SpokesLothian
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spokes.org.uk
SpokesLothian
@spokes.org.uk
1.4K followers 63 following 710 posts
Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign:
fights for better conditions for everyday journeys by bike, particularly Edinburgh & Lothian. Also lobby Scot Gov.
We also encourage more councils, govt depts, politicians, professionals etc to move to bsky!
Posts Replies Media Videos
spokes.org.uk
#FerryRoad path

👍 In 2010, council said path must stay open when fence built

🙄 In 2025, why did it need intervention by Spokes, cllrs & others?

🙄 Other closures also poor, e.g. QR8

@edi.bike @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @sannedd.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social
email from spokes to council & councillors Hi Richard and councillors, Spokes welcome the suspension of the Ferry Road Path closure. Thank you for actioning this. We understand a decision is to be made on the arrangements for this work. As public safety was cited as the reasoning previously, we are writing to comment on the works: The fence is proposed to replicate and extend the existing 3m weldmesh fence installed along the path in 2010. We note the existing fence was installed without closure to the Ferry Road Path, with the construction methodology noted on the 2010 planning drawing. Although it may be cheaper to use a different methodology, we would suggest this should be replicated to minimise impact on users. We understand the council owns the whole embankment and has granted Leonardo UK permission to install this fence on their land. Note the embankment is currently without fencing or edge protection, as is common on Edinburgh's offroad paths. During the works vegetation will require to be cut back and 1m deep holes dug at 2.4m centres roughly 0.5m away from the path. It should be possible to conduct these works without a closure of the path and we encourage the council to press the contractor on substantiating their requirements. Kind regards, 2010 instructions for installing the existing section of path, includes keeping the path open throughout. See drawing in next attachment. part of 2010 works drawing, showing cycleway, fence & embankment. See instructions in the previous attachment posts about QR8 ongoing path closure... ‪Jason Rose‬ ‪@mrjasonrose.bsky.social‬ · 25d I don't know who signed off the stopping up order for the cycle path between Edinburgh Park and Hermiston Gait but their idea of an 'alternative route' leaves a lot to be desired! @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social @spokes.org.uk @edi.bike #EdTravCyc ALT ALT ‪SpokesLothian‬ ‪@spokes.org.uk‬ · 24d Private land, path status unclear 🙄 Council signed it as part of Quiet Route 8, BUT doesn't seem to monitor QRs, so didn't know!! 🙋 We've urged them to investigate 🙋 Tell your cllrs!!
November 24, 2025 at 11:46 AM
spokes.org.uk
🌲 ... or, for DIY #ChristmasTree collection, here are a few (!) suggestions from @modacitylife.com

#cargobike #biketrailer #xmastree
@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @sw20.info @helenrambler.bsky.social @threadinburgh.scot @keithirving.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @jarlathflynn.bsky.social
81 pictures showing christmas tree delivery by bike!
November 24, 2025 at 11:10 AM
spokes.org.uk
🌲 If buying a #ChristmasTree
get it delivered by #CyclingGardeners 🚲 #CargoBike

--> www.tollcrosstreeworks.com

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @tollcross-cc-edin.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @bjpaddy.bsky.social
Picture of xmas tree in Cycling Gardeners of Edinburgh Local Bike delivery £5.00 Description This service cost £5 and is available to anyone within 10 minutes cycle from our yard in Tollcross (Cycle time taken from google maps)
November 24, 2025 at 10:40 AM
spokes.org.uk
If #ScotGov introduced #Default20mph (like #Wales) then #bureaucracy like this & signage costs would be reduced

@edi.bike @markruskell.bsky.social @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @chasbooth.bsky.social @kevin-lang.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @20splenty.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social #20mph
Traffic order... Dear Sir / Madam WESTERN VILLAGE AND GRANTON STATION VIEW DEVELOPMENTS - EDINBURGH PROPOSED INTRODUCTION OF SPEED LIMITS, WAITING RESTRICTIONS AND PARKING PLACES I refer to our previous letter of 2 May 2025 regarding the above. In accordance with the terms of the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, I write to inform you that the City of Edinburgh Council proposes to advertise the Traffic Regulation Order which will: Introduce 20mph speed limits that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Fisher St, Fleet Ter, Granton Station Vw, Herring Rd, Well’s Gait and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce waiting restrictions that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Colonsay Vw, Fisher St, Fleet Ter, Granton Station Vw, Herring Rd, Waterfront Pk, Well’s Gait and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce waiting restrictions that operate Mon-Fri, 08.30am to 5.30pm on Blackwell Rd, Colonsay Vw, Fisher St and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce disabled bays that operate at any time on Fisher St, Granton Station Vw, Herring Rd, Waterfront Pk and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce car club bays that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Fisher St, Granton Station Vw and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce electric vehicle charging bays that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Fisher St, Herring Rd and W Colonsay Vw; and Remove a disabled bay that operates at any time on Waterfront Pk. The proposals relating to this Order can be viewed online at consultation.appyway.com/edinburgh-city, from 21 November 2025 to 19 December 2025 by following the link to “Proposals in consultation” under reference TRO/25/10. Alternatively, you can view the documents free of charge at Waverley Court Reception between 9:30 and 15:30 Monday to Friday during the same period. You can also register for email or text alerts via the Tell Me Scotland portal at www.tellmescotland.gov.uk which also provides details of this proposal. Should you wish to submit an objec…
November 22, 2025 at 1:06 PM
spokes.org.uk
#QuietRoute8 #QR8 ongoing closure

