SpokesLothian
@spokes.org.uk
1.2K followers 62 following 580 posts
Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign: fights for better conditions for everyday journeys by bike, particularly Edinburgh & Lothian. Also lobby Scot Gov. [Not totally left X because councils, govt depts, politicians all use it - pls ask them to sign up here!]
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Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
#Queensferry - consultn date extended to Fri 17 Oct

NB - this is separate from (and better than!) the town centre scheme now under construction

@edi.bike @thebonnieloon.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @harryjwilliams.bsky.social @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk @johnrobson87.bsky.social
spokes.org.uk
#Queensferry #ActiveTravel 🚲👩‍🦼🚶 consultn, ends 10 Oct

🙋 Respond by email or online

Consultn page & DRAFT response--> www.spokes.org.uk/documents/me...

@edi.bike @sw20.info @thebonnieloon.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social @harryjwilliams.bsky.social
Picture of the active travel route and connections being consulted on Consultation heading..

Queensferry: Builyeon Road new primary school and improved active travel connections

Closes 10 Oct 2025

Opened 28 Aug 2025
Start of the DRAFT spokes response..

Queensferry: Builyeon Road new primary school and improved active travel connections
DRAFT Spokes consultation response
The page numbers below refer to the document Queensferry Connections DRAFT Developed Designs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Queensferry residents already suffer from the effects of excessive traffic with actual and perceived risk
to life, excessive noise, pollution and negative health impacts of increasing levels of inactivity, especially
amongst younger generations. With over 1600 properties built or planned to be built in just a few years within
the town, Edinburgh Council must act now to make active travel a more attractive option for people to choose
to travel to, from and around South Queensferry.
Spokes broadly welcome these proposals as we believe this could potentially be the start of what is required to
provide adults and children with the opportunity for active travel which for most does not currently exist.
There is an opportunity for a wider active travel network throughout South Queensferry and these proposals as
the currently stand exclude other areas of South Queensferry, for example other schools around the town. All
children and adults should have the right to exercise for free and to travel actively safely and we would urge
the Council, the Scottish Government and other funding partners to take a proactive approach to planning this
(and other) active travel networks, not just individual routes that are not joined up one of the main proposals maps in the consultation, showing the active travel route beside and crossing a road
Reposted by SpokesLothian
calderwook.bsky.social
Here is the report I'm referencing.
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebcast

#CCWEL 12-month monitoring--> democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s8...

History--> www.spokes.org.uk/2022/02/ccwe...

Result-->
🚶satisfaction up
🚲greatly up
trader support hugely up
retail spending up

#CllrMacinnes suggests using this as example to other local communities
Officer: 👍
4. Main report
4.1 The results of the 12 month post-implementation monitoring are detailed in Appendix 1.
4.2 Key findings include:
4.2.1 The number of people cycling on affected streets has continued to increase since the interim monitoring period when compared to pre-implementation baseline levels, weekday cycling levels have at least doubled on Roseburn Terrace, Haymarket Terrace, Melville Street and St David Street, compared to only modest increases on unaffected streets such as Dalry Road. Increases have been even greater at the weekend;
4.2.2 The increase in weekday cycling is less pronounced when compared with pre-covid figures from 2018, most likely due to the decrease in overall journey numbers associated with the increase in flexible working, however weekend figures and the modal share for cycling at all times have increased considerably since 2018;
4.2.3 Pedestrian satisfaction on key streets has remained notably higher than during baseline surveys;
4
Transport and Environment Committee – Thursday 11 September
4.2.4 The vast majority of pedestrians and shoppers (over 95%) interviewed on affected streets had travelled by sustainable modes;
4.2.5 Most residents who took part in the household survey support the scheme and the level of support has continued to increase since pre-implementation (49%) and interim monitoring (64%) to 68%. Meanwhile the level of opposition has fallen from 11% to 7%;
4.2.6 The proportion of residents living near the scheme who cycle as their main mode of travel to work has continued to increase from 8% during baseline monitoring, to 12% at 6 months monitoring and 15% at 12 months monitoring. If residents who work from home are removed, the increase is even larger, more than doubling from 8% to 18%;
4.2.7 Residents’ satisfaction with the public realm and the availability of parking spaces remained higher than during baseline monitoring; 4.2.8
The proportion of traders who support the scheme appears to have increased from only 14% during baseline monitoring, to 60% at the 12 months monitoring; although it should be noted that the trader survey had very low response rates, so these results are not necessarily representative;
4.2.9
The number of vacant premises has reduced by three on Roseburn Terrace and increased by one on Haymarket Terrace (not counting Rosebery House). This compares favourably with control locations of Gorgie Road and Dalry Road, where the number of vacant premises has increased by one and four respectively;
4.2.10 Levels of vehicular traffic on routes affected by the CCWEL project and parallel alternative routes are similar to those seen in 2020; with decreases on certain streets such as Coltbridge Terrace and Roseburn Place, where restrictions have been imposed, and increases on some parallel streets such as Henderland Road and Drumsheugh Gardens, to which some traffic has re-routed;
4.2.11 However overall traffic levels have decreased considerably since before the Covid-19 pandemic, with weekday traffic at key locations down by around 27% compared to 2018. This suggests that overall traffic in the city centre has fallen considerably, most likely due to the combined impact of the increase in flexible working, and the various changes to the city centre network, such as the tram extension to Newhaven, the Low Emission Zone and the CCWEL project itself. Thus the impact of any localised increases is likely to be very small when compared to pre-pandemic levels; and
4.2.12 Analysis of spending data by Mastercard found evidence of 20% higher retail spending in areas affected by the CCWEL project than in areas not affected by the project. Councillor Macinnes speaking Officer says very successful monitoring report, which they will use in other local communities, though each area always comes up with their own concerns
Reposted by SpokesLothian
portyenergy.bsky.social
Sunny ☀️ final weekend for Mónica as our summer Bike Library worker. Lucky for us she will continue helping run the Bike library until at least the spring 🙌 so we had to celebrate 🍻

