This is a circular to all emailable Spokes members. [If you have recently sent us a change of email address, your change may not yet be in our database, so this message may go to your old address or possibly to both]. We hope you'll have the time to read this circular carefully and take action on those points that concern or interest you. If using email addresses shown below, replace AT by @. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS, 5th MAY Manifestos have now been published by the 5 parties currently represented in the Parliament, and we have a website article giving the full wording of all manifesto extracts relating to cycling policy, and commenting on them. See the 19 April news item at www.spokes.org.uk, or click directly on http://www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/2011/04/cycling-in-the-holyrood-manifestos-2 We have also tweeted about the above article. If you use twitter, please consider retweeting that to your followers. It is our April 19th tweet at... http://twitter.com/spokeslothian 2. NEW SPOKESWORKER 19 APRIL 2011 There is also a new issue of Spokesworker. The main article is a slightly shorter version of the above, but there are also articles on Princes St future, the death of Cycling England, the second Forth Road Bridge, and various smaller items (such as how to report any dead hedgehogs you see when out cycling!) You can find this and earlier issues under the 'Spokesworker' tab at the top of the website home page, or click directly on http://www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/spokesworker. 3. 'HOW TO BE A CYCLING FAMILY' - NEW SPOKES FACTSHEET The printed version of this new Spokes factsheet is now available – and the Bike Station is offering free training and support for local parents interested in giving family cycling a go. There are drop-in sessions every Friday 1-4pm over the summer, and the Bike Station will also organise demonstrations at schools and nurseries. For more information and downloadable versions of oue full 11-page online factsheet or the 4-page printed version, see our April 14 website news item, or go straight to... http://www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/2011/04/cycle-commuting-with-kids-latest. 4. ONSTREET RESIDENTIAL BIKE PARKING As a follow-up to our project, Spokes met Council Transport Convener Cllr Gordon Mackenzie and relevant officials, to discuss how the council would progress its commitment to provide pilot residential onstreet bike parking. As a result, the council will be working towards 10 or so trial banks of Sheffield racks in residential streets; and around 5 pilot covered, lockable, communal installations. The latter will be installed only in locations where there is a clear demand, and local enthusiasm and willingness to undertake management and possibly some maintenance, at least for an initial period. The Council is to produce an application form - hopefully in early June - detailing the requirements to have one of the pilot installations in your area. Spokes will publicise this to members once it is publicly available. If you may be interested, start talking now to your neighbours and any relevant local organisations (stair committee, community council, etc). For more info about the whole Spokes project, see our downloads page at http://www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/downloads/technical-and-research/spokes-tenementsflats-bike-storage-project/ 5. SPOKES BIKE BREAKFAST Put June 22 in your diary for the annual Spokes bike breakfast in the City Chambers quadrangle, 8-10am. Call by on your way to work, for a filled roll and tea/coffee. There will be loads of interesting stalls, competitions, and around 8.45am a brief speech by Council Transport Convener Cllr Gordon Mackenzie. If you'd like to help, from 8-10, contact mknottenbelt1ATgooglemail.com. 6. SUMMER SPOKES MAILOUT/BULLETIN The mailout date is provisionally fixed for Sat 4 June, although this may be postponed by a week. All our usual delivery/stuffing volunteers will be notified shortly in advance as usual. 7. SPOKES STALL AT CRAIGIE'S FARM, May 7 and FARMERS' MKT THIS SAT 23 APRIL If any member will be at Craigie's Farm (bike day) come and say hello at our stall, 10am-1pm. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=109948955737120 If you'd like to volunteer to help at the stall, please contact judy.cantleyATbtopenworld.com. There's also a Spokes stall at Edinburgh Farmers' Market, Castle Terrace, this Sat 23 April. Dave du Feu Spokes 19.4.2011