☹️ Another frustrated user!

@edi.bike @robbieainsworth.bsky.social @aleedscyclist.bsky.social @nialla.bsky.social @ehyslop.bsky.social @edthornley.bsky.social @mrjasonrose.bsky.social @groovesgg.bsky.social @aedansmith.bsky.social @rogerha.bsky.social
email to spokes from regular QR8 path user ... Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2025 at 23:41 Subject: Edinburgh park arena -part of cycle path 8 closed To: <spokes@spokes.org.uk> Hi As you probably know, the works for the Edinburgh Park Arena have started which has closed part of cycle route 8. Do you know if this will reopen later? It was my route to work from the station and it's very inconvenient having to carry my bike up 20 steps instead. Thanks Bluesky post from path user, with photo of the steps on the 'alternative route' ‪@mrjasonrose.bsky.social‬ · 23d I don't know who signed off the stopping up order for the cycle path between Edinburgh Park and Hermiston Gait but their idea of an 'alternative route' leaves a lot to be desired!
November 22, 2025 at 11:46 AM
spokes.org.uk
👍 #FerryRoad path: closure rethink

Our letter to council & cllrs attached..

#EdTravCyc @edi.bike @robbieainsworth.bsky.social @iammelissa.bsky.social @sarcainian.bsky.social @thedreadedlurgy.bsky.social @andrewburnie.bsky.social @crgn.bsky.social @stefsagrott.bsky.social @tracygriffen.bsky.social
post from Prof Peter Matthews saying pathto be reopened for a rethink on the closure by Leonardo UK Spokes letter, part 1 I'm writing regarding the closure of the Ferry Road Path between Leonardo and Morrisons in TTRO TEMP/25/148 from today 21st November until 16th January 2026. As I'm sure you know, this path forms an important Active Travel connection in the north of Edinburgh, being Quietroute11 and a protected Core Path. It is estimated to have 300-500 daily cycle trips (NPT Scotland), along with many more pedestrian journeys. Usage typically peaks 8-9am and 3-5pm. Being an offroad path, it is relied on by many users who are not comfortable or experienced cycling on a main road, including families and children. Risk The safety measures for these works appear surmountable and should not require a full closure. The fence erection works are similar to works conducted by the council in the past, such as tree felling works. I've attached an example on the Coltbridge Viaduct from 2020. The diversion across the Crewe Toll Roundabout is extremely busy with motor vehicles and surely presents a greater dangerous to cyclists otherwise using an offroad path. Will this diversion be signed and made suitably safe? I note the requirements in the NRSWA Red Book to ensure diversions are risk assessed for all users. Spokes letter, part 2 Amenity We are also concerned by the duration of this closure and the lack of notice. It is dissapointing that the closure was only signed on Wednesday, less than 48 hours before coming into effect, for what are clearly long planned works. TTROs are advised by the council to be submitted 30 working days in advance for adaquate process, and we would expect atleast a weeks notice. Advance signage should be placed to warn users of the closure, such as the attached example from Holyrood Park. The closure can be included within the weekly Edi.bike cycling newsletter on Monday. The 8 week duration of the closure appears very onerous. Works extends over the Christmas period when no work will likely be taking place. Additionally, we would expect works on such a busy route to be limited to outside of peaks hours. For example, recent path closures on the Union Canal were limited to 9:30am-3:30pm, with a member of staff present to assist disabled access. Will it be possible to reopen the path during peaks hours and the Christmas period? Statute I note the Department of Transport TSM Chapter 8, repeated in the councils own factsheet, state: D3.32.17 Wherever possible, access should be maintained for cyclists in both directions throughout the period of road works, avoiding more hazardous diversions. Where possible, a segregated cycle lane or route away from the carriageway should be provided particularly on dual carriageways or multi-lane roads. D3.32.18 When cycle routes, and other facilities for the exclusive use of cyclists and pedestrians, are affected by the road works the changes should be clearly signed well in advance of the road works. D3.32.19 Where there is cycle provision, such as cycle lanes or tracks, efforts should be made to keep these open or to provide an acceptable alternative during the road works.
November 21, 2025 at 7:11 PM
spokes.org.uk
#A701 'relief road' petition

--> pentlandhouse.com/cbxpetition/...

