the cycling and pedestrian improvements carried out under the George Street and First New Town project and along Leith Walk as part of Trams to Newhaven, CCWEL will also intersect with the Roseburn to Union Canal route, scheduled for completion this year, and the Meadows to George Street route. Construction for the latter is slated for 2025.

By promoting travel on foot, bicycle, and wheel, CCWEL is in line with the City Mobility Plan 2030, which envisions a future clean, interconnected and carbon-neutral transportation.