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spokes.org.uk
SpokesLothian
@spokes.org.uk
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Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign:
fights for better conditions for everyday journeys by bike, particularly Edinburgh & Lothian. Also lobby Scot Gov.
We also encourage more councils, govt depts, politicians, professionals etc to move to bsky!
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spokes.org.uk
SpokesLothian @spokes.org.uk · 9d
#Tram consultation - Spokes submission

--> www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

🙋 You have till midnight Monday for your own response!
HERE--> consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/tram-nor...

@edi.bike @edinreporter.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social
Intro... Tram, Granton to Bioquarter consultation Spokes Planning Group response, November 2025 1. Introduction Spokes has the objective of promoting cycling as part of an overall sustainable transport and access strategy. As such, we support a growing tram system for Edinburgh, provided cycling is well catered for in the project design and operation. The aim of the tram is to reduce car traffic, and to head off potential traffic growth in development areas such as Granton and the Bioquarter. If successful, this is a huge benefit to walking and cycling, as well as its benefits in terms of congestion, public health and climate. However, the project should be accompanied by complementary measures to further encourage use of public transport and active travel, for example bus gates, traffic filters, and, notably, congestion charging. It is well established that traffic reduction is best achieved by a carrot/stick combination. The tram project must support and promote active travel as a whole, and cycling in particular, and must not introduce additional dangers without effective mitigation. The Council has ambitious targets to increase cycle use, much of which must come from novice and inexperienced cyclists, as well as visitors and locals using an expanding bike hire scheme. As such it is essential that there is a safe, comprehensive and connected bike network of segregated bike lanes and low-traffic areas, easy and safe to use by anybody, and with any kind of cycles - including cargobikes, adapted bikes, hire bikes, etc. Introducing the tram should be seen and planned from the outset as an integrated sustainable transport place making project, not a tram-only project into which cycling and walking have to be slotted in once all the tramline decisions are taken as happened with tramline 1 and to a considerable (though lesser) extent in the Newhaven extension. The Bridges corridor is hugely problematic.. 8. City Centre to Bioquarter Top issues ● The section through North and South Bridges is of extreme concern to Spokes, with no cycle provision, new tramlines and continued through traffic on a road where width is at a premium. This is making cycling provision far worse than in the current bus lanes. The project should include a bus gate / modal filter (as was planned, though never implemented, as part of the Spaces for People proposals ) potentially single track sections (like at Roseburn) and fully segregated cycle provision, or consideration to tram tracks on one side of the road and a bidirectional bike path on the other. For the reasons in the following two bullet points, many cyclists will continue to use this corridor - our above section on Bikes and Tramlines notes that Princes Street as a good example of this, with many choosing not to use the quieter George Street when it is less direct or lacks desired destinations. Thus cycling conditions must be safe. ● Whilst alternative north-south routes for cycles are proposed in the consultation, these would not suit all journeys, with many cyclists using the Bridges to travel between South Edinburgh and Leith given the more suitable gradient and directness than the Mound. And whilst there is a brief reference to the proposed Meadows to George Street route on the west side of the Bridges, there is no reference to the east side, where the Mobility Plan suggests a new active travel bridge connecting from the Old Town to Leith Walk. Such projects must be an integral part of the tram project provision including during the construction phase, also providing a permanent legacy of improved provision once finished. ● The Bridges corridor is a major residential, shopping and destinations location, and many cyclists use it for that reason; indeed many live along or just off the corridor. Routes via the Mound or Pleasance are irrelevant as alternatives for these categories of user.… linking the North Ed Network to the new canal path without descending and re-ascending - a transformative opportunity - diagram. ● Connecting Roseburn to the new Canal link path - The sketch below shows a possible layout for this crucial linkage. The yellow dotted line shows a ramp down to Russell Road, but this is possibly optional if it would cause engineering difficulties, given that most people will stay at high level, whilst those needing to descend or ascend could do so at Roseburn or at the nearby ramp to the new canal path. Finally, we understand that earlier discussions with Network Rail did not meet objections to a bridge provided that all necessary clearances are achieved. Picture of single-track shopping-street tram in Amsterdam
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
🌲 ... or, for DIY #ChristmasTree collection, here are a few (!) suggestions from @modacitylife.com

#cargobike #biketrailer #xmastree
@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @sw20.info @helenrambler.bsky.social @threadinburgh.scot @keithirving.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @jarlathflynn.bsky.social
81 pictures showing christmas tree delivery by bike!
November 24, 2025 at 11:10 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
hackneycyclist.bsky.social
In the Netherlands, over 40% of rail passengers arrive by bike. Since 2012 the country has invested €400m+ to add 200,000 new bike parking spaces at stations. The result? More rail use, fewer car trips, lower congestion and emissions, better public health - and far more efficient use of urban space.
November 24, 2025 at 5:29 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
geocycle.bsky.social
Two things really stand out here to me:

1. The mega-high front end would’ve impacted ability to see that there was a bollard there. Front sensors not enough to stop vision with small object.

