Successful implementation of the 1997 Road Traffic Reduction Act, crucial for significant moves towards sustainable transport such as cycling, is under threat.
The spirit of the act is to achieve traffic reduction on local roads. This is a historic new responsibility for councils - never before have they been required by law to plan traffic levels. Under the Act, they must draw up reports containing targets to reduce traffic levels or traffic growth, or explain why it is inappropriate to set targets.
Traffic reduction is intricately linked with major public-policy issues
including environment, health, and the economy. For example, Dr Ian Roberts
of the Institute of Child Health, says the act is "arguably one of the
most important pieces of child health legislation in the last 50 years"
[London Cyclist 12.97].
| "Too often key decision-makers, even within so-called environmental organisations, are dismally ignorant of the impending congestion and pollution crisis in our countryside, caused by road transport and the pre-vailing car culture" [Countrygoer News 5/98 - sponsored by Scottish Natural Heritage & the Countryside Commission] |
Despite this, many councils [see p.2] are seeking major new road construction - including former trunk road proposals cancelled or indefinitely postponed by the government, but which councils are still pressing for or now hope to fund by other means.
Councils, too, are still approving major new car-based superstores and out-of-town employment. Whilst some councils (eg Edinburgh and W.Lothian) sometimes at least insist on a 'green transport plan'[article on p.2], many do not.
However, councils also face many problems in implementing the act. There is no national framework for traffic-reduction, so positive moves by one council can be negated by actions of another or of government. The act, for example, only covers 'local roads' - not the trunk roads that funnel traffic into the local network! Dundee is refusing to set targets [LTT 18.6.98], because it has 3 trunk-road approaches, plus the non-trunk A92 which nearby Angus council intends to dual! Edinburgh is surrounded by a trunk-road bypass much loved by local commuters and out-of-town shoppers. Fortunately these problems may be lessened if Parliament passes The Traffic Reduction (National Targets) Bill - which looks hopeful, though not certain.
Councils, especially smaller ones, also do not have the data to analyse traffic patterns adequately. In order to achieve reductions, it helps greatly to know not just traffic numbers, but origin, destination and purpose of journeys. Yet officials have so far blocked attempts to include fuller transport data in the 2001 UK census. It is crazy to expect every council to do expensive surveys when basic data about travel to school, employment, etc of each household member could be collected as one extra question on the national census. Census data is also easy to link to other statistics, so transport could be properly integrated with government policies on health, social exclusion, etc. Specifically on cycling the Scottish Office admits there is "no consistent data available on cycle use below the all-Scotland level ... (this is) not helpful to councils wishing to set targets for cycling strategies and to monitor progress" [SO paper for Cycle Liaison Group, June 98].
Finally, Scottish Office draft guidance to councils on how to implement the act is too feeble, not acknowledging the full significance of the act: the English version states "traffic reduction targets will become one of the cornerstones of a local authority's transport strategy". Nor does it cover how to achieve traffic reduction - such as through planning, social and economic policies as well as traffic calming etc. [However SPOKES, although not even consulted on the draft, has published suggestions! - Spokes 68]. In its defence, the Scottish circular does say it is an 'interim' document which will be developed in the light of the forthcoming Transport White Paper - a valid point, but no help to councils, whose traffic-reduction reports must be in by July 1999!
What YOU can do [see Factsheet 1 for councillor/MP's name/address]
Ask your councillor for the Council's intentions in the light of the 1997 Traffic Reduction Act.
If you read of proposed new roads or out-of-town developments, ask your councillor how the Council intends to justify approving them in the light of the 1997 Traffic Reduction Act. If they do not have a good answer, this can be drawn to the Secretary of State's attention when the Council's traffic reduction report is submitted.
Raise with your MP the need for data on travel patterns, especially in the 2001 UK census, and ask them to press for fuller guidance to councils on implementing the 1997 act.
Send £5+ to Traffic Reduction Campaign, FOE, 26 Underwood St, London N1 7JQ for a copy of 'How to achieve 10% Traffic Reduction' by Prof J Whitelegg, and the latest issue of 'Traffic Reduction File'.
In May we held a highly successful weekend meeting for over 60 campaign-group and CTC rights officer delegates from across the UK. Edinburgh Council provided premises, and a reception to celebrate our 21st anniversary.
