Additions and Updates to this site www.spokes.org.uk Frames version
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School visits by ordinary service bus are quite common - probably dreaded by drivers and teachers alike. How do you keep a group of youngsters still and reasonably quiet until they reach their destination? If only they could cycle, that would keep them occupied during the journey. But of course the roads are too dangerous... A dozen Craigmillar Primary School P7 pupils discovered today (29.10.98) that they could reach the heart of Edinburgh, three miles away, on cycle paths and very quiet roads. Using the Innocent Cycle Path and paths through St. Leonard's and Dumbiedykes they cycled to Moray House, where their teacher went to college and then walked through to the Royal Mile and visited the People's Story, the museum that records the lives of 'ordinary' people in Edinburgh. They each saved £1 in bus fares, had some exercise and didn't get bored! |
Pressure from SPOKES has resulted in City of Edinburgh Council designating one person from each of the four new local area teams as having responsibility for walking and cycling. This was one of the results of a top level meeting in September called by David Begg where Spokes, Lothian Safe Routes and Paths for All met senior council officials.
Sandy Wallace, the new Support and Co-ordination Manager in the reorganised City Development Department, makes it clear in a letter to SPOKES that this is no cosmetic exercise and is also aimed to give greater priority to Safe Routes to School. "Kevin McMahon in our Transportation and Road Safety Team will be developing initiatives with the area teams and in particular with the nominated cycling/walking officers. We look forward to progressing these initiatives and working closely with you and the schools in the future."
The four new people will NOT just be working on walking and cycling issues, but their appointment will mean that these issues will be addressed more generally, in addition to the work of the existing Cycle Team
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Area |
Name |
Phone |
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City Centre |
Neil Macfarlane |
529 3416 |
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West |
Alec Hope |
529 3435 |
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North |
Andy Mathieson |
529 3431 |
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South |
Derek Roden |
529 3720 |
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Now appearing on trains across Scotland official cycle spaces - funded through the Scottish Office Cycle Challenge. It's easy to see if a train has been converted as there is now a cycle sign on the outside of the modified coach. The white bulge contains a rack and retaining straps - but is usually locked! Details of bikes on ScotRail  |
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City of Edinburgh Council has implemented a number of effective 'cycle friendly' measures recently. The cycle lanes the whole length of Marchmont road have been generally welcomed but criticised for the length of time it took to create them and the fact that not enough has been done to stop parking particularly near the junction with Strathearn Road. Several SPOKES members have written to the Council and also to Councillor Marilyne MacLaren. There have also been complaints about the closing of Whitson Road (Click on picture for another view) but these are from motorists complaining about queues due to the closure of this rat-run! Cyclists who benefit from this closure may care to congratulate the council by writing to George Hazel, Director, City Development, Councillor David Begg Chair of Transportation Committee or the Councillor for Stenhouse Eric Milligan - the Lord Provost. |
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Canaan Lane in Edinburgh's Morningside is now mostly one way with several substantial lengths of contra-flow cycle lane. The lanes are wide and will help to slow down cars - a problem in one way streets. |
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Another welcome feature of the new scheme is this sign. Although few cars are likely to want to park in this particular part of Canaan Lane the sign is most welcome. It will be interesting to see if similar signs appear in busier streets such as Buccleuch Street, Bruntsfield Place or Marchmont Road!
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Sciennes Safe Routes to School Group Reports
The Sciennes Safe Routes to School Group has published (14.10.98.) a wide ranging report detailing conditions around the school and calling for measures to be implemented to encourage walking and cycling. Summary.
Please e-mail us with your comments and suggestions.
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