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What’s in store for 24? – it’s mainly wait and see!

What can we expect locally for bike use and wider sustainable transport? What will Spokes – and you! – need to support, oppose, provide, improve or highlight in order to speed up the move towards more sustainable and healthy places to live and get about? This article outlines a few of the topics which […]

ScotGov Budget 24/25: not what transport needs

Despite a rise in active travel funding in the draft budget, the overall transport picture was not what is needed in a climate emergency – and already transport is Scotland’s worst performing sector in terms of climate emissions. Indeed, the increase in trunk road cash (£210m) almost equals the total of active travel investment […]

Hopes & Challenges for 2022

Stop Press 13.1.22: Traffic Reduction ‘Route Map’ published. Much as we predicted (2 & 2.2 below) – some good stuff, but without tougher Demand Management, notably Road User Charging, the 2030 traffic reduction commitment is very unlikely to be met. Consultation opens, closing 6 April 2022.

What can we expect in Edinburgh and […]

Scot Gov Active Travel: facing up to COP26

In recognition of COP26, we ask what is the best thing we’ve seen recently for active travel (AT) from the Scottish Government – and what is the biggest challenge they face in the coming year? We have no doubts about the answers!

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Scottish Budget 20/21

A deal has been struck between the Greens and SNP to get the budget through Parliament. The deal is a significant improvement on the draft budget in terms of transport, including some interesting detailed points as well as the headline changes.

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Spokes Bulletin 135 – targets v. actions

The Scottish Government has set bold climate targets, but these must be matched by bold actions – particularly on transport, Scotland’s biggest emissions source.

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Outlook for 🚲 in 2019 – Edinburgh & Scotland

After a ‘hiatus 2018‘ for active travel in Edinburgh, 2019 looks set to be either the most momentous – or the most disappointing – of recent years. At Scottish level, the welcome doubling of active travel cash from 2018/19 onwards will start to be reflected on the ground in many towns and cities – but […]

Spokes Bulletin 131 … Edinburgh’s cycling future

Our Summer 2018 Bulletin is out … with new research on why Edinburgh has outstripped the rest of Scotland in boosting cycle use, but hints that this may be slowing. Will the City Centre Transformation, Bike Share scheme, and other big projects be implemented boldly enough to ensure continued momentum? And, of course there’s loads […]

Spokes Bulletin 130 … featuring tramline & Leith Walk issues

Our Spring (despite the weather!) 2018 Bulletin is out … with special attention to what is now happening over the controversial 2017 issues of Leith Walk, Leith Street and Picardy Place – and the forthcoming huge 2018 subject of the tramline extension (for which there are some ominous hints). And, of course, there’s much […]

Regional 🚲 perspective is vital – #SpokesMtg

Councils in the Lothians are keen to grow bike use, but face similar problems of budget cuts, extensive new greenfield housing, scary A- and B-roads, and inadequate funding and coordination on cross-boundary cycleroutes. These were top messages from our packed-out public meeting on cycling plans in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

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