Main speaker,
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Important issues included re-allocating roadspace (cheap and effective, reducing traffic by up to 40%), regional planning/transport authorities (perhaps 4 for Scotland), and PNR taxation - paid by superstores and large employers for private non-residential parking spaces (1p per supermarket car visit raises
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On cycling, David Begg said safety and public perception of safety were
crucial to achieving more cycle use. He promised more Edinburgh on-road
bike facilities, and more effort to keep them free of parked cars.
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Spokes Sunday Rides - Meet 10am, Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Normally 1st Sunday each month. Rides are fairly gentle, 30-45 miles in summer. Lunch at pub/café, or bring picnic. Odd showers won't put us off, but real bad weather may cause cancellation. We show the way, help with mechanical malfunctions, wait for the less-speedy, and try to ensure all have a wonderful time! Please ensure your bike is in good order. Cycle carefully/considerately. You are entirely responsible for your own safety. Children under 14, or not used to roads, may only come with an adult.
Dates: Aug 2; Sep 6 [to Linlithgow - lawn picnic at Dave/Susan du Feu - free tea/coffee, bring own food]; Oct 4; Nov 1.
For further details or to help: Stuart 0131.445.7073.
The Spokes Cycling Weekends programme is on the website; or phone Paul 0131.662.0074.
Go-Bike! (Strathclyde Cycle Campaign) also has a big rides programme - usually 1st Sunday each month, and some w'ends. Richard 0141.563.7871 or drmarsh@bigfoot.com.
Critical Mass: 5.30pm last Friday each month at the Mound
Aug 1-15 Sustrans volunteer workcamp Glen Ogle Head, Lochearnhead. Apart from working, the volunteers hope to see appreciative visitors - maybe you could even provide a treat or some entertainment! Details 01274.4888190.
Aug 28 Transform Scotland conference, Edinburgh. Party transport policies for the new Scottish Parliament. Members may get details in the mailing for this leaflet, or phone 0131.467.7714.
Sep 12-19 Edinburgh Council environment week Theme: 'Use less, Live more'. 0131.469.5427 Angus Murdoch.
Sep 26 Local Agenda 21 conference: 'Act local, Think global'. Linlithgow. £3. 01506.843343, Anwen Shahim.
Sep 30/Oct 1 Scottish Road Safety Campaign conference Dunblane. Themes include: Cycling, Safe School Travel, Pedestrian Safety. £50/£100. 0131.472.9200. Note: many road safety professionals used to be reluctant to encourage cycling, as it was 'too dangerous' [Spokes 63]. Do they now embrace the agenda of reducing road danger at source, rather than just 'protect' (and maybe deter) the victim?
1999, Apr 13-17 Velo City 11th international conference, Graz/Maribor. 0043.662.826878, velocity99@semaco.co.at
2000, June Sustrans 3000-mile network opening "stunning participatory events", climaxing June 24/25. Councils etc, write to: Lucy Thorp, Sustrans, 35 King St Bristol BS1 4DZ.
2000, Jan 1st ... MILLENNIUM BUGBIKES
Concern over the Millennium computer problem has led Ed Yardeni, director
of Deutsche Morgan Grenfell bank, to predict a 40%-60% chance of worldwide
recession, on the level of the 1970s OPEC oil crisis [Guardian
21.5.98]. Computer experts Ed & Jennifer Yourdon are more pessimistic,
predicting "serious and widespread problems" because modern society
is so (inter) dependent on computers [www.phptr.com/year2000].
Their advice: "We strongly suggest you pare down and simplify your life,
so you can face the Millennium with as much flexibility as possible".
In terms of transport, what can we suggest but getting used to cycling
(and learning how to fix your bike)!
The London Electricity Company is doing just that, by purchasing a fleet of mountain bikes for its engineers, in case of traffic chaos at the Millennium if computerised traffic control systems fail [Computer Weekly 5.3.98].
Our Edinburgh map has been extremely successful, selling over 10,000 copies of the first 3 editions. Now we are living up to our name as the Lothian cycle campaign with a highly innovative Midlothian map - with hilliness, distances, and heights as well as routes. The map is for both utility and recreation, and has detailed insets of urban areas. Research by Peter Hawkins, and layout by Tim Smith, member and professional graphic artist. We want comments on the design and if we should do more such maps, eg W. Lothian.
