Helen Back
@helenback1.bsky.social
Edinburgh based. Here for the politics, cycling chat, community news, nature, quality of life, comedy, cats, old and beautiful things. End the monarchy. Rejoin the EU. Ban sleeping bag style coats
Reposted by Helen Back
The UK version of “Project 2025” by the Reform party includes a British ICE, a concentration camp for 24,000 people, mass surveillance and withdrawing from refugee, anti-torture and anti-trafficking conventions.
It’s on their website. That’s how comfortable fascists are in the UK today.
It’s on their website. That’s how comfortable fascists are in the UK today.
January 26, 2026 at 1:22 PM
The UK version of “Project 2025” by the Reform party includes a British ICE, a concentration camp for 24,000 people, mass surveillance and withdrawing from refugee, anti-torture and anti-trafficking conventions.
It’s on their website. That’s how comfortable fascists are in the UK today.
It’s on their website. That’s how comfortable fascists are in the UK today.
Reposted by Helen Back
Silverknowes Road being returned to cars and car parking after a typically disingenuous campaign by the Edinburgh Liberal Democrats.
Never let those lying sellouts tell you they give a shit about carbon reduction, climate change, active travel or road safety.
Never let those lying sellouts tell you they give a shit about carbon reduction, climate change, active travel or road safety.
August 12, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Silverknowes Road being returned to cars and car parking after a typically disingenuous campaign by the Edinburgh Liberal Democrats.
Never let those lying sellouts tell you they give a shit about carbon reduction, climate change, active travel or road safety.
Never let those lying sellouts tell you they give a shit about carbon reduction, climate change, active travel or road safety.
Reposted by Helen Back
Scotland must act on the rise of SUVs.
These heavier vehicles increase road maintenance costs, take up more space, and pose a greater risk to pedestrians.
The public should not bear the cost of larger, more dangerous cars.
These heavier vehicles increase road maintenance costs, take up more space, and pose a greater risk to pedestrians.
The public should not bear the cost of larger, more dangerous cars.
April 4, 2025 at 9:34 AM
Scotland must act on the rise of SUVs.
These heavier vehicles increase road maintenance costs, take up more space, and pose a greater risk to pedestrians.
The public should not bear the cost of larger, more dangerous cars.
These heavier vehicles increase road maintenance costs, take up more space, and pose a greater risk to pedestrians.
The public should not bear the cost of larger, more dangerous cars.
@rosssmckenzie.bsky.social pedestrians sacrificed on a caged narrow pavement so cars can have a wide junction to race in off the motorway slip road of the WAR on roseburn street. This must be difficult or impossible for some. Nothing on other side at all. Any chance of a revision here?
March 1, 2025 at 4:35 PM
@rosssmckenzie.bsky.social pedestrians sacrificed on a caged narrow pavement so cars can have a wide junction to race in off the motorway slip road of the WAR on roseburn street. This must be difficult or impossible for some. Nothing on other side at all. Any chance of a revision here?
Reposted by Helen Back
"Cycling is not a practical daily travel option for most people."
In 2022, 26% of car trips in the UK were shorter than 1 mile, and 71% were under 5 miles.
A 5-mile bike ride takes around 30 minutes.
Provide people with the option to cycle and build more safe infrastructure
In 2022, 26% of car trips in the UK were shorter than 1 mile, and 71% were under 5 miles.
A 5-mile bike ride takes around 30 minutes.
Provide people with the option to cycle and build more safe infrastructure
February 10, 2025 at 1:20 PM
"Cycling is not a practical daily travel option for most people."
In 2022, 26% of car trips in the UK were shorter than 1 mile, and 71% were under 5 miles.
A 5-mile bike ride takes around 30 minutes.
Provide people with the option to cycle and build more safe infrastructure
In 2022, 26% of car trips in the UK were shorter than 1 mile, and 71% were under 5 miles.
A 5-mile bike ride takes around 30 minutes.
Provide people with the option to cycle and build more safe infrastructure
Reposted by Helen Back
Today's Poll: Would you prefer the UK was closer to the US or the EU in international relations and trade terms? Which is closest to your view.
1️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/1" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm under 40: EU
2️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/2" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm under 40: US
3️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/3" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm 40+: EU
4️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/4" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm 40+: US
📊 Show results
1️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/1" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm under 40: EU
2️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/2" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm under 40: US
3️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/3" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm 40+: EU
4️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/4" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm 40+: US
📊 Show results
February 3, 2025 at 12:03 PM
Today's Poll: Would you prefer the UK was closer to the US or the EU in international relations and trade terms? Which is closest to your view.