Spokes view--> www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @sw20.info @shona-mcintosh.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @midlothiancan.bsky.social @thebonnieloon.bsky.social @mrjasonrose.bsky.social
Heading of the petition, plus picture of the fields to be built over Stop the £55 Million A701 Relief Road Target: 1000 Received: 537 53.7% The Issue Midlothian Council has submitted a £55 million plan (25/00521/DPP) for a “A701 Relief Road” — but the evidence shows it will make congestion and environmental problems worse, not better.
November 21, 2025 at 11:50 AM
spokes.org.uk
🙄 #StMarksPath closure with no thought to🚲

Here's what it means for real people

@edi.bike @scottishconstructionnow.com @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @spurtle.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @jackrmcaldwell.bsky.social @harryjwilliams.bsky.social @marklazarowicz.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social
email copied to spokes... Dear councillors, I'm getting in touch about the closure of St Mark's Path. I am asking you to work urgently with CEC and their contractor CCG to ensure that this initial 8 week closure does not receive local authority approval to continue for the duration of the Powderhall development, until Spring 2027. My family and I cycle along St Mark's Path on an almost daily basis. We live close to the McDonald Rd Fire Station. We haven't owned a car for 2.5 years; ours was stolen and we chose not to replace it. A significant factor in being able to remain car-free, with three very active school aged children, is the fantastic safe cycling routes we have in North Edinburgh, all of which we access via St Mark's Path. These paths open up safe travel routes to the kids' football club (Spartans FC at Ainslie Park), where they train and play three times per week, as well as many of their home pitches - Arboretum, Broughton HS, Wardie Playing Fields, Craigroyston HS etc. St Mark's Path also makes my cycle to work as a nurse at the WGH much safer than going through Canonmills, Stockbridge etc. It is very frustrating that such a well used element of Edinburgh's active travel network has been shut, albeit with an (disability unfriendly, unsuitably surfaced, poorly lit) pedestrian diversion. Crossing from McDonald Rd on to St Mark's Path is tricky enough with young kids on bikes, but at least there is the option to cross with the traffic lights. Conversely, travelling from McDonald Rd onto the diversion involves a left hand turn onto a busy road and then a right hand turn on a blind summit, or cycling along the footpath in a group. Both of these options bring their own dangers and neither would be deemed acceptable by anyone who cycles this route with children. It would be very much appreciated if you could share with me any information you have about any consultation that was undertaken about this closure, any impact assessment that was carried ou…
November 20, 2025 at 10:41 AM
spokes.org.uk
🙋 #Barnton Connections 🚶👩‍🦼🚲

🙋 DROP-IN Thur 20 Nov 2pm-6.30

--> consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/barnton-...

@edi.bike @nialla.bsky.social @sw20.info @kevin-lang.bsky.social @ehyslop.bsky.social @edthornley.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social @gylernorth.bsky.social @thebonnieloon.bsky.social
drop-in details... City Gates Church, Whitehouse Road From 20 Nov 2025 at 14:00 to 20 Nov 2025 at 18:30 More information An information event displaying the latest plans with an opportunity to discuss these with representatives from the designers and the City of Edinburgh Council. This is a drop-in event, held at City Gates Church, EH4 6BU and the public can attend at any time between 1400 and 1830. City Gates Church, Whitehouse Road From 1 Dec 2025 at 14:00 to 1 Dec 2025 at 18:30 Consultaiton page intro + visualisation of Whitehouse Rd with cycle & walk facilities Overview We have proposals to improve walking, wheeling, and cycling conditions along Maybury Road from the new housing at Cammo Meadows, through Barnton junction and along Whitehouse Road as far north as Barnton Avenue West. The changes would help the local community get to shops, schools and other important local facilities more easily and safely. They’ll be especially helpful for people living at Cammo, including the new Cammo Meadows housing, who currently have to cross the busy Barnton junction to get to the places they need. drawing of proposals for Maybury Rd/ Whitehouse Rd crossing of Queensferry Rd Map of entire project area, Maybury Rd to Whitehouse Rd
November 19, 2025 at 5:29 PM
spokes.org.uk
#PrincesStreet

👍 Follow-up to above Planning Cttee decision

-> www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinbur...