Over winter our bike library won't be staffed during weekends but we are always open by appointment: bit.ly/4nP3XGH
Reposted by SpokesLothian
Reposted by SpokesLothian
annacycles.bsky.social
It's on 29th October at Edinburgh Quaker Meeting House at 6.45pm. If you live in Edinburgh or nearby, please come along and please share widely.

While it's heartbreaking to have said goodbye to Tim, we want to continue his legacy as best as possible, by sharing stories of cycling and mental health.
annacycles.bsky.social
Looking forward to being back in Edinburgh at the end of the month to share the story of our Ride for Tim. We're also hearing from @nicklifeafloat.bsky.social and the charity Health in Mind.

If you're coming, details are on FB fb.me/e/6IrqxMFSX - pls click 'attending' or 'interested' for updates.
spokes.org.uk
#Queensferry - consultn date extended to Fri 17 Oct

NB - this is separate from (and better than!) the town centre scheme now under construction

@edi.bike @thebonnieloon.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @harryjwilliams.bsky.social @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk @johnrobson87.bsky.social
spokes.org.uk
#Queensferry #ActiveTravel 🚲👩‍🦼🚶 consultn, ends 10 Oct

🙋 Respond by email or online

Consultn page & DRAFT response--> www.spokes.org.uk/documents/me...

@edi.bike @sw20.info @thebonnieloon.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social @harryjwilliams.bsky.social
Picture of the active travel route and connections being consulted on Consultation heading..

Queensferry: Builyeon Road new primary school and improved active travel connections

Closes 10 Oct 2025

Opened 28 Aug 2025
Start of the DRAFT spokes response..

Queensferry: Builyeon Road new primary school and improved active travel connections
DRAFT Spokes consultation response
The page numbers below refer to the document Queensferry Connections DRAFT Developed Designs
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Queensferry residents already suffer from the effects of excessive traffic with actual and perceived risk
to life, excessive noise, pollution and negative health impacts of increasing levels of inactivity, especially
amongst younger generations. With over 1600 properties built or planned to be built in just a few years within
the town, Edinburgh Council must act now to make active travel a more attractive option for people to choose
to travel to, from and around South Queensferry.
Spokes broadly welcome these proposals as we believe this could potentially be the start of what is required to
provide adults and children with the opportunity for active travel which for most does not currently exist.
There is an opportunity for a wider active travel network throughout South Queensferry and these proposals as
the currently stand exclude other areas of South Queensferry, for example other schools around the town. All
children and adults should have the right to exercise for free and to travel actively safely and we would urge
the Council, the Scottish Government and other funding partners to take a proactive approach to planning this
(and other) active travel networks, not just individual routes that are not joined up one of the main proposals maps in the consultation, showing the active travel route beside and crossing a road
Reposted by SpokesLothian
edi.bike
🚲 edi.bike | issue 114 | 13th Sep '25

