Welcome to the online home of Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign… Continue reading Welcome To Spokes
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Spokes campaigns for cycling “within a sustainable transport context,” not purely cycling for its own sake. We need to live in places which are safe, pleasant and easy to get around, and free from climate or toxic pollution. This means quality public transport and active travel provision, with private motor traffic a last resort. Planners and providers must work to ensure the maximum possible integration and synergy between public and active modes, so they work together and minimise conflicts. Our public meeting brings together speakers from the worlds of bus, rail and tram, to discuss the cycling /public transport relationship. As always, the second half of the meeting will be an audience Q/A, so do come along with constructive suggestions, and to give feedback on the speakers’ introductory talks. Continue reading Bikes & Public Transport: #SpokesMtgOur 2026 competition brought out a cornucopia of experiences, ideas and reminiscences. It is incredible to read not just how cycling and cycle facilities locally have changed over the years, but how individual lives have changed too, sometimes substantially, thanks to Spokes being around. Continue reading Spokes and Me: #SpokesComp resultsA Spokes traffic count in George Street and Princes Street on 24 September found bikes forming over 30% of all vehicles in the morning peak period, and over 20% at lunchtime. Other findings suggest a major boost to bike travel thanks to the Council’s Voi bike hire scheme. Continue reading City Centre: bikes now 1 in 3 in rush hourSpokes operates through working groups of dedicated volunteers, not by referendum. However, in the rare case of major controversy or the need for further evidence we may conduct a survey to gauge the views of the wider membership, and whether our central decisions are reasonably compatible. In this survey we sought member feedback on route options for the proposed northern tramline extension (Granton to City Centre) and on the relative roles of Princes Street and George Street for cycling. Continue reading Spokes members’ views on tramline & city centre controversiesIn 2027 Spokes will be 50 years old! For our 2026 summer competition, we’d like to hear any way in which you have benefitted from Spokes being around – recently, ages ago, or through the years.
E-bikes have transformed cycling opportunities in recent years. Cycling becomes more realistic and attractive for anyone who finds riding a push bike difficult. Cargo bikes carrying children or heavy/bulky loads are also far easier to use if they have a battery and motor, and this has enabled these cycling purposes to flourish. More recently, publicity about battery fires and about illegal use of modified e-bikes has led, in the media and elsewhere, to a misleading and unfortunate widespread use of the term ‘e-bike’ to include such machines. Now, the bicycle industry trade body, the Bicycle Association, has launched the E-Bike Positive campaign, which lists brands and retailers which provide only safe and legally-compliant e-bikes. There is also new guidance from the Bicycle Association and the Motorcycle Industry Association to enable the police and others to understand very clearly which category any given ‘bike’ falls into. And Fabian Hamilton MP is pressing the BBC and other media to understand and reflect the true position. Continue reading E-Bike Positive – Compliance and SafetyThe toucan crossing of Marchmont Road on the Bruntsfield to Meadows arterial bike route has been closed, to allow cars unfettered passage through nearby roadworks. This follows a not dissimilar example at the Buccleuch Street crossing at the east of the Meadows. Forcing cyclists and pedestrians to take their chances with traffic at these long-established crossings of major bike routes is not good enough – and better examples elsewhere in the city have shown it is unnecessary. Spokes has been in extensive correspondence with the Council over the Buccleuch Street crossing and we now have written, joint with Living Streets, over the even more unacceptable example at Marchmont Road – see full text below. Continue reading Toucans closed on major bike routesThe Council has published the results of its 2025 consultation on a north-south tramline between Granton and South Edinburgh. A proposed business case (presumably with the next iteration of plans) is to be published this autumn, for councillor decisions at the 10 September Transport and Environment Committee (TEC). However, rather to our surprise, the Council has provided feedback on main issues raised in the consultation. So, although we must wait till September for definite proposals, these responses do give slightly more clarity on what officers are currently thinking. Feedback on the 3 top issues raised in the Spokes consultation response is included in this article. In summary…
A major council workshop of some 100 councillors, officers, experts and community representatives (including Spokes) to discuss the future of Princes Street and the Waverley Valley was held on 8 June. Specifically on Princes Street, the discussion boiled down to two alternatives: the officers’ preferred “Ambitious Pragmatism” solution which comprises footway repaving and some other enhancements (as below); or “Complete Rethink” which means rethinking the roadspace, to give much improved pedestrian space and segregated bike lanes. Paul Lawrence, the Council’s Chief Executive, stated that officers will now consider all points raised at the workshop and prepare a set of options for councillors to take decisions in September. Continue reading Princes Street – update
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