Blackford Safe Routes
@blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
Campaign for safe routes to school in Edinburgh. Run by the Travel Committee of James Gillespie’s Primary School and friends
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https://blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk/
Not able to read DMs, please email instead
https://blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk/
Pinned
Another cracking bike-bus this morning. So good for the kids to get out after yesterday’s biblical rain ☔️
Big thanks to PC Bowden for accompanying the crowd 👮🏻♂️
Big thanks to PC Bowden for accompanying the crowd 👮🏻♂️
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
The most perverse thing about the fuel duty freeze is it has repeatedly - by removing investment in alternatives to the failing model of cars in busy cities - failed to make transport faster, cheaper or easier.
And despite the political debate on it, people still think fuel is too expensive.
And despite the political debate on it, people still think fuel is too expensive.
Since 2011 the fuel duty freeze has cost the Treasury £133 billion.
This huge amount could have paid for lower train and bus fares, better stations, safer walking, wheeling and cycling and much more!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
This huge amount could have paid for lower train and bus fares, better stations, safer walking, wheeling and cycling and much more!
www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/...
Rachel Reeves will freeze fuel duty to dodge ‘political suicide’
The chancellor will also highlight a rise in the minimum wage and plans to cut energy bills as she tries to win over voters by focusing on cost of living
www.thetimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:39 PM
The most perverse thing about the fuel duty freeze is it has repeatedly - by removing investment in alternatives to the failing model of cars in busy cities - failed to make transport faster, cheaper or easier.
And despite the political debate on it, people still think fuel is too expensive.
And despite the political debate on it, people still think fuel is too expensive.
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
Proud to see London is fast becoming a cycling city ⤵️
📈 Daily journeys are 12% up from last year to 1,500,000 trips
📈 Up by more than 40% since 2019
This is just the start, we’ll continue working with partners to improve safety and invest in more routes.
📈 Daily journeys are 12% up from last year to 1,500,000 trips
📈 Up by more than 40% since 2019
This is just the start, we’ll continue working with partners to improve safety and invest in more routes.
November 25, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Proud to see London is fast becoming a cycling city ⤵️
📈 Daily journeys are 12% up from last year to 1,500,000 trips
📈 Up by more than 40% since 2019
This is just the start, we’ll continue working with partners to improve safety and invest in more routes.
📈 Daily journeys are 12% up from last year to 1,500,000 trips
📈 Up by more than 40% since 2019
This is just the start, we’ll continue working with partners to improve safety and invest in more routes.
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
Iceland has designated the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) a national security concern and an existential threat.
Yet still fossil fuel usage continues to grow, and they barely agreed to *name* the problem at #COP30.
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
Yet still fossil fuel usage continues to grow, and they barely agreed to *name* the problem at #COP30.
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
Iceland deems possible Atlantic current collapse a security risk
Iceland has designated the potential collapse of a major Atlantic Ocean current system a national security concern and an existential threat, enabling its government to strategize for worst-case scenarios, the country's climate minister told Reuters.
www.reuters.com
November 25, 2025 at 4:56 PM
Iceland has designated the potential collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) a national security concern and an existential threat.
Yet still fossil fuel usage continues to grow, and they barely agreed to *name* the problem at #COP30.
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
Yet still fossil fuel usage continues to grow, and they barely agreed to *name* the problem at #COP30.
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
An update - nothing has changed. And what’s worse is broken glass is proliferating on George St. We lost a tyre on Sunday to the glass by the barrier - and it’s still there today. I’ve emailed the Active Travel team over the wknd and a counsellor - any taggable here?
November 25, 2025 at 3:43 PM
An update - nothing has changed. And what’s worse is broken glass is proliferating on George St. We lost a tyre on Sunday to the glass by the barrier - and it’s still there today. I’ve emailed the Active Travel team over the wknd and a counsellor - any taggable here?
An interesting thought experiment is to replace every word “cycle” in the article with “car”, and every word “cyclist” with “driver”
See how it reads. See the difference in the language used when we talk about the two modes?
#MotorNormativity
@ianwalker.bsky.social
See how it reads. See the difference in the language used when we talk about the two modes?
#MotorNormativity
@ianwalker.bsky.social
Interesting article on Cockburn Association web site about "floating bus stops".
Click on the link to read more:- bit.ly/4oceqek and tell us your views.
Click on the link to read more:- bit.ly/4oceqek and tell us your views.
Floating Bus Stops in Edinburgh: Trust, Access and the Street of the Future - The Cockburn Association
Floating bus stops need careful, inclusive design to build public confidence
bit.ly
November 25, 2025 at 9:06 PM
An interesting thought experiment is to replace every word “cycle” in the article with “car”, and every word “cyclist” with “driver”
See how it reads. See the difference in the language used when we talk about the two modes?
