Additions and Updates to this site

CAMPAIGNS

When SPOKES started, cycling wasn't taken seriously and cycle campaigners were seen as dangerous radicals! There have been some obvious improvements in recent years (SPOKES is now consulted regularly by council officials) and the present (Westminster) Government did some things to shift the balance in favour of walking and cycling (many schemes only applied in England and Wales). However recent changes in road building policies, the continuing chaos on the railways plus the favours given to air industry mean that 'European style' cycle facilities/condition are still somewhere in an invisible future.

In Scotland, the Scottish Office/Executive civil servants have often been less adventurous than their southern colleagues. The Scottish Office Cycle Challenge (1997) was a breakthrough (SPOKES had TWO projects funded). The present First Minister (Jack McConnell) made an important speech about 'green' issues, but noticeable policy changes have not yet happened.

In Edinburgh real advances have been made to improve the lot of pedestrians and cyclist and attempt to alter the car/other balance. David Begg as Transport Convener introduced the Greenways and got some sections of the Council to take cycling more seriously. His successor Andrew Burns is also keen on 'sustainable transport' but has to work in a political climate where the 'motoring lobby' is well organised and many newspapers (including the Evening News, unfortunately) often regard motorists as a 'persecuted minority'.

YOU can help by writing letter or getting involved in SPOKES groups.

Recent success include a survey of MSPs' parking requirements at Holyrood which has led to a significant reduction on the proposed 'one space per MSP' plan. (Story)

We are now campaigning for Government money to make Cycle Training more widely available using paid trainers not volunteers. (Story)

Help SPOKES, other cyclists and yourself by writing to your MP, councillor or the press now and every few months. Ask your MP to raise your questions with the relevant Minister. Don't write direct to a Minister - they won't see your letter. The Citizen's Advice Bureau can tell you the MP and councillor for your street; and where to write/phone, etc. Central Edinburgh CAB is 0131 557-1500 or see phonebook. If you know the name of your ward or constituency then Factsheet No. 1 has the names of MPs and Councillors. Write on cycling matters that particularly concern you or check out pages on this web site for ideas (see below). Send us any useful replies!

The SPOKES Newsletters contain details of campaigns. Newsletters are produced every 3-4 months and are sent to all members.

More up-to-date information on campaigns, especially those with a degree of urgency, is published in the SPOKESWORKER news-sheet which is produced roughly monthly. If you wish to be notified by email of a new Spokesworker or of other major updates to the Spokes website, contact spokes@spokes.org.uk. Paper copies of Spokesworkers are not automatically sent to all members but will be sent out to you if you send SPOKES 10 stamped addressed envelopes.