2. Electric vehicle with considerable mass. No wonder the bollard was fully pulled from the ground.
November 24, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
🌲 If buying a #ChristmasTree
get it delivered by #CyclingGardeners 🚲 #CargoBike

--> www.tollcrosstreeworks.com

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @tollcross-cc-edin.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @bjpaddy.bsky.social
Picture of xmas tree in Cycling Gardeners of Edinburgh Local Bike delivery £5.00 Description This service cost £5 and is available to anyone within 10 minutes cycle from our yard in Tollcross (Cycle time taken from google maps)
November 24, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
#FerryRoad path

👍 In 2010, council said path must stay open when fence built

🙄 In 2025, why did it need intervention by Spokes, cllrs & others?

🙄 Other closures also poor, e.g. QR8

@edi.bike @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @sannedd.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social
email from spokes to council & councillors Hi Richard and councillors, Spokes welcome the suspension of the Ferry Road Path closure. Thank you for actioning this. We understand a decision is to be made on the arrangements for this work. As public safety was cited as the reasoning previously, we are writing to comment on the works: The fence is proposed to replicate and extend the existing 3m weldmesh fence installed along the path in 2010. We note the existing fence was installed without closure to the Ferry Road Path, with the construction methodology noted on the 2010 planning drawing. Although it may be cheaper to use a different methodology, we would suggest this should be replicated to minimise impact on users. We understand the council owns the whole embankment and has granted Leonardo UK permission to install this fence on their land. Note the embankment is currently without fencing or edge protection, as is common on Edinburgh's offroad paths. During the works vegetation will require to be cut back and 1m deep holes dug at 2.4m centres roughly 0.5m away from the path. It should be possible to conduct these works without a closure of the path and we encourage the council to press the contractor on substantiating their requirements. Kind regards, 2010 instructions for installing the existing section of path, includes keeping the path open throughout. See drawing in next attachment. part of 2010 works drawing, showing cycleway, fence & embankment. See instructions in the previous attachment posts about QR8 ongoing path closure... ‪Jason Rose‬ ‪@mrjasonrose.bsky.social‬ · 25d I don't know who signed off the stopping up order for the cycle path between Edinburgh Park and Hermiston Gait but their idea of an 'alternative route' leaves a lot to be desired! @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social @spokes.org.uk @edi.bike #EdTravCyc ALT ALT ‪SpokesLothian‬ ‪@spokes.org.uk‬ · 24d Private land, path status unclear 🙄 Council signed it as part of Quiet Route 8, BUT doesn't seem to monitor QRs, so didn't know!! 🙋 We've urged them to investigate 🙋 Tell your cllrs!!
November 24, 2025 at 11:46 AM
spokes.org.uk
🌲 If buying a #ChristmasTree
get it delivered by #CyclingGardeners 🚲 #CargoBike

--> www.tollcrosstreeworks.com

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @tollcross-cc-edin.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @bjpaddy.bsky.social
Picture of xmas tree in Cycling Gardeners of Edinburgh Local Bike delivery £5.00 Description This service cost £5 and is available to anyone within 10 minutes cycle from our yard in Tollcross (Cycle time taken from google maps)
November 24, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
#QuietRoute8 #QR8 ongoing closure

☹️ Another frustrated user!