We've now a genuine *hope* to cut traffic lanes 4->2 with more 🚶👩‍🦼space & 🚲 lanes

@edi.bike @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @kevin-lang.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social
Part of Evening News article “I'm not suggesting you would just take Richard’s plan and implement that, but he's done something that is really interesting, really ambitious and I think it helps to achieve the thing which we want Princes Street to be - a place you want to come to and spend a lot of time in. “It challenged some of the conventions, it was a proper reimagining of what Princes Street is and could be. It's that kind of thinking we need if this is really going to return to being the vibrant beating heart of Edinburgh.” Planning convener Joan Griffiths said: “We’re committed to taking forward a workshop to progress the strategy to allow us to realise the city’s aspirations for Princes Street and come back to committee with a revised version for approval in late 2026.” more from the Ev News article... Cllr Lang said: “Princes Street is going to be very different in the future. It’s never going to be about trying to return Princes Street to being a retail hub. The question is what is it that will make this whole area a space that people want to come and spend more time in more often? “It’s right that we take more time to get the vision right. Otherwise we're at risk of making the wrong decisions now that then hold us back from transforming what this street is.” He noted that Edinburgh architect Richard Murphy had produced alternative ideas for Princes Street after the council masterplan was criticised. These included removing the railings from Princes Street Gardens and having the space open 24 hours a day, as well as widening the pavements and reducing the traffic lanes from four to two. Cllr Lang said: “He was talking about a big increase in the footways and circulation space, where people could meet and you could have markets and stalls, rethinking Princes Street Gardens, making them open for more of the time, and making all these safe and welcoming green spaces. Spokes post about Planning Cttee decision to seek a better Princes St outcome... SpokesLothian‬ ‪@spokes.org.uk‬ · 6d Replied to you #PrincesStreet #Edinwebcast 👍 Amendment passed, voting 7-4 👍 Fantastic news! Transport & wider considerations must now be incorporated in the strategy This might not have happened without long-term effort/persistence by Spokes & the visionary/technical expertise of Richard Murphy architects
November 19, 2025 at 11:31 AM
spokes.org.uk
🙋 Rainy-Day traffic count

😬 Spokes biannual count jinxed by lunchtime downpour!

--> www.spokes.org.uk/2025/11/nov-...

+ interesting data on car single-occupancy

@edi.bike @sw20.info @edtiss.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social
start of spokes article... Nov 2025: Rainy Day Traffic Count Our biannual city-centre traffic count*, on Tuesday 11 November, unusually fell on a day with significant rain forecast. The morning hour (8-9am) did stay dry, though cold, and, despite the forecast, cyclists formed 14.2% of all vehicles, almost unchanged from the 14.4% in last November’s bright and sunny count day. However at lunchtime, when, admittedly, many bike trips are optional, there was not just rain, but a major downpour: bike numbers plummeted and car and taxi numbers rose, resulting in bikes falling from 10.2% of all vehicles last year to 5.6% in 2025.
November 18, 2025 at 8:54 PM
spokes.org.uk
#Tram consultation - Spokes submission

--> www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

🙋 You have till midnight Monday for your own response!
HERE--> consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-nor...

@edi.bike @edinreporter.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social
Intro... Tram, Granton to Bioquarter consultation Spokes Planning Group response, November 2025 1. Introduction Spokes has the objective of promoting cycling as part of an overall sustainable transport and access strategy. As such, we support a growing tram system for Edinburgh, provided cycling is well catered for in the project design and operation. The aim of the tram is to reduce car traffic, and to head off potential traffic growth in development areas such as Granton and the Bioquarter. If successful, this is a huge benefit to walking and cycling, as well as its benefits in terms of congestion, public health and climate. However, the project should be accompanied by complementary measures to further encourage use of public transport and active travel, for example bus gates, traffic filters, and, notably, congestion charging. It is well established that traffic reduction is best achieved by a carrot/stick combination. The tram project must support and promote active travel as a whole, and cycling in particular, and must not introduce additional dangers without effective mitigation. The Council has ambitious targets to increase cycle use, much of which must come from novice and inexperienced cyclists, as well as visitors and locals using an expanding bike hire scheme. As such it is essential that there is a safe, comprehensive and connected bike network of segregated bike lanes and low-traffic areas, easy and safe to use by anybody, and with any kind of cycles - including cargobikes, adapted bikes, hire bikes, etc. Introducing the tram should be seen and planned from the outset as an integrated sustainable transport place making project, not a tram-only project into which cycling and walking have to be slotted in once all the tramline decisions are taken as happened with tramline 1 and to a considerable (though lesser) extent in the Newhaven extension. The Bridges corridor is hugely problematic.. 8. City Centre to Bioquarter Top issues ● The section through North and South Bridges is of extreme concern to Spokes, with no cycle provision, new tramlines and continued through traffic on a road where width is at a premium. This is making cycling provision far worse than in the current bus lanes. The project should include a bus gate / modal filter (as was planned, though never implemented, as part of the Spaces for People proposals ) potentially single track sections (like at Roseburn) and fully segregated cycle provision, or consideration to tram tracks on one side of the road and a bidirectional bike path on the other. For the reasons in the following two bullet points, many cyclists will continue to use this corridor - our above section on Bikes and Tramlines notes that Princes Street as a good example of this, with many choosing not to use the quieter George Street when it is less direct or lacks desired destinations. Thus cycling conditions must be safe. ● Whilst alternative north-south routes for cycles are proposed in the consultation, these would not suit all journeys, with many cyclists using the Bridges to travel between South Edinburgh and Leith given the more suitable gradient and directness than the Mound. And whilst there is a brief reference to the proposed Meadows to George Street route on the west side of the Bridges, there is no reference to the east side, where the Mobility Plan suggests a new active travel bridge connecting from the Old Town to Leith Walk. Such projects must be an integral part of the tram project provision including during the construction phase, also providing a permanent legacy of improved provision once finished. ● The Bridges corridor is a major residential, shopping and destinations location, and many cyclists use it for that reason; indeed many live along or just off the corridor. Routes via the Mound or Pleasance are irrelevant as alternatives for these categories of user.… linking the North Ed Network to the new canal path without descending and re-ascending - a transformative opportunity - diagram. ● Connecting Roseburn to the new Canal link path - The sketch below shows a possible layout for this crucial linkage. The yellow dotted line shows a ramp down to Russell Road, but this is possibly optional if it would cause engineering difficulties, given that most people will stay at high level, whilst those needing to descend or ascend could do so at Roseburn or at the nearby ramp to the new canal path. Finally, we understand that earlier discussions with Network Rail did not meet objections to a bridge provided that all necessary clearances are achieved. Picture of single-track shopping-street tram in Amsterdam
November 16, 2025 at 10:32 PM
spokes.org.uk
🙄 #StMarks closure: info+notice unacceptable

