Spokes

Programme for Government 23/24 – little change

The Scottish Government’s 23/24 PfG is very much ‘steady as she goes,’ although given the growing climate crisis more was hoped for. SCCS pointed to “few, if any, new measures to deliver emissions’ reductions .. in the context of Scotland missing annual targets in eight of the past twelve years.” Specifically on cycling, Cycling UK Scotland noted “#ScotPfG features bikes on the front page but inside no new commitments.“

On the other hand, the PfG does at least provide a massive positive contrast with Rishi Sunak‘s distressing retreats on climate, including his previously announced drastic cuts to active travel cash in England.

Continue reading Programme for Government 23/24 – little change

Bike Storage at Home: #SpokesComp results

Storing your bike, or family bikes, is impossibly hard for some people and a doddle for others (until a thief calls!) Our Summer Competition showed just how important it is, but also how complex and difficult it can be, and how it depends so much on personal circumstances such as where you live and whether you rent or own your home. People lucky enough to have a garage, or secure outside space, can own multiple bikes, whereas others may find storing even one bike is a real challenge.

[Later: factsheet based on the competition entries]

Continue reading Bike Storage at Home: #SpokesComp results

@CyclingSurgeon #RIP

We are very sad to hear of the sudden death of Professor Chris Oliver, well known as “Cycling Surgeon.” A long-standing member and proactive supporter of Spokes, his professional and personal life contributed greatly to both understanding and promotion of the public health value of cycling.

Continue reading @CyclingSurgeon #RIP

East Lothian #SpokesMap – 5th edition!

The 5th edition of our highly praised East Lothian Cycle Map is out!! The whole county was surveyed by Spokes volunteers, and the map then completely revised and updated in a lengthy and highly detailed process by a skilled cartographer from our maps group – entirely voluntarily.

Continue reading East Lothian #SpokesMap – 5th edition!

#SpokesComp 2023: Bike Storage at Home

Storing your bike, or family bikes, is impossibly hard for some people and a doddle for others (until a thief calls!) depending where and how you live, and what bikes you have. We want to hear your experiences, ideas or handy hints – anything related to domestic bike storage. Our competitions always bring a wide range of ideas, which we can use to help other people. Plus .. you could win a great prize and some modest fame!

Continue reading #SpokesComp 2023: Bike Storage at Home

#SpokesBB: Bike Breakfast 2023

Our first post-covid Bike Breakfast, on 13 June, attracted its usual big turnout, with lots of opportunity to chat and a greater emphasis on local rather than national stalls. It’s really exciting that, since our last breakfast, there’s been a continued flourishing of new and/or expanding local active travel organisations – stalls included CargoBikeMovement, Spokes Porty, Infrasisters, School Bike Buses and Living Streets Edinburgh [a full list is below].

Continue reading #SpokesBB: Bike Breakfast 2023

City Centre traffic count: Bike numbers keep growing

The biannual Spokes city centre traffic count, on May 16, found a further substantial rise in bike traffic as compared to May 2022, whilst motor traffic was fairly static (pun intended!) Bike numbers were up at all our 4 count points and in both time periods, whilst cars and commercial (van, bus etc) were both largely unchanged from last May.

In total, combining northbound and southbound on Lothian Road and Forrest Road, bikes rose to 16.3% of all 8am-9am vehicles, from 12.7% last May, and at lunchtime to 10.8% from 9.2%.

A top takeaway is that bikes totalled 21.2% of all citybound vehicles between 8-9am at our two northbound count points, 18.6% on Lothian Road and 25.0% on Forrest Road.

Continue reading City Centre traffic count: Bike numbers keep growing

June 13: Bike Breakfast is Back!

Covid and post-covid have meant no Spokes Bike Breakfast since 2019. Now, in 2023, you and your bike are invited again for tea or coffee, a roll, degreaser and oil; getting you and your bike in top condition for the remainder of your commute!

Continue reading June 13: Bike Breakfast is Back!

#SpokesMtg, May 24: “A City where you Don’t Need a Car”

Edinburgh City is consulting on a new Active Travel Action Plan (ATAP) and a series of other Mobility Plan ‘delivery documents’ (web links below) all aimed to support Edinburgh NetZero 2030, and a 30% reduction in car-km by 2030. Our public meeting will hear from the Council, followed by an expert critique, and then there’s a full hour panel discussion – your opportunity to challenge the speakers.

There is now a full video recording of the meeting on our youtube channel here.

Continue reading #SpokesMtg, May 24: “A City where you Don’t Need a Car”

Tramline Crash Reporting

Spokes now has an online-reporting tool for tramline crashes which, sadly, are all too frequent in Edinburgh. Also a new information sheet on how to reduce your chances of becoming a victim.

Continue reading Tramline Crash Reporting

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