BACKGROUND TO CONSIDERATE ROAD AND PATH USE
Spokes is concerned that using a bike should be seen by everyone as a positive and obvious way to get around. Inconsiderate cycling damages this perception. It can also cause motorist aggression to other cyclists, it can frighten people who are walking, and in some cases it can be an actual danger to other people, as well as to the cyclist themself.
Of course, this is a 2-way street and we equally need to see considerate behaviour by all road users. It is a sad fact that over half of all drivers admit to sometimes exceeding urban speed limits [RAC report on motoring, 2007]. And cyclist injuries do occur due to dogs off the lead or on very-long leads on shared paths.
It is also notable that many provisions ‘for cyclists’ are also very beneficial to walkers. Advanced stop lines at junctions improve visibility of and by all road users, thus reducing risks to pedestrians as well as cyclists. For years locals campaigned unsuccessfully for a pedestrian crossing of Melville Drive at Middle Meadow Walk, but only once cycling was legalised did the council consider there was enough total demand to justify a light-controlled crossing. And much of Edinburgh’s off-road path network, benefitting both walkers and cyclists, was initially created thanks to long campaigning by Spokes – the North Edinburgh Network being the prime example.
The more people who get about Edinburgh by bike, the less pollution, noise and congestion for everyone, and the less the strain on the NHS from obesity-related illness. Already 5% of trips to work are by bike in Edinburgh – imagine the roads if all these people went by car! Spokes seeks to increase this figure, and at the same time to spread awareness of the value of mutual consideration by all road and path users – for example through initiatives such as the following…
SPOKES INITIATIVES ON CONSIDERATE CYCLING
Over the years Spokes has taken several initiatives to promote considerate cycling. These include…
1995-2005 Cycling Skills on Shared Paths Leaflet sent to all Spokes members, supplied on request to community groups, and handed out to cyclists on the canal towpath.
2008-2009 Bike Polite Campaign included 10,000 Bike Polite slap bands distributed mainly with new bikes via bike shops. Subsequently Spokes was commissioned by Glasgow City Council to run a similar campaign.
2010-2011 We support the Bike Station/ BWTW Shared Paths leaflet [pdf 430k] and have distributed these at stalls etc.
Other relevant leaflets/codes [if particularly good]
London canals Two Tings leaflet [pdf 1333k]
Particular problem areas
1009 Duddingston Village – use of Church Lane pavement [pdf 39k]