Emailed council

@edi.bike @spurtle.bsky.social @andyheald.bsky.social @euanbaxter.bsky.social @johnrobson87.bsky.social @jackrmcaldwell.bsky.social @marklazarowicz.bsky.social @ellatasm.bsky.social @tracygriffen.bsky.social @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social
Clip of post re short notice for St Marks Path closure... #edibike @spokes.org.uk quite short notice for a well-used route, next to a school Spokes email to the council... I am emailing on behalf of Spokes planning group. We note with concern the proposed closure of St Marks Path. https://www.c-c-g.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Site-Info-Sheet-Powderhall-1.pdf The main issues we would highlight: 1) there is currently no visible signage notifying path users of this closure 2) The path is to be closed for 8 weeks, a significant proportion of which is during the contractors proposed Christmas shut down period 3) we are not aware of alternatives having been explored vs shutting the path 4) there is a suggested pedestrian diversion but it it not clear what alternative provision there will be for those cycling 5) there is a suggestion that this closure could be extended beyond 8 weeks map of the closure online concerns... ‪johnrobson87.bsky.social‬ ‪@johnrobson87.bsky.social‬ · 13h This is not appropriate with such short notice and no diversion. Surely access could have been via a diversion through the old waste reclaim site? Yet again active travel been considered last. ‪Ella‬ ‪@ellatasm.bsky.social‬ · 15h Great news in the long run, but a challenging route change for those of us who use it nearly daily. @spurtle.bsky.social ‪Andrew Heald‬ ‪@andyheald.bsky.social‬ · 13h Sorry but a major path closure with only 72 hours notice and with no agreed diversion is completely unacceptable. This work has been planned for months and yet there’s been no recent meaningful community engagement, and no information about the closure.
November 15, 2025 at 8:51 AM
spokes.org.uk
☝️ #TramlineCrashes - see above

? Had a tramline crash
? Want to minimise your risk

See HERE--> www.spokes.org.uk/documents/pu...

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @leftwing66.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @sw20.info
Cycleroute crossing tramlines at non-ideal angle at Haymarket. Tramline layout makes a better crossing difficult. Start of spokes webpage about tramline crashes... Contents 1. Important – Reporting tramline crashes 2. Minimising your chances of a tramline crash 3. Developments & documents relating to Edinburgh tram 4. Other useful tram documents [not Edinburgh], including design guidance 1. Reporting tramline crashes All crashes or other incidents relating to tramlines should be reported – this will help future potential victims by identifying causes and possible remedial measures. It may also help you if you later decide to make a claim for injury or damage. See our reporting page which covers.. Making an official report to the Council Spokes survey/records of crashes, to help identify causes and press for improvements Police – when/why report a tramline crash? Claiming for injury or damages [also see para 2301 in (2) below for some successes]
November 14, 2025 at 12:40 PM
spokes.org.uk
👆

#Transport Cttee 13.11.25 thread above - clips below!