New plans for Fountainbridge, Dundee St and beyond; South Queensferry High Street project an “opportunity missed”; plus events, route closures & more:

https://buttondown.com/edi.bike/archive/edibike-issue-114-13th-oct-25/
An illustrated visual of a future streetscape, with a wide continuous footway and cycle crossing, wide pavements and pedestrian and cycle users passing by a double decker bus under a clear blue sky.
Reposted by SpokesLothian
thebikestation.bsky.social
In 2024, our mechanics repaired 800+ bikes — keeping more wheels spinning and less waste in landfill. 🌍
Repairing isn’t just fixing bikes. It’s looking after ourplanet.
buff.ly/BdXYLXU

#CircularEconomy #RepairCulture #Sustainability
Repairs & Servicing | The Bike Station | Scotland
We offer a huge variety of repair services for your bike. If you need your bike repaired, please complete the Edinburgh contact form below if you intend to bring your bike to our Edinburgh branch, or…
buff.ly
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
#COP30 #Climate conference

1. #Glasgow march, 15 Nov--> act.foe.scot/climate_marc...
2. Ask your organisation to sign the pathwalkcycle.bsky.social letter seek 🚶👩‍🦼🚲 action--> mailchi.mp/4ede80a0f70d...

@edi.bike @sccscot.bsky.social @foescot.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
FOE poster

Glasgow Climate March

Saturday 15th November, 11am, Glasgow Green

Join us in the build-up to the march.

Sign up for updates and opportunities to get involved.

Open letter
Call for all National Governments to Make Walking and Cycling Central to Climate Commitments Ahead of COP30

The Partnership for Active Travel and Health (PATH) are calling on all national governments to join the momentum for integrating walking and cycling into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in advance of COP30.

Enabling more people to walk and cycle safely is increasingly recognised as a quick, reliable and affordable way to cut transport emissions in half by 2030 and help reach the Paris Agreement. PATH research shows that two-thirds of countries now have active travel policies, but current commitments too often fall short of the ambition needed to ensure they address the climate imperative.

New policies from countries like Brazil, Cambodia and Lesotho show what’s possible. Their planned actions, come with targets and funding, promising safer, cleaner and more enjoyable walking and cycling experiences. This will both enable the millions of people walking and cycling to avoid the potential emissions that would be generated from alternative choices and encourages existing polluters to shift their habits and benefit from the better conditions.

Policymakers are urged to follow PATH’s Active Travel Policy Template (2025) for a comprehensive step-by-step guide to creating an effective policy. The framework contains inspiring examples of the 20 national actions that, when delivered, have a measurable impact.

COP30 is a critical opportunity to embed sustainable mobility into global climate action. PATH, and their supporters, urges all national governments to submit ambitious NDCs without further delay. Now is the time to scale up ambition, investments, and embed walking and cycling in climate strategies to reduce pollution, benefit public health and create vibrant, inclusive and equitable societies.
Reposted by SpokesLothian
edtiss.bsky.social
Hello @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social. I'm sure you are aware but there are still a number of trees down on the NEPN - a particularly dangerous one is edging over on the Ferry Road Path.

Adds some adrenaline to my runs but I'd rather not get squished.
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
#COP30 #Climate conference

1. #Glasgow march, 15 Nov--> act.foe.scot/climate_marc...
2. Ask your organisation to sign the pathwalkcycle.bsky.social letter seek 🚶👩‍🦼🚲 action--> mailchi.mp/4ede80a0f70d...

@edi.bike @sccscot.bsky.social @foescot.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
FOE poster

Glasgow Climate March

Saturday 15th November, 11am, Glasgow Green

Join us in the build-up to the march.

Sign up for updates and opportunities to get involved.

Open letter
Call for all National Governments to Make Walking and Cycling Central to Climate Commitments Ahead of COP30

The Partnership for Active Travel and Health (PATH) are calling on all national governments to join the momentum for integrating walking and cycling into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in advance of COP30.

Enabling more people to walk and cycle safely is increasingly recognised as a quick, reliable and affordable way to cut transport emissions in half by 2030 and help reach the Paris Agreement. PATH research shows that two-thirds of countries now have active travel policies, but current commitments too often fall short of the ambition needed to ensure they address the climate imperative.

New policies from countries like Brazil, Cambodia and Lesotho show what’s possible. Their planned actions, come with targets and funding, promising safer, cleaner and more enjoyable walking and cycling experiences. This will both enable the millions of people walking and cycling to avoid the potential emissions that would be generated from alternative choices and encourages existing polluters to shift their habits and benefit from the better conditions.

Policymakers are urged to follow PATH’s Active Travel Policy Template (2025) for a comprehensive step-by-step guide to creating an effective policy. The framework contains inspiring examples of the 20 national actions that, when delivered, have a measurable impact.