Meanwhile Livingston's 300km+ cycleroute network (longer than Edinburgh's) is also getting a new map, thanks to W.Lothian Council, and cycle officer Graeme Malcolm.
Both above maps are being used in our Cycle Challenge scheme [Spokes 68], but will also be on sale - prices likely at around £4. Orders to SPOKES by 1st Sept will be charged at just £3.50 for one map, or £6 for both, post free. [There may be a delay posting your order if maps not ready yet].
Currie/Balerno bike leaflet/map. Produced by the local Traffic Forum, sponsored by Spokes and others. Send sae for free copy to Val Hawkins, 10 Woodhall Ter, EH14 5BR.
Cycle Commuting for Beginners (advice - not map). Free, W.Lothian Council, 01506.775222.
Cycling in East Lothian leaflet/map. Free, 01620.827661, E.Lothian Council, Paul Ince [members get one in this mailout].
Fife Coastal Path - 6 map/info leaflets (some walking only at present). Send £1.50 for 6-pack to Tourist Info Centre, 19 Whytescauseway, Kirkcaldy, 01592.267775.
E.Kilbride-Strathaven route minor-road signed circular. Free from S.Lanark Council 01698.453665, Joe McHugh.
Fortmartine & Buchan Way, Aberdeen-Peterhead/ Fraserburgh map/leaflet. Free(?) from Aberdeenshire Council 01224.664342, Linda Matheson.
Glasgow Clyde Coast network, Glasgow/Irvine/Greenock/ Dumbarton leaflet. Free: Glasgow Council 0141.2879171.
Cycling in Dumfries & Galloway Free accommodation/ routes booklet (25 recreational routes). Galloway Tourist Board 01387.253862.
'Cycleclips' - news of Kingdom of Fife Millennium cycleroute project. Free: Fife Council 01592.413043.
Cycling in the Forest, 1998 - list of forest cycling guides UK-wide. Send SAE to Spokes for free copy.
Bikes now go free on all ScotRail services [Spokes 68], though reservations are essential on some routes. On one of ScotRail's finest routes, the Fort William sleeper now has seating and capacious bike space, for tandems & trailers too. We've been promised copies of a new ScotRail bike leaflet to send to members, but there's no sign of it as of late June.
Spokes is trying to meet ScotRail about the proposed Class 158 (Express) bike facilities - ScotRail plans 2 bikes per 2-car unit, whereas some experts such as RDS and BikeRail consider 3 or even 4 to be feasible.
Several moves are planned for bikes on buses, boosted by Scottish Office Cycle Challenge funds. Stagecoach has already changed its conditions of carriage in preparation.
Some details on these initiatives are on this website: bikes on trains, bikes on buses. More details [plus a bike/bus/rail autumn conference for transport operators] from Scotland's 'Mr. Bike-Intermodality' Dave Holladay, Transport Management Solutions, PO Box 15174, Glasgow G4-9LW email: tramsol@aol.com Dave was also involved in Strathclyde PTA's very successful major bike parking/locker initiative, and can advise other operators.
| SPOKES MEMBERSHIP SURVEY RESULTS | Car ow-ner | Non car owner | All | |
| 1. Do you agree with the proposed SPOKES objectives? | yes | 94% | 89% | 93% |
| no | 3% | 10% | 6% | |
| 2. Do you think Spokes (a) is too anti-car, or (b) takes about the right line on car-use, or (c) should take a stronger line on traffic-reduction, speed limitation etc. | a | 8% | 0% | 5% |
| b | 70% | 55% | 64% | |
| c | 22% | 45% | 30% | |
| 3.Should Spokes advertise week-end rides which are solely car-based - i.e. where participants all drive with bikes to a starting base? | yes | 34% | 26% | 31% |
| no | 62% | 73% | 65% | |
| 4. Should Spokes should sign up to the Slower Speeds Campaign? | yes | 87% | 95% | 90% |
| no | 8% | 3% | 6% | |
| Totals | 66% | 34% | 100% | |
After a long consultation on revised Spokes objectives, our last mailout included a questionnaire asking for final approval, plus some related questions. The table is based on 216 replies as we go to print, from 762 households.