#MotorNormativity
@ianwalker.bsky.social
See how it reads. See the difference in the language used when we talk about the two modes?
#MotorNormativity
@ianwalker.bsky.social
Join Critical Mass for a short & fun bike ride through the city, to end at The Causey
Saturday 2pm, the compass on Middle Meadow Walk
@edcriticalmass.bsky.social
Saturday 2pm, the compass on Middle Meadow Walk
@edcriticalmass.bsky.social
Cyclists invited to The Causey for some bike TLC
Causey Development Trust invites cyclists to drop by on Saturday afternoon to celebrate active travel with them. The campaign group meet at West Crosscauseway each Saturday for coffee and a chat, but this weekend from 3pm on Saturday cyclists can…
Causey Development Trust invites cyclists to drop by on Saturday afternoon to celebrate active travel with them. The campaign group meet at West Crosscauseway each Saturday for coffee and a chat, but this weekend from 3pm on Saturday cyclists can…
Cyclists invited to The Causey for some bike TLC
Causey Development Trust invites cyclists to drop by on Saturday afternoon to celebrate active travel with them. The campaign group meet at West Crosscauseway each Saturday for coffee and a chat, but this weekend from 3pm on Saturday cyclists can also get some free cycle care. The Trust is the group behind the desire to realign the street at West Crosscauseway to reduce vehicular traffic and reclaim the area for people to linger, walk or cycle.
theedinburghreporter.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Join Critical Mass for a short & fun bike ride through the city, to end at The Causey
Saturday 2pm, the compass on Middle Meadow Walk
@edcriticalmass.bsky.social
Saturday 2pm, the compass on Middle Meadow Walk
@edcriticalmass.bsky.social
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
The more you build, the more that come.
1.5mn journeys a day not using cars or leaving space for vital public transport, deliveries, taxis etc.
Not everyone can cycle, but if more of those who can cycle actually do then it means other journeys are often more efficient.
1.5mn journeys a day not using cars or leaving space for vital public transport, deliveries, taxis etc.
Not everyone can cycle, but if more of those who can cycle actually do then it means other journeys are often more efficient.
November 25, 2025 at 4:32 PM
The more you build, the more that come.
1.5mn journeys a day not using cars or leaving space for vital public transport, deliveries, taxis etc.
Not everyone can cycle, but if more of those who can cycle actually do then it means other journeys are often more efficient.
1.5mn journeys a day not using cars or leaving space for vital public transport, deliveries, taxis etc.
Not everyone can cycle, but if more of those who can cycle actually do then it means other journeys are often more efficient.
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
Now, remind me again that non-Americans should mind their own business.
November 25, 2025 at 11:41 AM
Now, remind me again that non-Americans should mind their own business.
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
Beware large area of broken asphalt around manhole on Princes Street westbound at The Mound following last nights water main issue. #EdTravCyc
November 25, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Beware large area of broken asphalt around manhole on Princes Street westbound at The Mound following last nights water main issue. #EdTravCyc
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
When cities build protected cycle tracks, families don’t have to choose between safety and freedom. Kids can ride on their own, dads can hang back, and everyone gets where they’re going safely and comfortably. Safe infrastructure turns everyday trips into independence, not stress, yo!
November 25, 2025 at 5:20 PM
When cities build protected cycle tracks, families don’t have to choose between safety and freedom. Kids can ride on their own, dads can hang back, and everyone gets where they’re going safely and comfortably. Safe infrastructure turns everyday trips into independence, not stress, yo!
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
Rush hour traffic in Utrecht.
Sound on 🔊 if you want to experience that rush hour IS possible without the constant, deafening noise of cars overpowering people talking.
Sound on 🔊 if you want to experience that rush hour IS possible without the constant, deafening noise of cars overpowering people talking.
November 25, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Rush hour traffic in Utrecht.
Sound on 🔊 if you want to experience that rush hour IS possible without the constant, deafening noise of cars overpowering people talking.
Sound on 🔊 if you want to experience that rush hour IS possible without the constant, deafening noise of cars overpowering people talking.
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
London is becoming a cycling city.
As we continue to expand London’s cycle network, the number of daily bike trips is soaring. Cycling has risen by more than 40% since 2019 to 1,500,000 trips every day.
As we continue to expand London’s cycle network, the number of daily bike trips is soaring. Cycling has risen by more than 40% since 2019 to 1,500,000 trips every day.
November 25, 2025 at 5:55 PM
London is becoming a cycling city.
