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The Lothian Cycle Campaign |
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H Herald LTT Local Transport Today
G Guardian TS Transform Scotland
SH Sunday Herald STR Scottish Transport Review
AtoB AtoB mag SE Scottish Exec. press release
SPOKES LEAFLET INFORMATION
Editor: Dave du
Feu .Printer: Barr Printers Print run: 11,000
Copyright details:
SPOKES may be quoted freely, if the source is acknowledged and our address
given.
The
year 2000 brings major changes in cycle and transport policy at various
levels. Some are positive - but others suggest a distressing reversal towards
discredited ideas from the 1980s.
Locally, Edinburgh is firmly committed to sustainable transport, integrated with health, environment, planning and local economic policy - see below. Midlothian has great news for cyclists, winning government funds for a cycle bridge at Sherriffhall roundabout. They are also now comparing the huge out-of-town Dalkeith schools campus plan with a far more accessible (and popular) site. The A701 dual-carriageway plans remain, however, with fears of extensive largely car-based development [Spokes 69,70].
At UK and Scottish levels, support for cycling remains better than under the Conservatives, but without the major funded initiatives seen in other European countries, and little hope of the government meeting its targets on cycle use or on public health physical activity [Spokes 74,72].
Overall UK transport policy is very worrying, though, with old ideas re-emerging. We can build our way out of congestion. Car ownership and use should be encouraged, with society - not the road user - paying the resulting environmental, health, economic and social costs.
So far, Scottish transport policy has slipped much less - but Minister Sarah Boyack is under big pressure from the AA, SNP, Conservatives, some Labour MSPs, and some newspapers to follow the simplistic UK policy changes.
Please use your letter-writing and lobbying power to support sustainable transport policies. See centre pages.
Bridges
are very significant in cycle networks, often saving long detours or dangerous
road crossings - though we don't like old-style footbridges that add
a detour! Bridges are also expensive. The increasing number of new bridges
is evidence that cycling and walking are now seen as serious transport
modes by at least some councils!
Midlothian's Sherriffhall bridge [see above] will be a great boost for local cyclists. The government Drumochter A9 national cycle network link, now being built, crosses many burns, with some 50 small bridges! Other recent work appears in this leaflet. Below is Edinburgh's new Ferry Road bridge [pictured] - we thank readers who wrote to the council in 1998 when a new bridge here was in doubt.
The council's new transport chair Cllr Mark Lazarowicz has announced some highly encouraging developments on cycling and on sustainable transport in general.
On cycling, the cycle budget jumps from £140k in 99/00 to £253k in 00/01 and Safe Routes to School from £91k to £162k; a combined total of £415k, possibly higher than in any previous year. Similar figures are projected for future years. Crucially, too, the much improved cycle staffing agreed last year [Spokes 70,71] should allow effective use of the new funds.
We are especially pleased with the above news, as in Spokes 74 we had to give mixed messages on Edinburgh's cycle policy. The City's proud record was slipping, with annual cycle budget cuts, and little new built recently. Our annual survey of Scottish mainland council cycle spending had also found Edinburgh moving down the league table.
Cycling also benefits from other budgets, and we are delighted that the biggest single danger-point highlighted by members is thus to be tackled soon - the Western Approach Road Dundee St entry, where uphill cyclists are 'cut up' by motorists veering left. New bike lanes [eg Crewe Toll - Comely Bank], junction schemes [eg Orchard Brae / Queensferry Rd] and A70/A71 Greenways improvements are also to be funded under maintenance budgets/schemes. A new pedestrian signals budget will also benefit cyclists.
The Council's overall transport vision is also hugely encouraging. A brave decision to consult every household on 3 scenarios has paid off. With a massive 19,000 forms back, a 4000 sample finds over 55% prefer the most radical option (with road pricing), some 25% the second (with workplace charges), 15% the status quo (no new charges), and under 5% rejecting any 'control the car' strategy.
Once again, we see that when the public is fully informed and consulted, they have more understanding of transport issues than politicians usually credit them with.
The funding raised by option 1, over a number of years, would provide city-wide cycle and rapid-transit networks; 20mph traffic calming in all housing areas; major rail improvements and openings; live bus time data at stops, shops, etc; decent road and path maintenance; and more.
It is also heartening to see a strategy which understands that transport is inextricably linked with land-use and location, public health, and fairness, as well as economic vigour. The Local Transport Strategy's 'vision' states...
"Edinburgh's transport system should contribute to better health, safety and quality of life: a true Citizen's Network. It should support a strong, sustainable, local economy.
People should be able to meet their day to day needs in short distances easily undertaken on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport. The city should develop in a compact form minimising the need for travel, especially by car."
Its proposed targets include...
| The consultation should help persuade councillors and government that the high-profile voices of motoring organisations, and some opposition politicians, are not reasoned or representative. You can help support this consensus by contacting your councillor and MSP on cycling and other transport matters that concern you! |
| Spokes
Public Meeting.