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @sw20.info
@edcriticalmass.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social
@bike-freedom.bsky.social @harryjwilliams.bsky.social @johnrobson87.bsky.social @infrasisters.bsky.social @bjpaddy.bsky.social @edtiss.bsky.social
Clip from above thread - PHV in bus lanes? clip from above thread - Spokes & other PHV deputations clip from above thread - Lochend Living Rent deputn re crashes/ injuries in their area clips from above thread, re climate strategy
November 13, 2025 at 5:39 PM
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast #A701 / #A702

Time exhausted so just votes

🙄 Voted "to note Council supporting Midlothian A701 Relief Road and A702 Link Road as part of City Region Deal Joint Committee"
+ SNP amendt to improve public transport

🙄 Stronger Green amendt defeated

Spokes view-> bsky.app/profile/spok...
Motion... Agrees: 1) To note the Council are supporting the Midlothian Council’s’ A701 Relief Road and A702 Link Road project as part of the City Region Deal Joint Committee. 2) To strongly support the improvements as an evidence-based, collaborative approach to A720 corridor management. 3) To note that monitoring will be undertaken with partners including SEStrans and Transport Scotland and reporting would be to the City Regional Deal Joint Committee. 4) To agree the Convener, write to the Convener of the City Regional Deal Joint Committee, highlighting anticipated benefits for Lothianburn Junction and regional transport planning. 5) To strongly support working constructively with regional partners on future initiatives using this pragmatic approach and call on the Scottish Government to recognise this as best practice.” successful SNP amendment Under section ‘Recognises that’: Delete from 2) the following words “..contrasting with previous debates that hindered progress” Add new point 4) In relation to public transport ‘Midlothian Council welcomes collaboration with City of Edinburgh Council and East Lothian Council on any mass transit opportunities to achieve the best outcome for all’ Insert new 9.5 and renumber accordingly Requests that council officers engage with Midlothian colleagues to bring forward immediate and medium term regional public transport initiatives to reduce reliance on private vehicle commuting journeys entering the City of Edinburgh. This includes working with Midlothian council to identify and develop potential cross boundary regional public transport connections and corridors serving South East Edinburgh communities and Midlothian communities. Committee requests that Council officers report progress on cross boundary public transport initiatives via the business bulletin and in planned reports. Moved by: Councillor Neil Gardiner Defeated Green amendment.. Deletes 2) and 3) and replaces with; 2) Estimated bonuses i.e removing 9,000 vehicles/day and economic benefits of £189 million are based on including the roundabout between the A702 and Bus Loan which already has planning permission and funds available. 3) The project’s improvements are reliant on other developments or based on outdated information. For example, the ‘Sustainable Travel Corridor’ is independent of the Relief Road and claims of congestion reduction are based on Sherrifhall Grade level separation (which also, is yet to be determined by a hearing, and according to congestion modelling, shows that traffic at Straiton Junction would worsen, not improve) Under ‘Recognises that’ delete 1) and 2), insert: 1) The best way to relieve congestion and improve sustainable travel in these areas is through promoting active travel and public transport alternatives to secure modal shift and as such, the proposals for Phase 2 of the project should be brought forward as a priority and assurances given that this key phase is not descoped or deprioritised. 2) Concerns around any impact on the road network are best fed into the planning process rather than routing through the City Regional Deal’s Joint Committee Under ‘Agrees’ deletes 1) - 5) and replace with 1) For the Convenor to write to the City Regional Deal Joint Committee to relay Committee’s concerns of the projects potential for unintended consequences or Page 30 Transport & Environment Committee Page 2 of 2 detrimental impact on Edinburgh and especially but not limited to Fairmilehead, Burdiehouse, Liberton and Newington) and to ensue that any negative impacts on the road network are monitored post construction and ameliorated by the project sponsor if required. 2) To delegate to the Corporate Director of Place to object to the planning application if he considers that it would be detrimental to the City and the objectives set out in the City Mobility Plan and the council’s wider busi… map of planned new road
November 13, 2025 at 5:27 PM
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast - #Climate strategy

Cllr Booth suggests new road capacity likely to induce more traffic

Green amendment seeks advice from officers on how party policies can help reduce emissions

Amendment passed 7-4
Cllr Booth Amendment by the Green Group Transport and Environment Committee 13 November 2025 Item 8.7 2030 Climate Strategy Update – referral from the Policy and Sustainability Committee Delete recommendations and insert: 1) Thanks officers for the report and ongoing work to tackle the climate emergency; 2) Notes that Transport continues to be the second largest emissions sector in the city, representing 32% of the city’s emissions (para 4.10), and that more progress could be made in reducing transport emissions through additional funding (para 4.15); 3) Therefore agrees that as part of the current budget process, officers will offer suggestions for additional revenue raising which could allow improved emissions reductions in transport, for each political group to consider as part of their budget-setting process. 4) Welcomes the ‘supporting areas’ workstreams set out in paragraph 4.28, in particular the ‘Sustainable Living’ proposal which will, amongst other things, give citizens an opportunity to explore sustainable forms of transport around the city that might best suit their needs, and agrees to provide further information on this work, through a written briefing or business bulletin update as appropriate, to committee members.
November 13, 2025 at 5:05 PM
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast - #Climate strategy