1️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/1" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm under 40: EU
2️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/2" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm under 40: US
3️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/3" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm 40+: EU
4️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/4" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm 40+: US
📊 Show results
1️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/1" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm under 40: EU
2️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/2" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm under 40: US
3️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/3" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm 40+: EU
4️⃣ <a href="https://poll.blue/p/zDXaNd/4" class="hover:underline text-blue-600 dark:text-sky-400 no-card-link" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link="bsky">I'm 40+: US
📊 Show results
Reposted by Helen Back
you don't have to give your email address after voting, just submit and see poll results.
February 2, 2025 at 7:17 AM
you don't have to give your email address after voting, just submit and see poll results.
Reposted by Helen Back
Stop Musk from funding far-right politics in the UK!
I just signed this petition 'Tighten the rules on political donations' - it's nearly at 30,000 signatures - can you add your name too? -
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
I just signed this petition 'Tighten the rules on political donations' - it's nearly at 30,000 signatures - can you add your name too? -
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
Petition: Tighten the rules on political donations
We want the government to:
Remove loopholes that allow wealthy foreign individuals to make donations into UK political parties (e.g. by funnelling through UK registered companies).
Cap all donations ...
petition.parliament.uk
January 26, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Stop Musk from funding far-right politics in the UK!
I just signed this petition 'Tighten the rules on political donations' - it's nearly at 30,000 signatures - can you add your name too? -
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
I just signed this petition 'Tighten the rules on political donations' - it's nearly at 30,000 signatures - can you add your name too? -
petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...
Reposted by Helen Back
Pity Farage wasn’t asked about this - he should be forced to own it @bbclaurak.bsky.social @theneweuropean.bsky.social
January 5, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Pity Farage wasn’t asked about this - he should be forced to own it @bbclaurak.bsky.social @theneweuropean.bsky.social
Reposted by Helen Back
Golf courses don't belong in cities
Just a reminder that roughly 5.5% of Edinburgh is golf courses.
January 3, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Golf courses don't belong in cities
Reposted by Helen Back
Just a reminder that roughly 5.5% of Edinburgh is golf courses.
January 3, 2025 at 10:09 AM
Just a reminder that roughly 5.5% of Edinburgh is golf courses.
Reposted by Helen Back
I love how Denmark isn’t taking any shit from Donald Trump. 🇩🇰 🤣
December 25, 2024 at 6:53 PM
I love how Denmark isn’t taking any shit from Donald Trump. 🇩🇰 🤣
Reposted by Helen Back
I’m old enough to remember Boris Johnson telling businesses Brexit paperwork could go in a bin. Now they need a warehouse to store it in
December 16, 2024 at 8:31 AM
I’m old enough to remember Boris Johnson telling businesses Brexit paperwork could go in a bin. Now they need a warehouse to store it in
Reposted by Helen Back
This morning's commute in #Edinburgh from Russel Road along the new #Roseburn Path extension to the Canal. Wonderful and a game changer, cutting out Russel Road, Murieston Place, Ardmillan Terrace and Harrison Road (4.5x speed). #CyclingToWork #CyclingInEdinburgh
December 10, 2024 at 1:06 PM
This morning's commute in #Edinburgh from Russel Road along the new #Roseburn Path extension to the Canal. Wonderful and a game changer, cutting out Russel Road, Murieston Place, Ardmillan Terrace and Harrison Road (4.5x speed). #CyclingToWork #CyclingInEdinburgh
Reposted by Helen Back
I’m confident a new e-bike hire scheme can be in place by next summer and that it’ll prove popular with both visitors and residents alike 🚴♂️
www.scotsman.com/news/transpo...
www.scotsman.com/news/transpo...
All-electric bike hire scheme to be launched in Edinburgh by next summer - here's how it would work
Successor to ill-fated Just Eat Cycles would be at no cost to city council
www.scotsman.com
December 4, 2024 at 8:23 AM
I’m confident a new e-bike hire scheme can be in place by next summer and that it’ll prove popular with both visitors and residents alike 🚴♂️
www.scotsman.com/news/transpo...
www.scotsman.com/news/transpo...
Reposted by Helen Back
November 25, 2024 at 10:02 AM