THE FUTURE OF SUSTRANS Talk - Discussion - Slides Friends Meeting House, Victoria Terrace Tue 7 Mar, 7.30 [6.45 for coffee, stall, chat] The 5000-mile network opens this summer. Ride-the-Net coordinator Andy Dunn says what's happening. But, with Millennium funds ending Scottish Sustrans Manager Tony Grant, asks: What now for Sustrans? Should government be building a National Network through a charity without legal powers or national funds! Are 9000 miles feasible by 2005? Or should Sustrans concentrate on maintenance, or cycle training, school travel, or lobbying government to do more? |
Dates: Feb 6; Mar 5; Apr 2; May 7; June 4.
For further details, or to help: Stuart 445.7073 or Mark 229.7190.
Spokes Cycling Weekends - the programme will be enclosed in this member's mailout if ready; or contact Harry 0131.229.6274, email bike.bus@virgin.net
Go-Bike! (Strathclyde Cycle Campaign) has a big rides programme - usually 1st Sunday each month, and some w'ends. Richard 0141.563.7871 or drmarsh@bigfoot.com.
Feb 22 Links Sports Fair at Boroughmuir School, 6.30-9.00pm to promote physical activity [not just sport]. Spokes stall selling maps [special £4] plus displays etc. Helpers needed too - especially locals. Contact Tim 0131.554.7264.
Mar 7 Spokes Public Meeting. (above)
May 28-June 10 Jubilee 2000 Orkney-Glasgow via Carlisle & Edinburgh ride!! [publicising campaign to cancel 3rd world debt]. Also need - free accommodation for riders. Mark 0131.229.7190, mark.symonds@informatics-cds.com
May 28 Edinburgh / June 11 Glasgow / June 18 Inverness Bike to the Future annual FOE Scotland sponsored ride. Tim Burrows 0131.554.9977
June 17-25 Millennium Festival of Cycling including...
W 21 Spokes Bike Breakfast 8-10am, Edinburgh City Chambers, High Street. Rosemary 0131.553.5819.
W 21 Midsummer Day - Sustrans Network Longest Ride [Andy 01505.614302] All 9000 miles to be ridden - 5000 open & 4000 Y2005. Includes rides Edinburgh to Stirling, St.Andrews, Airdrie, Melrose, Leith, probably all starting from Bike Breakfast [0131.553.5819].
Su 25 Sustrans/Spokes Meadows Bikefest Mark 0131.623.7600
19-25 SAMH No-Car Week campaign to promote walk/ cycle/bus, Morningside to W End. Ian Reid 0131.467.7905
22-25 Sustrans Cyclethon opening events/rides across UK. Already 250000 people pledged to take part. See www.ridethenet.co.uk. Scottish contact Andy Dunn 01505.614302. Cyclethon includes...
24/25 Ride for Health British Medical Assn & Sustrans (to highlight health aspects of cycling) 020 7383 6872.
September European Car-Free Day In 1999 parts of over 166 towns in Germany, France & Italy were car-free for the day. 020 7613 0743 [Transport 2000]
2001, Sep 17-21 Velo-City International cycle conference, in Edinburgh & Glasgow. A major advance schools outreach project is planned. Details: Ian Maxwell 0131.669.6542.
The Wheely Good Re-Cycling Carnival Band is being set up by Grace Nicol of Sustrans to take part (on bikes) in carnivals, processions, etc. Wanted: people, instruments, funds, storage, practising spaces, ideas, etc. 0131.623.7605.
Cycling by Design "the first comprehensive cycle infra-structure guide issued by a government department". Also for consultation - comments to be submitted by 31.12.2000. [See www.scotland.gov.uk - publications - 05/01/2000].
Dutch Bicycle Master Plan Report on this huge 1990-97 Dutch government initiative which increased substantially the amount of cycling, alongside a big fall in cycling deaths and injuries. [Passenger Transport Directorate, PO Box 20901, 2500EX The Hague, Netherlands. Cost ??]
Cycling for Better Health [Traffic Advisory Leaflet 12/99] Fascinating report on health, published by Dept of Transport - good integrated thinking! Free from 0131.244.1496.
Improved Cycle Parking at Rail Stations [Traffic Advisory Leaflet 11/99, free 0131.244.0847] Government research - see article below.
School Travel There are several new publications - see article below.
Planning Guidelines & Advice Notes Government advice to councils. At www.scotland.gov.uk/planning. Useful for quoting when writing to councils, councilors, etc. See...
NPPG 8 Town Centres & Retailing
NPPG 17 Transport & Planning - policy
PAN 57 Transport & Planning - practice
Also see The Planning Bulletin December 1999
Cycledigest Useful regular CTC publication of campaign material. www.ctc.org.uk/digest23/digest.html
Cycle helmet research Summary of research worldwide. ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/quinze/digest
Sustainable towns / Local transport European experience, & good practice europa.eu.int/comm/urban www.eltis.org
European Cyclist Federation www.dcf.dk/ecf/
Edinburgh University Green Activists meet 8.30 Mondays, Cheviot Rm, Pleasance. Greensoc@ed.ac.uk. Lobbying for cycleroutes, public transport & a greener city.