Cllr @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social : Traffic/climate problems are local, regional & national. Vital to work with other councils

Officer: seeks better #bus connectivity where no rail routes, to minimise car commuting

Cllr Macinnes: Health benefits of climate action
November 13, 2025 at 4:58 PM
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast - #Climate strategy

Q: Cllr @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social asks re adjacent councils
A: People wish to drive to city, so vital to liaise with councils & improve #publictransport

Q: Cllr Savage: How respond to international changes
A: Edinburgh not downgrading its climate ambition/work
Cllr Jenkinson Cllr Savage
November 13, 2025 at 4:50 PM
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast

#Climate strategy report--> democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s9...

Extensive report!

Officer: Transport is af top #Edinburgh emission sources. Delivery of City Mobility Plan priority, not new strategies

Cllr @kevin-lang.bsky.social: vital to liaise with neighbour councils
Part of appendix on decarbonising transport... 10 Decarbonising transport Summary of actions Strategy Action Delivery highlights since last report (January 2024) Prioritise investment in expanding the city’s active travel network and improving the public transport network, including supporting the development of 20-minute neighbourhoods and streets for people T1.1, T2.1, T8.3 Seven active travel projects have completed construction since January 2024, including the segregated City Centre West to East cycle Link and Roseburn to Union Canal cycle route. In July 2024, 38 additional secure cycle parking hangars were installed, bringing the total in Edinburgh to 218. For public transport, integrated ticketing was delivered between the bus and tram network, meaning contactless payments are now capped at the day rate for journeys taken across the bus and tram networks. The business case, public consultation and initial design work has taken place for the West Edinburgh Transport Improvement Project and consultation on extending the tram line has taken place in autumn 2025. In May 2025, a report was approved at Transport & Environment Committee setting out a ten-year City Mobility Plan Capital Investment programme for sustainable transport. Work with the Bus Decarbonisation Taskforce and private sector partners to develop a plan to decarbonise the city’s bus fleet T3.1 Lothian Buses now have 41 electric double decker vehicles, another 62 are due delivery throughout 2025. By the end of 2025 the bus fleet will be 15% EV. Lothian buses are also installing charging infrastructure to support the new vehicle deliveries. Implement a Low Emission Zone scheme T4.1 Annual reports will be prepared and published as soon as practicable after the end of each financial year and will include operational, financial and available effectiveness data. LEZ effectiveness, which is reliant on the completion of SEPA analysis (in progress for 2024), will be reflected in the Council’s annual Air Qu… Cllr Lang
November 13, 2025 at 4:41 PM
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast - TRO Subcttee review

Q: Cllr @chasbooth.bsky.social asks re Scot Govt delays on RSO Orders & Public Inquiries
A: Officers pressing Govt for action

Cllr @kevin-lang.bsky.social wants more TRO transparency

Report agreed: officers will now investigate how other councils do TROs faster!
Cllr Booth Cllr Lang Committee adds: 1.2 Agrees with 8.2 of the report which states, “improving communication on proposed TROs and the objections process will aid communities in understanding proposals and their impacts.” 1.3 Recognises how the TRO process can be misunderstood because of the legal language used, limited publicity, the current explanation on the Council’s website, and the lack of access to TROs once the objection period is over. 1.4 therefore requests a follow up report in two cycles on how the communications around the TRO process can be improved, such as: 1. a ‘plain English’ explanation to accompany the order to explain in simple terms what the order is about; 2. an increase in the objection time period; 3. improving the explanation of the TRO process on the website; 4. providing access for councillors to all existing TROs. Moved by: Cllr Kevin Lang Seconded by: Cllr Hal Osler Green amendt Delete recommendations and insert: 1) Thanks officers for the report and for carrying out the review and associated workshops; 2) Notes that TRO processes were one of the key reasons given for the delay to active travel schemes in the answer to question 32 at full council on 19 December 2024 and the report to committee in September 2025;
November 13, 2025 at 3:59 PM
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast

Review of TRO Subcommittee
Report--> democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s9...

REMINDER--> The Cttee which nearly scrappedTravelling Safely (bollarded) routes
HERE--> www.spokes.org.uk/2025/09/edin...

