• Back copies of other recent SPOKES Leaflets are available by sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to SPOKES (addressat bottom of page).
• For a set of all available back copies, please send £1 (we have copies left of roughly 50 issues).
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MORE MONEY FOR CYCLING

Spokes has for 5 years surveyed spending on cycling and Safe Routes to School by Scottish mainland councils [see p2 for 2000/01 survey]. We find a consistent picture of a few councils taking cycling and/or SRS seriously - top honours in 2000/01 to Dumfries & Galloway and West Lothian, followed by Stirling and Glasgow. For a big move forward, we compliment South Ayrshire. But, sadly, most councils give such policies little real attention.

We have therefore long lobbied government for new rules so that councils have real - financial - incentives to adopt sustainable transport policies [eg Spokes 74,70].

In our letter on the Scottish Budget Consultation we proposed "renaming the Public Transport Fund the Sustainable Transport Fund, with substantial increases, and re-jigging its guidance to give cycling/walking schemes very high priority" [full letter on Spokes web site].

Then, on 28 Sept, Transport Minister Sarah Boyack announced in Parliament [SP 28 Sept, cols 804-821]...

• Doubling the Public Transport Fund (PTF) from £30m p.a. to £60m in 2003, by annual £10m increases
• More prominence to cycling, walking and safer streets in allocating the Fund ... "there have been too few cycling and walking projects", said the Minister
• A new 3-year £75m Integrated Transport Fund - its purpose is somewhat foggy, but its name is hopeful!

NATIONAL NETWORK OPENS

25 June 2000:Princes Streeet is filled with bikes as part of the Spokes/Sustrans Bikefest celebrating the NCN opening 
photo: Dave du Feu

Two super new books [£9.99 each] describe the network. Scotland, the National Cycle Network by Spokes member Harry Henniker, describes in detail the current Scottish NCN, also listing B&Bs, rural shops, etc. Harry's extensive knowledge developed through his Bike-Bus, transporting cyclists all over Scotland [229.6274 bike.bus@virgin.net]. The 256-page Official Guide to the National Cycle Network covers the whole UK. It does not include full maps, but is crammed with detail, ideas, and info sources, all in a highly visual full-colour presentation. Both strongly commended!

But Sustrans' achievements reach far beyond routes ...

• A much higher profile for cycle provision in many councils and with government
• A huge initial/ongoing force for Safe Routes to School
• New campaigns/experiments on sustainable transport - Rural Transport Hubs [experiments with a rural car club, car/taxi sharing, walk/cycle routes, and transport information], and Safe Routes to Stations [see p3]
• Multi-purpose path use - leisure, commuting, public art
• Proving the power of ordinary people to create a better future for all - healthier, safer, concerned for the planet.

Many recent on and off road facilities are part-funded by Sustrans lottery money, and would not be here without the impetus of the network. By 2005 there will also be a round-Forth route, via Linlithgow, Grangemouth, Stirling and Alloa, for which Spokes has long lobbied [Spokes 66].
 

Cycleroutes merge at Bristo Place, Edinburgh - with funding from Sustrans Millennium lottery grants 
photo: Dave du Feu

However, the routes are not entirely problem-free, with some on B-roads where 60mph is still allowed, and some off-road paths too narrow or badly maintained.

It is hugely to Sustrans's credit that they have achieved so much, but it is crazy that government seeks to build a National Network through a charity without legal powers or national funds, entirely dependent on the goodwill of countless landowners and councils! Spokes continues to call for a national 'trunk' cycle network for which the government would have ultimate responsibility.

  Go back to top of page

Cllr Sheila Gilmore Chair, Edinburgh Council Cycle Forum
Tim Smith Spokes paths volunteers coordinator
Also invited (to be confirmed): Sustrans and the police

When: Tues 28 Nov, 7.30 [6.45 for coffee, stall, chat]
Where: Edinburgh City Council Chambers, High Street

Following our Spokes 76 article about North Edinburgh Network, Edinburgh Council transport boss Cllr Mark Lazarowicz asked for a bike tour to look at the problems. We prepared a detailed briefing sheet, including...

• the need to officially recognise the path's vital role as a cycle link between the city centre and the north
• serious problems of maintenance and vandalism
• inadequate links - especially Western General Hospital

Other issues that have arisen recently relating to the North Edinburgh and other off-road routes include...