Strathclyde University BUG [Bicycle Users Group] campaigning for better facilities and to encourage more bike commuting. www.strath.ac.uk/campus/cycle.
More BUGS Staff elsewhere considering setting up a BUG can get help from Dave Marsh, SCDP 0141.287.9374. See also Spokes 74 re. document Green Transport Plans and an article on this website: Bicycle User Groups
If any of these bug you, here is where to report them...
Potholes, glass on cycleroutes, broken lights, etc anywhere in Lothian (including Edinburgh), or Falkirk District: Freephone 0800.232323; clarence@edin-city-dev.demon.co.uk or use the form on this site. Use number on nearest lamp-post to report exact location.
Smoky commercial vehicles: 01506.445216.
Bad taxi-driving:The Inspector, 33 MurrayburnRd EH14 2TF
Drink-driving, speeding, driving whilst disqualified, and other road crime: Freephone Crimestoppers 0800.555.111.
Lothian Safe Routes and Spokes are urging the Scottish Parliament to set up a £1m cycle training scheme. The campaign is part of a UK-wide effort by the Road Danger Reduction Forum [01904.551331 Ken.Spence@york.gov.uk]. The £1m campaign was firmly supported by John Grimshaw, Sustrans Director, at the Scottish Executive autumn Cycle Conference.
Child training is the most urgent issue. The government wants to promote cycling to school, yet existing training is rarely on-road, and relies on scarce volunteers who are sometimes not even cyclists. Should swimming be taught by non-swimming volunteers, and keeping well away from any water? In York, trained cyclists were found to cycle more and to have less accidents. The Scottish Road Safety Campaign [an official body 0131.472.9200] is setting up some praiseworthy volunteer-based on-road training this year, but this will give nothing like the national coverage needed. (Campaign)
Also, locally, members of Spokes, CTC and others hope to form Edinburgh Cycle Training, to provide basic & advanced cycle training for adults and children.
Sciennes maintains its inspirational position in the forefront of Scottish SRS development. Recent initiatives include a pupil delegation to the government autumn cycle conference, and appearances on Radios 4, 5 and Scotland. 10% of pupils, and the head, now regularly cycle to school [almost none 2 or 3 years ago] and over 50% walk - many in 'walking trains'. On-road bike training and 20-mile fun rides are now regular activities. Little wonder Sciennes recently won a UK cycling award for their "enthusiasm in developing a package of activities to encourage sustainable and healthy school travel" [Cathy Scott 0131.667.6740].
There is a plethora of new advice, mainly Scottish-based...
To celebrate/publicise the Sustrans 5000-mile network opening, Spokes is organising a major competition. Any form of art - painting, mathematics, collage, photos, physics, mapping, writing, etc - which fits A4 may be entered, on the theme of celebrating the Sustrans network. There are adult and various child categories, and great prizes including one or more new bikes. Winning entries will be displayed around the city, leading up to the June 21 network opening. If you or your employer/organisation can offer extra prizes, or more opportunities for wide public display, or have other ideas, phone 0131.664.0526.
Entry details will be enclosed with this mailout and at bike shops. Or send SAE to Spokes [please don't phone].
Clackmannanshire
Council's Devon Way cycle/ pedestrian bridge is lowered into position
Details: Neil Deasley 01259.452193 A map of the Clackmannanshire
network is on sale from 01786.841202
Now that teething trouble with the new Class-170 Glasgow /Edinburgh 15-minute service is being overcome, ScotRail must look further at bike carriage. Whilst the new trains are excellent for passengers, cyclists who were used to the super provision on the old 158s have raised several points with us. Before we write to ScotRail we ask readers who regularly use these trains with bikes to send us views, or a copy of your own letter if you have written already.
Top complaint so far is the poor signing, both inside and out, and this reflects other uncertainties, including even the number of spaces. It is unclear if bikes are catered for on each side of the flexible space, or just one - we thought ScotRail intended both but they say just 2 spaces (i.e. one side). As the service accommodates many more passengers than before, there should certainly be more than 2 spaces.
Regarding the crucial issue of bike space in 158s moving to the Far North lines [Spokes 74] ScotRail tells us they are going back to the designers in the hope of a better solution. The current proposals mean bike spaces reduced from 6 to just 2 per train on lines vital to holiday cyclists [Spokes 74].
Meanwhile government research has found - shock, horror! - that high quality station bike parking results in more train users [TAL 11/99 - see article]. Yet bike parking is often seen as a bothersome afterthought by operators who will devout countless hours and large sums to car spaces! Typical examples are Waverley, where bikes are relegated to an out-of-the-way location, and Linlithgow where wheel-twisters were recently installed!
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