As we continue to expand London’s cycle network, the number of daily bike trips is soaring. Cycling has risen by more than 40% since 2019 to 1,500,000 trips every day.
As we continue to expand London’s cycle network, the number of daily bike trips is soaring. Cycling has risen by more than 40% since 2019 to 1,500,000 trips every day.
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
Renewables routinely generate more than half of U.K electricity.
They also generate thousands of jobs, reduce our exposure to volatile gas prices, and allow us to stick two fingers up to fossil-fueled dictators.
Leadership is knowing the way, showing the way, AND going the way…🇬🇧♻️⚡️👷👩🔧
They also generate thousands of jobs, reduce our exposure to volatile gas prices, and allow us to stick two fingers up to fossil-fueled dictators.
Leadership is knowing the way, showing the way, AND going the way…🇬🇧♻️⚡️👷👩🔧
November 25, 2025 at 5:33 PM
Renewables routinely generate more than half of U.K electricity.
They also generate thousands of jobs, reduce our exposure to volatile gas prices, and allow us to stick two fingers up to fossil-fueled dictators.
Leadership is knowing the way, showing the way, AND going the way…🇬🇧♻️⚡️👷👩🔧
They also generate thousands of jobs, reduce our exposure to volatile gas prices, and allow us to stick two fingers up to fossil-fueled dictators.
Leadership is knowing the way, showing the way, AND going the way…🇬🇧♻️⚡️👷👩🔧
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
Probably won’t see this in mainstream media - aka the right wing press - coz it’s against their narrative. Wind energy in Britain broke a new record last week with nearly 23GW on the grid one cold windy evening. That was 56% of all electricity on Britain’s grid.
buff.ly/r8yeFmJ
buff.ly/r8yeFmJ
November 25, 2025 at 7:30 AM
Probably won’t see this in mainstream media - aka the right wing press - coz it’s against their narrative. Wind energy in Britain broke a new record last week with nearly 23GW on the grid one cold windy evening. That was 56% of all electricity on Britain’s grid.
buff.ly/r8yeFmJ
buff.ly/r8yeFmJ
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
Such a shame that funding cuts are affecting many of Edinburgh's small scale wellbeing projects. I know that these activities are of great help to participants.
Due to a lack of continued funding, we completed our final walk with our Redhall group. We thank each and every walker for turning up in all kinds of weather, making everyone feel welcome and for their adventurous spirit.
November 25, 2025 at 9:19 AM
Such a shame that funding cuts are affecting many of Edinburgh's small scale wellbeing projects. I know that these activities are of great help to participants.
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
“But motorists hate low traffic neighbourhoods and being told they can’t drive anywhere they desire…”
“Cycle paths aren’t for every journey”: Phone driver blasts cyclist for riding on road instead of “million-pound bike lane”, which locals say is “not fit for purpose” + more on the live blog
It’s Tuesday, the sun’s out (at least where I am), and Ryan Mallon’s back for a lovely, crisp day of cycling news, views, and nonsense on the live blog
road.cc
November 25, 2025 at 10:40 AM
“But motorists hate low traffic neighbourhoods and being told they can’t drive anywhere they desire…”
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
It’s honestly disheartening to see a third runway at Heathrow pushed forward when we desperately need less aviation. Communities, climate scientists, and campaigners keep raising the alarm, and decisions like this show just how much work there’s still to do. #Climate www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Heathrow's plan for longer third runway chosen by government
Under the selected plan, the runway would be up to 3.5km long and require a new road tunnel under the airport.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 11:42 AM
It’s honestly disheartening to see a third runway at Heathrow pushed forward when we desperately need less aviation. Communities, climate scientists, and campaigners keep raising the alarm, and decisions like this show just how much work there’s still to do. #Climate www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
Now expected to continue into tomorrow morning: www.threads.com/@edinburghtr...
Edinburgh Travel News (@edinburghtravelnews) on Threads
Mound Closure ❗️⬇️⛔️ - Tuesday 25 Nov, 10.01am
We've been informed The Mound remains closed and will be for the rest of today and into tomorrow morning.
Reinstatement work has been delayed unfortuna...
www.threads.com
November 25, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Now expected to continue into tomorrow morning: www.threads.com/@edinburghtr...
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
“The tram is a potentially transformational development for Edinburgh, and we owe it to future generations to be bold and ambitious.”
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article...
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article...
Edinburgh must be bold on tram as we face the future
Edinburgh must be bold on tram as we face the future
www.edinburgh.gov.uk
November 25, 2025 at 7:49 AM
“The tram is a potentially transformational development for Edinburgh, and we owe it to future generations to be bold and ambitious.”
