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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.
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.
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
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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