@edi.bike @robbieainsworth.bsky.social @aleedscyclist.bsky.social @nialla.bsky.social @ehyslop.bsky.social @edthornley.bsky.social @mrjasonrose.bsky.social @groovesgg.bsky.social @aedansmith.bsky.social @rogerha.bsky.social
email to spokes from regular QR8 path user ... Date: Wed, 19 Nov 2025 at 23:41 Subject: Edinburgh park arena -part of cycle path 8 closed To: <spokes@spokes.org.uk> Hi As you probably know, the works for the Edinburgh Park Arena have started which has closed part of cycle route 8. Do you know if this will reopen later? It was my route to work from the station and it's very inconvenient having to carry my bike up 20 steps instead. Thanks Bluesky post from path user, with photo of the steps on the 'alternative route' ‪@mrjasonrose.bsky.social‬ · 23d I don't know who signed off the stopping up order for the cycle path between Edinburgh Park and Hermiston Gait but their idea of an 'alternative route' leaves a lot to be desired!
November 22, 2025 at 11:46 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
If #ScotGov introduced #Default20mph (like #Wales) then #bureaucracy like this & signage costs would be reduced

@edi.bike @markruskell.bsky.social @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @chasbooth.bsky.social @kevin-lang.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @20splenty.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social #20mph
Traffic order... Dear Sir / Madam WESTERN VILLAGE AND GRANTON STATION VIEW DEVELOPMENTS - EDINBURGH PROPOSED INTRODUCTION OF SPEED LIMITS, WAITING RESTRICTIONS AND PARKING PLACES I refer to our previous letter of 2 May 2025 regarding the above. In accordance with the terms of the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, I write to inform you that the City of Edinburgh Council proposes to advertise the Traffic Regulation Order which will: Introduce 20mph speed limits that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Fisher St, Fleet Ter, Granton Station Vw, Herring Rd, Well’s Gait and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce waiting restrictions that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Colonsay Vw, Fisher St, Fleet Ter, Granton Station Vw, Herring Rd, Waterfront Pk, Well’s Gait and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce waiting restrictions that operate Mon-Fri, 08.30am to 5.30pm on Blackwell Rd, Colonsay Vw, Fisher St and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce disabled bays that operate at any time on Fisher St, Granton Station Vw, Herring Rd, Waterfront Pk and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce car club bays that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Fisher St, Granton Station Vw and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce electric vehicle charging bays that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Fisher St, Herring Rd and W Colonsay Vw; and Remove a disabled bay that operates at any time on Waterfront Pk. The proposals relating to this Order can be viewed online at consultation.appyway.com/edinburgh-city, from 21 November 2025 to 19 December 2025 by following the link to “Proposals in consultation” under reference TRO/25/10. Alternatively, you can view the documents free of charge at Waverley Court Reception between 9:30 and 15:30 Monday to Friday during the same period. You can also register for email or text alerts via the Tell Me Scotland portal at www.tellmescotland.gov.uk which also provides details of this proposal. Should you wish to submit an objec…
November 22, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
2760.bsky.social
My Report on SUVs was launched yesterday. transform.scot/2025/11/20/t... Consider Sports Utility in the context of vehicles - utility lies in being able to drive where other vehicles can't go. So that's not true. Urban roads don't need larger vehicles to provide utility. It's a misnomer, & much more
Too big for our streets: the harms of SUV use in Scottish cities - Transform Scotland
Professor of Transport & Health at Napier University, Dr Adrian Davis, writes for Transform Scotland. “SUVs are now one of the biggest emerging threats to road safety in Scottish cities.”...
transform.scot
November 21, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
helenrambler.bsky.social
Yes, can confirm it’s all passable now for walkers & cyclists. Still some rogue signage needing removed though.
#edtravcyc @spokes.org.uk
Off-road path with fencing along the side Off road path partly closed by fencing Signage at the bottom of steps to an off-road path saying”Footpath closed” (it’s not)
November 24, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
willnorman.co.uk
New data shows that since @mayoroflondon.bsky.social
launched the Direct Vision Standard lorry safety scheme in London we've seen:
📉a 50% fall in people killed & seriously injured by HGVs
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️six fewer fatalities every year

tinyurl.com/j3475ua3
November 17, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
transform.scot
🚦 It’s Road Safety Week, and like many of you, we’ve been thinking about what it feels like to move through our cities, whether that's walking kids to school, cycling to work, or just trying to cross the road.
Too big for our streets: the harms of SUV use in Scottish cities - Transform Scotland
Professor of Transport & Health at Napier University, Dr Adrian Davis, writes for Transform Scotland. “SUVs are now one of the biggest emerging threats to road safety in Scottish cities.”...
transform.scot
November 20, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
edi.bike
🚲 edi.bike | issue 120 | 24th Nov '25