COP30 is a critical opportunity to embed sustainable mobility into global climate action. PATH, and their supporters, urges all national governments to submit ambitious NDCs without further delay. Now is the time to scale up ambition, investments, and embed walking and cycling in climate strategies to reduce pollution, benefit public health and create vibrant, inclusive and equitable societies.
Reposted by SpokesLothian
flightfreeuk.bsky.social
Tickets available for our Glasgow event, 'Travel, flying and the climate crisis' on 30th October: www.tickettailor.com/events/fligh...

Come along for an evening of inspiring talks, flight-free travel info and helpful facts about aviation and climate. Free entry, all welcome.
Female person sitting on a rock looking out to sea. Text says, travel, flying and the climate crisis (Glasgow), a community event about how we can reimagine travel and why we must. 30th October 7pm-8.45pm, Townhead Village Hall, 60 St Mungo Avenue.
Reposted by SpokesLothian
tracygriffen.bsky.social
I tried a Voi e-bike this morning.
It was an interesting experience. overall good.

I recommend avoiding cobbles!
Blog post to come...
Reposted by SpokesLothian
brenttoderian.bsky.social
“London hits 'historic' clean air milestone 184 years early…a 'truly remarkable turnaround for the city's air quality.”

Quite a leadership achievement for @london.gov.uk’s government! While nations talk, (some) cities act. And get results.
London hits clean air milestone 184 years early - ULEZ makes 'big difference'
A professor has branded the success a 'truly remarkable turnaround for the city's air quality'
www.mylondon.news
Reposted by SpokesLothian
sw20.info
When telling motorists they can’t pass is so important, you block the only pavement for anyone else who wants to get past too!

#motornormativity in action @ianwalker.bsky.social!
“Road ahead closed” sign blocking the only pavement on a street. “Road ahead closed” sign blocking the only pavement on a street.
Reposted by SpokesLothian
longstonecc.bsky.social
So this is what was going on this morning. Union Canal path between Redhall Park turnoff and Kingsknowe Station will be closed each day for the next couple of weeks from 8am - 4.30pm. Cutting back ash trees. Diversion in place. No notice of this in advance 👎🏼 @spokes.org.uk @sw20.info @edi.bike
Union Canal Tree Safety Works: Edinburgh
www.scottishcanals.co.uk
Reposted by SpokesLothian
edinburghcouncil.bsky.social
We’re looking for your views on our plans to improve provision for walking, wheeling and cycling along Dundee Street and in the wider Fountainbridge area.

The consultation is open until 12 January 2026.
Digital visualisation of Dundee Street and Angle Park Terrace at the junction with Henderson Terrace.
Reposted by SpokesLothian
brenttoderian.bsky.social
“In a city once choked with cars and infamous for its traffic snarls, Paris has pulled off a remarkable turnaround…the French capital has officially become Europe’s best city for children to walk, cycle, and move around independently.” Via @momentummag.bsky.social

A victory for FAST leadership.
Paris Pedals to the Top: How the City of Light Became Europe’s Best for Young Cyclists
The French capital has officially become Europe’s best city for children to walk, cycle, and move around independently
momentummag.com
Reposted by SpokesLothian
shona-mcintosh.bsky.social
Some might ask why the out of town retails got the planning approval in the first place despite supposedly having local development plans with town-centre-first policies 👀
Reposted by SpokesLothian
ariane-burgess.bsky.social
🚆 Get the Highlands on Track 🚆
The Highlands has waited long enough. Our only rail link to the Central Belt is still mostly single-track, diesel-powered, and stuck in the past. Meanwhile, the Government is ready to pour billions into roads while breaking its promises on rail.
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
🤩 #SpokesMap #WestLothian 2025

🤩 Back from printer, in shops soon £7.50

🙋 Special £7 offer below, ends 31 October

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @mininglandscapes.bsky.social @neilginscotland.bsky.social @trustlinlithgow.bsky.social @cameronglasgow.scot @spoinged.bsky.social @ancetetere.bsky.social
spokes.org.uk
🤩 #SpokesMap #WestLothian 2025, £7.50 in shops October

🤩 Pre-order £7 post-free, email [email protected]

🤩 £5 each for 6+ copies (e.g. join friends/workmates)

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @mininglandscapes.bsky.social @sw20.info @keithirving.bsky.social @cameronglasgow.scot @chdot.bsky.social
spokes WL 2025 map - front cover spokes WL 2025 map - back cover map extract - showing Kelpies location! Town maps on reverse side - this is Linlithgow