Although the new objectives are remarkably similar to our original ones 21 years ago, they put more emphasis on health, environment, and access to facilities, and received a ringing 93% endorsement. One person called them "admirable and succinct". The few objectors mainly wanted them strengthened, or to have 'walking' removed. We were not seeking further amendment, but have replaced "encourage" by "promote", as several people suggested - this better reflects what we do and is hopefully uncontroversial.
A few members have recently said Spokes is "too anti-car", but q.2 shows wide approval, with nearly one-third wanting a stronger line and only a tiny 5% saying we are too anti-car.
The question of whether we should advertise car-based weekend rides when Harry Henniker's BikeBus (which has enclosed trailer for bikes) is not available has been very contentious. Members opposed this roughly 2-1, though several said it was a hard decision. Quite a few wanted yet more lobbying of rail (and bus) companies [see p2 article].
There was wide agreement for joining the Slower Speeds Initiative, with only 6% objecting - mainly on the grounds that the proposed rural limits were too low or unrealistic.
Car ownership amongst member households is 66%, remarkably similar to Lothian as a whole, which had 58% in the 1991 census - probably now 63-65% on predicted trends. As the table shows, non-car households took a somewhat stronger line, with the biggest difference on q2, though only 8% even of car owners thought Spokes 'too anti-car'.
We were surprised and delighted that many members, unprompted, wrote how wonderful Spokes is! "Keep up the good work" was a common refrain, but we also got really effusive ones: "Spokes is a splendid organisation - I really appreciate your work"; "I am amazed at all the hard work you do, month in, month out"; and "Spokes is excellent".
But please don't think Spokes does everything, or can
do! We rely greatly on you to help, especially by writing your own
letter to councillors, MP, etc, at least say twice a year - perhaps visit
their surgery. Our leaflet suggests current topics, and where to
write. The overall impact of such letters is tremendous. That's why our
favourite comm-ent was "Thank you for all the work you do - especially
for advising us who to write to about what issues"!
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As part of the National Cycle Strategy [Spokes 62,63] councils are asked to develop formal cycle audits of road, traffic and planning schemes [Scottish Office circular 24/1996] - to ensure such schemes don't harm cyclists, and benefit them where possible. Our last Scottish council survey [Spokes 67] revealed very disappointing progress, with only 7 of the 29 mainland councils developing such procedures. Now, however, Edinburgh has issued an excellent audit document. One of its early uses was for the planned North Bridge pedestrian central reservations. Thanks to the audit, bus lanes were widened as part of the scheme, so buses and bikes can now pass each other within the lane.
Edinburgh has also published an excellent Cycle Design Guide, to help planners, developers, etc, produce more bike-friendly designs. The guide is short and visual, thus hopefully more useable by busy staff! The Scottish Office are soon to consult on a manual Cycling by Design, which includes council & trunk-road cycle auditing. Obviously proud of the document, they have applied to give a paper on it at the 1999 international Velo-City conference [Cycle Forum Minutes 21.5.98 & 5.12.97].
We are becoming used to occasional police bike use, but now 2,400 Strathclyde officers are to get cycle training! There is nothing that will make a selfish motorist more bike-friendly than discovering that the cyclist they have just cut up is a police officer on duty!
STOLEN BIKES: KEY TO CRIME??
Statistical research by PC Trueman of Northallerton, Yorkshire, showed bike thieves were often involved in other crimes. The force then installed tiny electronic tracking devices in bikes which they left unlocked around the town. So successful was the scheme that a fall in overall crime is expected, and many other forces across the UK are now doing the same [Mudguardian, autumn 97].
CYCLING AND HEALTH: Sam Galbraith
A follow-up to our Spokes 68 leaflet article has been omitted due to lack of space, but will appear in our Spokesworker internal newsletter. More in Spokes 70!
With taxation of car parking spaces at superstores and large workplaces in prospect, Transport 2000 has issued a detailed assessment of how it could work. The proposals would encourage company green travel plans and more accessible locations, also raising large sums for transport spending. A Taxing Question is £5 from Transport 2000, 10 Melton St, London NW1 2EJ.
To report potholes, glass on cycleroutes, broken lights, etc anywhere in Lothian (including Edinburgh), or Falkirk District: use Freephone Clarence 0800.232323. [A good way to report exact location is the number on the nearest lamp-post].
To report smoky commercial vehicles: 01506.445216.
More useful phone numbers: Spokes Factsheet 2.
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