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SPOKESWORKER 19th. January 1998

  • Great news for 1998 
  • North Edinburgh cycle threat removed 
  • Canal millenium plan threat 
  • Bike parking at B&Q 
  • Cyclist fixed penalties

  • Spokesworker is an occasional ("roughly monthly") news sheet, with stop-press news of forthcoming events, and of road, traffic and planning matters. It is not automatically sent to all members. A copy is enclosed if we are writing to you anyway, and copies are handed out at meetings of working groups. It is also published here on the website. Also, you can make sure of getting a copy by sending Spokes 10 or so stamped addressed envelopes. 

    Great news for 1998

    On December 30, ScotRail director Alistair McPherson announced that the £3 charge for bikes on trains would be abolished as from the spring timetable in May. This exceeds even what we had asked for, since we had only suggested its abolition on short/local journeys! Reservations will remain for many journeys, but they will be free - details are still to be announced, and we have been promised consultation on such matters.

    The announcement is the culmination of a continuing campaign by Spokes and others, but the precipitating factor was the government's Cycle Challenge Scheme for innovative ideas to encourage more cycle use, the result of which were announced on the same day by new Scottish Transport Minister Henry McLeish. Details.

    ScotRail has won £150,000 towards converting rolling stock to be more bike-friendly. This will be matched by similar sums from ScotRail and from Porterbrook, the company which (under privatisation) owns ScotRail's trains. All 46 Class 158 Expresses (running between Glasgow, Edinburgh, Inverness, Aberdeen) will be converted to accommodate 2 bikes per 2-car units; whilst 30 Class 156's, on leisure/tourist routes, will be given bike racks holding a minimum five bikes per 2-cars unit!

    In the Challenge SPOKES won £25,000 for our proposed innovative map-distribution scheme, under which most households in Edinburgh, Midlothian and West Lothian will be circulated with an offer of cycle maps at a bonus price later this summer. Details: Tim Smith 0131-554-7264 or Peter Hawkins 0131-453-3366.

    Lothian Safe Routes, a spin-off from the SPOKES Schools Challenge, also won £10,000, which should increase considerably the level of Safe Routes work throughout the Lothian area. Details: Ian Maxwell 0131-669-6542 or Chris Hill 0131-228-2927.


    North Edinburgh cycle threat removed

    Spokes has won a significant victory over the road proposals along the "Pilton Path" railway path, which would have cut through the North Edinburgh main cycle route [Spokes 67]. Under new, detailed proposals now out for public consultation, the road will go ahead, but the cycle network continuity will be maintained, and many additional cycle facilities built in. These include a new cycle bridge over Ferry Rd (replacing the existing bridge), a cycle route and underpass at West Granton Rd, traffic lights instead of a planned roundabout at that junction, and improved cycle accesses at several locations including Ferry Rd.

    The new road, providing access to the development site north of West Granton Rd, will continue on to Granton as bus-only. It is vital to ensure that this extension cannot be converted to all-traffic use at a future date. It should be as narrow as possible (although it does have an adjacent cycleroute!), and with buildings on either side! Otherwise, under a future council it could easily form the crucial link of a long-feared North Edinburgh Bypass.

    SPOKES also remains unconvinced of the case for the road itself. The Council says it is essential, to attract development. But no evidence has yet been produced - and would it be the right type of development for a Council committed to sustainability?

    The detailed proposals are on display until 29 Jan at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre, 19 W. Pilton Grove. A public meeting will be held there at 7.15 pm on Wed 28 Jan. More details of exhibition/meeting times etc: Pilton Partnership 0131.332.4325.


    Canal millennium plan threat

    The exciting project to rejoin the Edinburgh-Glasgow canal, including towpath upgrading, is threatened by a funding crisis. Whilst the bulk of the funds come from the Lottery, they must be matched by funds from other sources. Although these had been agreed in principle, one element, from the EU, is now in doubt because local EU assessment committees feel the economic justification is unrealistic. The whole project could fall as a result. Please ask your MP to write urgently about this to Donald Dewar, the Secretary of State for Scotland, seeking his intervention.


    Bike parking at B&Q

    Members periodically complain about the above, the Warriston Road store being a prime example. A member has forwarded us a letter from B&Q which, for the first time, is at least sympathetic to the idea of bike parking facilities. Unfortunately, they appear to think the wheel-holders at Warriston are suitable!

    It is very important that, now they are considering installing bike-parking widely, they realise that Sheffield Racks (or perhaps wall-bars as at the City Chambers) are essential! If you park at any B&Q store, please send your comments to: Colin Haggerty, B&Q Regional Controller, Strathkelvin Retail Park, Bishopbriggs, Glasgow G64 2TS. Be nice to Mr Haggerty, by saying you are pleased to hear they intend to cater better for cyclist customers, then explain the type of facility you would like see at your local store! As always, please copy useful replies to SPOKES


    Cyclist fixed penalties

    The government are considering new powers to impose fixed penalties for a range of traffic offences including, for cyclists, "giving a backie" and pavement cycling.

    Carrying more than one person on a non-modified bike is common in cycle-friendly countries such as Denmark/Netherlands. It is also doubtful if fixed penalties would deter youngsters - they might equally cause unnecessary aggravation towards the police.

    As regards pavement cycling, whilst inconsiderate or anti-social behaviour is very unfortunate, the number of injuries from cycle/pedestrian conflict is extremely small. The Government's consultation document agrees that there are sometimes reasons for pavement-cycling, including safety, and therefore suggests that any new powers should be "interpreted sensitively". However, there is no guarantee this would be the case - some police are sympathetic to cyclists, others are not, and the decision to impose an on-the-spot fine could depend on the officer's views, the need to fulfill a quota, or other factors not related to the offence. Surely a better solution is the present position where a verbal warning can be given for minor infringements, and prosecution is available for genuinely anti-social offences. If pavement cycling is a serious problem at any specific location, the best solution is physical measures by the council, not additional penalties on the cyclist.

    Send your views, by 13 February, to: W Cowan, Home Department, Saughton House, Broomhouse Drive, Edinburgh EH11 3XD. If you feel strongly, write also to your MP, even if after the closing date.


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