DRAFT (and not final public link)
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 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.
Obviously this is a huge topic, but we decided to limit the number of organisations speaking to three, to allow, as always, maximum time for the Q/A session. This means that the speakers between them may not have responsibilities or answers for every topic that comes up in the Q/A, though may be able to pass them on in some cases.
Speakers
John Lauder, Network Rail, Programme Manager for Railway for Everyone
John leads Scotland’s Railways accessibility strategy ‘Railway for Everyone’. The strategy aims to make the railway open and accessible to everyone that wants to use it, including, of course, people coming by bike. The strategy works across all the rail service and has been endorsed by all national transport bodies in Scotland, including 3rd sector such as Transform Scotland, as well as Disability Equality Scotland and the Mobility & Access Committee (MACS)
John will cover the strategy, its aims, and current operational projects. While happy to hear from everyone, it is important to note that John cannot speak on behalf of ScotRail.
New active travel path to Dunbar station, to serve new housing developments. This is a page from the Railways for Everyone report, March 2026
Gaynor Marshall, Communications Director, Lothian Buses
Gaynor will talk about the relationships between buses and cycling, who share space on the road whether in bus lanes or elsewhere. Lothian Buses work closely with Police Scotland on these issues, for example taking part in Operation Close Pass. Lothian Buses driver training includes getting on a bike to better understand the cyclist perspective. Both bus and tram drivers are made particularly aware of the dangers presented to cyclists by tramlines, so that they can anticipate potential tramline crashes and stop the vehicle before it reaches the cyclist.
Lothian Buses drivers taking part in cycle awareness training
Rob Falcon, Chair, Tram-Trains for Edinburgh
TTfE is a campaign to get services running on the South Suburban railway across Edinburgh – only this time using tram-trains, so that they can run direct onto the existing tram lines and to Princes St. or Edinburgh Park. Little more than a year old, TTfE has achieved remarkable momentum, with government cash for an initial technical feasibility, now underway.
TTfE sees an urgent need for a mass transit system for the region, to provide an alternative to cars and this project would be an integral part of that. Reducing car use will be highly beneficial to cycling conditions, but additionally TTfE intends to integrate cycling (and walking) into the project itself as far as possible. Indeed, a Spokes working party has already been set up, coordinated by Mike Lewis, and joint with TTfE, to report on the best possible cycling and walking routes to each of the proposed stations.
Map from TTfE website showing proposed route (blue), stations and how this fits into Edinburgh’s existing and proposed tram and train networks
Arrangements
- Where Augustine United Church 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1EL
- Date Thursday 19 November
- Time Starts 7.30, Ends 9.30. Doors open 6.45 for coffee, stalls and chat, including a special stall to join Spokes or renew your membership
- Questions Questions for the speakers, can be emailed (at least 2 days in advance) to spokes@spokes.org.uk. However, questions in person from audience members are likely to have greatest priority on the night
- Online We hope to live broadcast on our youtube channel – and make the recording available a few days later
- Social media If posting about the meeting on Bluesky or elsewhere, use hashtag #SpokesMtg
- More info If you have any queries about the meeting, email spokes@spokes.org.uk or phone Emma, 07982278936.
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