Q: Cllr Macinnes asks re next steps
A: Looking at how other councils act faster
Report headline: keep the Cttee, but with improved procedures Review of the Traffic Regulation Orders Sub-Committee 2. Executive Summary 2.1 This report provides an update on the Traffic Regulation Orders Sub-Committee after one year of operation. It is proposed that the Sub-Committee continues to operate with some improvements to processes and training to respond to feedback received through the review. Start of Spokes article about role of TRO Sub Edinburgh Bike Network saved! Today, 4 September, the TRO Subcommittee finally approved making permanent the Experimental Traffic Orders (ETROs) which enable the main-road Travelling Safely routes in the East, North and West of the city. Orders for the South will come to the Committee at a later date. A rolling programme, for which funding is allocated, will gradually upgrade the existing bollarding infrastructure to more permanent materials and to incorporate useful improvements. The background – of ongoing deferrals which put the bike lanes at grave risk, resulting in a major campaign jointly by Spokes, Edi.Bike, and 16 other local active travel groups – is described here. Media coverage included the Evening News and Road.cc. In the end, the TRO Sub today approved making the schemes permanent at an incredibly short meeting. Only Cllr Lang, whose interventions at previous meetings had led to the deferrals and the threat to the existence of the network, spoke up. But this time his queries were quickly and decisively answered by officers and gained no follow-up from other councillors. Indeed no other councillors spoke at all, other than Convener Cllr Margaret Graham, who said the schemes improved road safety and moved the successful motion to make them permanent. Cllr Macinnes
November 13, 2025 at 3:47 PM
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast - #RoadSafety 25/26

Cllr @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social congrats officers on v full report covering 20mph, school safety, road crossings, use of developer money, etc rather than multiple reports

Accepts Green & LibDem amendts, opposes Tory

Report passed 9-2
Cllr Jenkinson
November 13, 2025 at 3:31 PM
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast - #RoadSafety 25/26

Cllr Cuthbert (Tory amendt) supports 20mph default but wants local ability to request 30, as (nationally) in Wales

Spokes note:
Would be nice if Tory & other parties at Scot Parl agreed default urban 20mph (+ local input) like Wales which has greatly cut crashes
Adds at end of recommendations: 1.1.10 Notes the revised, evidence-led approach taken by the Welsh Government to the national 20mph default policy, including: • the July 2024 updated guidance enabling local highway authorities to revert roads to 30mph where appropriate (via Traffic Regulation Orders and clear “place criteria”); • the interactive public map tracking current and proposed exemptions; • the commitment to a five-year independent evaluation (reporting 2029) and annual monitoring reports; • the focus on “right speed on the right road” without compromising the 20mph default on residential and pedestrian-heavy streets; 1.1.11 Therefore instructs officers to bring a report within two cycles setting out how a similar pragmatic, transparent and locally flexible framework could be applied in Edinburgh, including (but not limited to): • a public-facing interactive map of current and proposed 20mph/30mph classifications; • clear, published criteria for retaining 30mph on strategic, public-transport or lowpedestrian routes; • a mechanism for community-led proposals to review speed limits on specific streets; • integration of bus operator journey-time data into future TRO assessments; • a commitment to publish annual compliance and casualty data disaggregated by speed-limit type. Moved by: Cllr Neil Cuthbert Seconded by: Cllr Iain Whyte Cllr Cuthbert
November 13, 2025 at 3:25 PM
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast

#RoadSafety 25/26 update, many issues
Report--> democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s9...

Q: Cllr @chasbooth.bsky.social asks re #Cowgate road safety
A: Design by March; 25/26 funding agreed

Cllr @kevin-lang.bsky.social amendment - big concern over road safety delays
Topics covered by the report... Road Safety Delivery Plan 2025/26 – Six-month update 1. Recommendations 1.1 It is recommended that Transport and Environment Committee: 1.1.1 Notes the Road Safety Delivery Plan 2025/26 update; 1.1.2 Notes the impact of extending the 20mph network on public transport operators and approves the recommendations in Appendix 2; 1.1.3 Notes the developer contribution schedule for road safety, traffic signals and active travel related interventions (Appendix 3); 1.1.4 Notes the update on the action agreed by Committee on 6 March 2025 relating to Dalmeny Park Estate; 1.1.5 Approves the recommended intervention criteria for consideration of speed management measures on 20mph streets; 1.1.6 Approves the new Collision Investigation & Prevention Protocol (CIP)(Appendix 4); 1.1.7 Approves the new Pedestrian Crossing Assessment Framework; and 1.1.8 Approves the proposed new School Travel Audit Process. Protest outside Transport cttee re Cowgate road safety - bluesky post with pictures ‪Blackford Safe Routes‬ ‪@blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk‬ · 3h One year after a horrific road death in the Cowgate, what have Edinburgh council done? Excellent protest from Critical Mass, on a dreich day! Great to see @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social & @chasbooth.bsky.social speak to protesters
November 13, 2025 at 3:17 PM