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article...
www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article...
Wish Edinburgh council would hear this
@stephenjenkinson.bsky.social
@chasbooth.bsky.social
@sannedd.bsky.social
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social
@merchistoncc.bsky.social
@edinburghcouncil.bsky.social
@stephenjenkinson.bsky.social
@chasbooth.bsky.social
@sannedd.bsky.social
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social
@merchistoncc.bsky.social
@edinburghcouncil.bsky.social
Most people hear “heat pump” and think of small air-source units at home. But Germany is building one of the world’s largest heat pumps in Mannheim: a 162 MW river-source system using heat from the Rhine.
Big reminder that heat-pumps scale far beyond households — they can decarbonise whole cities.
Big reminder that heat-pumps scale far beyond households — they can decarbonise whole cities.
November 25, 2025 at 10:23 AM
Wish Edinburgh council would hear this
@stephenjenkinson.bsky.social
@chasbooth.bsky.social
@sannedd.bsky.social
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social
@merchistoncc.bsky.social
@edinburghcouncil.bsky.social
@stephenjenkinson.bsky.social
@chasbooth.bsky.social
@sannedd.bsky.social
@cllrbenparker.bsky.social
@merchistoncc.bsky.social
@edinburghcouncil.bsky.social
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
I wouldn't mind these oversized vehicles so much if they were useful, but they're just average sized cars on the inside, wearing platforms and a sumo suit. I don't see the point.
These vehicles pose significantly greater safety risks, with children *eight times* more likely to die if struck by an SUV and cyclists suffering much more severe injuries
Market St, Edinburgh. Right outside the busy Waverley station entrance
transform.scot/2025/11/20/t...
Market St, Edinburgh. Right outside the busy Waverley station entrance
transform.scot/2025/11/20/t...
November 24, 2025 at 6:41 PM
I wouldn't mind these oversized vehicles so much if they were useful, but they're just average sized cars on the inside, wearing platforms and a sumo suit. I don't see the point.
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
Flying should be a premium way to travel. It should be taxed harder than any other form of transport. This world is topsy turvey and it's killing us.
"It’s ludicrous that aviation doesn’t pay fuel tax, especially now that Rachel Reeves is making noises about a tax on electric vehicles. If we’re looking for easy wins for revenue, just look to the skies."
~ Flight Free UK Director Anna Hughes in the Guardian today 👇
~ Flight Free UK Director Anna Hughes in the Guardian today 👇
End the tax break that makes flying cheaper than trains | Letters
Letters: Airlines benefit from a tax system that helps them keep fares low, writes Anna Hughes
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Flying should be a premium way to travel. It should be taxed harder than any other form of transport. This world is topsy turvey and it's killing us.
The uphill bike lane on the Mound is still open, and passable with care in both directions #EdTravCyc @edi.bike
#EdTravcyc The Mound is closed.
Heavy traffic on Lothian Road
Heavy traffic on Lothian Road
November 25, 2025 at 10:09 AM
The uphill bike lane on the Mound is still open, and passable with care in both directions #EdTravCyc @edi.bike
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
"It’s ludicrous that aviation doesn’t pay fuel tax, especially now that Rachel Reeves is making noises about a tax on electric vehicles. If we’re looking for easy wins for revenue, just look to the skies."
~ Flight Free UK Director Anna Hughes in the Guardian today 👇
~ Flight Free UK Director Anna Hughes in the Guardian today 👇
End the tax break that makes flying cheaper than trains | Letters
Letters: Airlines benefit from a tax system that helps them keep fares low, writes Anna Hughes
www.theguardian.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:15 AM
"It’s ludicrous that aviation doesn’t pay fuel tax, especially now that Rachel Reeves is making noises about a tax on electric vehicles. If we’re looking for easy wins for revenue, just look to the skies."
~ Flight Free UK Director Anna Hughes in the Guardian today 👇
~ Flight Free UK Director Anna Hughes in the Guardian today 👇
Build it and they will come! 😻
📣New data shows London cycling is soaring:
📈 12% up from last year to 1,500,000 daily journeys
📈 that's 43% up from 2019
🚲Cycleway Network grows to 431km (up from 90km in 2016)
😎 & 76% of London cyclists feel safe our routes
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
bbc.co.uk/news/article...
📈 12% up from last year to 1,500,000 daily journeys
📈 that's 43% up from 2019
🚲Cycleway Network grows to 431km (up from 90km in 2016)
😎 & 76% of London cyclists feel safe our routes
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
bbc.co.uk/news/article...
November 25, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Build it and they will come! 😻