Footprints and zig-zags graced the front page of a regional daily to highlight discontent at a new cycle lane.

The Edinburgh Evening News used the graphics to illustrate the displeasure of businesses and neighbours near to Leith Walk, where a new zig-zag bike lane has been installed.

Navigating the lane, completed after two years of works, has been described as a growing “nightmare” by those who use the thoroughfare.

The EEN splashed on the issue on Saturday, with the front page based on an idea by design editor Gavin Munro.

Euan McGrory, editor of the Edinburgh Evening News, told HTFP: “Leith Walk is a beautiful, broad boulevard that is one of Edinburgh’s under-rated treasures. Everyone in that area has had to live with huge disruption for almost two years while work on the latest stage of the city’s tram extension process.

“So there was great anticipation about the reopening and what the new road and pavement layout would look like.

“The trouble with the cycle lane is that it weaves back and forth all the way along the street, never going straight for any distance at all. Nobody seems to be happy with it – cyclists, pedestrians, shopkeepers – and everyone if pretty confused.

“Maybe it will be better when people get used to it, but the initial reaction at least has been one of utter disbelief.

“We wanted to tell the story in a creative and impactful way, so we went out to cycle the route and film it and thought about how best to present it in the paper.

“It was design editor Gavin Munro who came up with the idea of the front page headline mirroring the twists and turns of the path.

“I thought it was a great idea and Gavin executed it brilliantly. The front page and video have helped make the story one of the most talked about of the year so far.”