As we always remind you, the best way that you can help Spokes is by writing the occasional letter about transport/cycling matters that concern you. In addition to the points in your letter, the fact that decision-makers receive a continuing flow of letters helps greatly to keep a high profile for cycling when relevant policies are being developed. Also, please send us any useful replies - we often get new information in this way.

There are plenty suggested letters in Spokes 73, but here are a few more!! Why not resolve to write one letter a week starting with the ideas in Spokes 73 and this Spokesworker!!

SPEED REVIEW

There is also a government review on traffic speed throughout the UK. There is now increasing pressure for in-car speed limiters [which could be triggered from roadside beacons or other means], which are now technically feasible and the only method of guaranteeing that all drivers keep to speed limits. You may also want to write about lower limits in residential areas, on country minor roads, etc. The government has promised that the speed review will be "radical", but this is more likely to happen if the government is convinced that speed control is widely popular. Therefore we suggest you now write to: Lord Whitty, Roads & Transport Minister, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. Even better, write to your MP and ask them to raise your points with Lord Whitty. Keep your letter to a page, and ask that your points be considered in the National Speed Policy Review.

BROKEN GLASS

We have several times heard reports that there is far less broken glass on roads and paths in the USA in those states which have laws on returnable bottles with deposits. A recent article in London Cyclist by Ken Worpole comments on the huge difference in broken glass between Britain and Denmark - where virtually all drinks are sold in returnable bottles. Apart from the absence of broken glass, he noticed the absence of empty cans and plastic bottles at the roadside and floating in canals. With a new Scottish Parliament, and a Minister responsible for the Environment (and Transport), a campaign for similar in Scotland may be worthwhile. Why not start things rolling by asking your MSP to raise this with the Minister?

A90 CYCLEROUTE

Edinburgh Council is finalising its plans for the A90 cycleroute on the stretch north from the Burnshot flyover to the B924. The current ideas are disappointing, and whilst they will probably be ok for daytime leisure use, they will be quite inadequate for commuting use, especially in dark or wet weather.

The plan is for a 2-way unlit cycleroute, by upgrading the existing path on the north-east side of the road. Apparently also, due to land ownership, this cannot be made any wider than now.

Two alternatives have been suggested by Sustrans - because this route also forms part of the National Cycleroute Network, a vital link from Edinburgh to the Forth Bridge. If the path was lit, that would reduce the problems of a 2-way cycleroute narrow in parts. The other alternative would be separate 1-way paths on each side of the A90 in this stretch - there is plenty space, together with an underpass of the A90 at the south end and the B924 overbridge at the north end.

If these routes concern you, whether as an occasional leisure cyclist or even more important a potential regular user, please write now, asking for the sort of provision you would like, to: Dr George Hazel, Director, City Development Dept, Edinburgh Council, High Street, Edinburgh EH1. If possible contact your councillor also and ask them to raise the matter with the City Development Department.

BIKES ON BUSES

There is a government consultation on bus policy - but it is of very restricted vision. It does not mention the government Transport White Paper's aims, such as integration of transport modes, and for example there is virtually no coverage of integration of walking and cycling with buses. It is very important for members of the public to write in and comment on such omissions.

Some things not included which we would like to see...

• Progress to much greater bike carriage on buses, as is common in many countries - e.g. USA. Also the final version of the Paper should include a full analysis of such overseas experience.
• Re-allocation of roadspace to buses, cyclists and walkers; and higher bus/cycle priority.
• Cycle parking/secure storage at appropriate bus stops and certainly at bus stations.
• Discussion of bus lanes - e.g. where possible they should be wide enough for buses/bikes to pass each other; where too little space for a bus lane a cycle lane should be provided; advanced stop lines at junctions; not allowing motorcycles, etc
• Uniform conditions of carriage by the different privatised companies; uniform national timetable information; no extra fares (except perhaps for booked advance space).

CANAL TOWPATH

We understand that current BWB plans for the Union Canal towpath in Edinburgh, under the Millennium Link project, are to asphalt the surface from the city centre out to Ashley Terrace, then use a whin dust surface from there. Also, the path is to be maximum width 1.8m, with a grass/vegetation strip on both sides. However, there is a strong case for asphalting as far as Wester Hailes, and the width could be greater in many sections by leaving out the grass strip on the non-canal side of the path in tight sections. With the high use of the path - and this is sure to increase, there needs to be plenty of space for people to pass each other. Please write to: Jim Stirling, Manager, British Waterways, 1 Applecross St, Glasgow G4 9SP.

WATER OF LEITH PATH

There is continuing controversy over the type of path surface to be used [see earlier leaflets/spokesworkers]. We understand Sustrans has now offered funding to the Council and Water of Leith Trust, so there should be no financial problem in getting a surface which will stand up to the poor drainage, cuttings, wet autumn leaves, and extensive horse use in parts. However there are still many voices calling for a dust surface. The options seem to be a dust surface, or asphalt, or a 'half-way-house' called Fibredec - but there is a question mark if this could stand up to horses. This should be the minimum solution, but with asphalt in sections with heavy horse use and those with drainage problems and lots of leaves (especially Slateford to Colinton).

Please write to your councillor, and ask them to take up your concerns with the Council's Recreation Committee. To find the name/address of your councillor, phone the CAB - Edinburgh Central CAB is at 0131.557.1500.