• plans for a Friends of the Innocent Path, to seek better maintenance, and help look after and develop path use. Details: Spokes@btinternet.com, or Bob 0131.669.1918.
• a member, frustrated by lack of action on cleaning and maintenance, has written to the Ombudsman.
• it appears that 5 different council departments have one or another role in path maintenance/development!
• New Edinburgh Tramways Company [8 Manor Place] has told us a cycleroute and tramway would easily be compatible at pinch-points such as Roseburn viaduct, using signalling and interlaced tram track to only allow one tram at a time [not possible with guided busway].
• lobbying by Sustrans for bike-police path patrols.

Spokes Sunday Rides - Meet 10am,Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Normally 1st Sunday each month. Rides are fairly gentle, 30-40 miles. 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: Nov 5, Dec 3, Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 4, Apr 1.

For further details or to help:Stuart 0131.445.7073.

Spokes Cycling Weekends- for programme contact Harry 0131.229.6274 or see  http://freespace.virgin.net/bike.bus/

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

Nov 13-25 World Climate Government Talks, The Hague. www.aseed.net/climate/climate.htm FOE Scotland is co-ordinating support/volunteers for the environmental case.

Nov 14 Borders Rail Progress 7.30, City Chambers, High Street, Edinburgh. CRAG meeting, open to all. Coffee 7pm.

Nov 28 SPOKES PUBLIC MEETING - see above article.

Dec 5 Edinburgh South Suburban Line reopening CRAG meeting. Time, place, etc. as for Nov 14.

Dec 7 Transport & the Environment TRANSform Scotland seminar, 7pm, 72 Newhaven Rd. Dr Richard Dixon [FOE research officer]. Space limited - book ahead 467.7714.

Jan 20 Transport Strategies/Funding for SE Scotland SERA Scotland day-seminar, Dalkeith. Expected speakers: Sarah Boyack, Mark Lazarowicz, John Scott, David Begg. Details: Gerry Lawson 440.4412 or SERAscot@aol.com

Feb 24/25 Sustrans weekend workcamp, Lochwinnoch. Details - Lorraine, 01207 281259.

2001, May/Jun North Sea Cycle Route - inaugural ride for this 6000-mile route. Join any section. Spokes needs a new Committee representative for this ride - can you help?

2001, Sep 17-21 Velo-City International cycle conference Edinburgh/Glasgow [0141.434.1500, www.velo-city2001.org, velo_city@meetingmakers.co.uk]. A velo-city outreach plan is already underway, to link the conference to the local community, through schools, bike breakfasts, car-free day, exhibitions, unusual-bike-tryout, etc. To get involved or contribute ideas: imaxwell@gn.apc.org, 0131.669.6542.

Sustrans Network - two super new books - see Sustrans article above.

Airdrie-Bathgate free leaflet describing the railway path/ sculpture trail. Send SAE to Sustrans, 3 Coates Place EH3 7AA.

West Lothian cycle rides 6 circular ride leaflets, by Spokes map artist Tim Smith. Free: Graeme Malcolm 01506 775296.

Fife Millennium Cycleways A series of area and town map/ leaflets is on sale. Free leaflet about the maps: 01592.413043. A multimedia Fife ride-planning system is available at Forth Bridges Tourist Info Centre [01592.413109 for other locations].

Cycle Scotland Scottish Tourist Board brochure jammed with info to plan a cycle holiday or trip. Free: 08705.511511.

A superb Spokes West Lothian Cycle Map (*) is now out. Thanks to Landfill tax funds from Auldcathie Trust, a free map was offered to all W.Lothian residents, via a Council newspaper token. Over 1000 maps are already distributed, with several highly complimentary remarks received back!

Some members are hoping to start a Community Bike Workshop in Edinburgh's Southside - also forming a focus for local cycle activities/developments such as community rides, recycling old bikes, 'Earn a Bike', etc. If interested in helping set things up contact Chris Hill [229.0072].

Adult/child cycle training, started locally through Cathy Scott's initiative [Spokes 75,76], is going Scotland-wide under the Scottish Cycle Development Project, by whom Cathy is now employed. Spokes 78 will include a feature on national and local bike training, the above proposed workshop, and related matters. More info: http://cycletraining.org.uk or cathy c/o spokes@btinternet.com.

If you have email, join the Spokes email list. You will be notified of web site updates (including new issues of Spokesworker, our roughly-monthly newsletter-extra) and some other urgent items. Contact spokes@btinternet.com.

*The Spokes West Lothian, Edinburgh and Midlothian maps cost £4.95 each from bike shops; or £5 cheque to Spokes, includes post.

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