Bike Station launch #EverydayHeroes crowdfunder; Article on failings in maintenance & closing paths; more Hire Parking Campaign Photos, + events, infrastructure, route closures & more:

https://buttondown.com/edi.bike/archive/edibike-issue-120-24th-nov-25/

The Pentland hills silhouetted against a setting sun; the sky is a wash of warm orange and crystal blue, we can make out the white mark of the dry ski run on the near slope, and there is a scattering of thin, wispy cloud across the sky. The picture is framed in by a bare tree’s branches in the top right corner.
November 24, 2025 at 8:35 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
urbaneprofessor.bsky.social
MONDAY MORNING UPDATE: seems to be reopened, at least at the Crewe Toll end
urbaneprofessor.bsky.social Professor Peter Matthews @urbaneprofessor.bsky.social · 3d
UPDATE: councillor a bit miffed that it's still closed and will be contacting officers on duty tomorrow
urbaneprofessor.bsky.social Professor Peter Matthews @urbaneprofessor.bsky.social · 4d
GOOD NEWS! According to my councillor, the path should reopening tomorrow and officers will explore more sensible options
November 24, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
wolct.bsky.social
A frosty cycle patrol up the walkway from the visitor centre for Johnny, on the search for future projects for our volunteers.

A few leaf sweeping moments along the way to make some minor improvements.
November 20, 2025 at 12:13 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
edcriticalmass.bsky.social
The route map for this Saturday's ride

#CriticalMass #Edinburgh #cycling

@edi.bike
A map of central Edinburgh with a cycle route highlighted
November 23, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
#QR8 closure ctd

Spokes has raised this closure repeatedly

The path was removed to install electrical cables

The arena development will install a new path, but not yet begun construction, so not clear when path will be reinstated

🤔 Councillors? @ehyslop.bsky.social @edthornley.bsky.social
November 22, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
sw20.info
In #Edinburgh 40% of households don’t have access to a car at all, yet so much of our public space is devoted to private vehicles.

#StreetsNOTroads

hellosw20.wixsite.com/sw20ed/post/...
November 9, 2024 at 8:46 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
Leith Walk earlier this afternoon

#EdinburghHaar
#NoFilter
A street with a tram line glissens as slightly wet. It is foggy with low sun. The buildings, people, lampposts, cars are all in silhouette. The image appears black and white, except for one grew traffic light
November 22, 2025 at 9:25 PM
spokes.org.uk
If #ScotGov introduced #Default20mph (like #Wales) then #bureaucracy like this & signage costs would be reduced

@edi.bike @markruskell.bsky.social @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @chasbooth.bsky.social @kevin-lang.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @20splenty.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social #20mph
Traffic order... Dear Sir / Madam WESTERN VILLAGE AND GRANTON STATION VIEW DEVELOPMENTS - EDINBURGH PROPOSED INTRODUCTION OF SPEED LIMITS, WAITING RESTRICTIONS AND PARKING PLACES I refer to our previous letter of 2 May 2025 regarding the above. In accordance with the terms of the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (Scotland) Regulations 1999, I write to inform you that the City of Edinburgh Council proposes to advertise the Traffic Regulation Order which will: Introduce 20mph speed limits that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Fisher St, Fleet Ter, Granton Station Vw, Herring Rd, Well’s Gait and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce waiting restrictions that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Colonsay Vw, Fisher St, Fleet Ter, Granton Station Vw, Herring Rd, Waterfront Pk, Well’s Gait and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce waiting restrictions that operate Mon-Fri, 08.30am to 5.30pm on Blackwell Rd, Colonsay Vw, Fisher St and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce disabled bays that operate at any time on Fisher St, Granton Station Vw, Herring Rd, Waterfront Pk and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce car club bays that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Fisher St, Granton Station Vw and W Colonsay Vw; Introduce electric vehicle charging bays that operate at any time on Blackwell Rd, Fisher St, Herring Rd and W Colonsay Vw; and Remove a disabled bay that operates at any time on Waterfront Pk. The proposals relating to this Order can be viewed online at consultation.appyway.com/edinburgh-city, from 21 November 2025 to 19 December 2025 by following the link to “Proposals in consultation” under reference TRO/25/10. Alternatively, you can view the documents free of charge at Waverley Court Reception between 9:30 and 15:30 Monday to Friday during the same period. You can also register for email or text alerts via the Tell Me Scotland portal at www.tellmescotland.gov.uk which also provides details of this proposal. Should you wish to submit an objec…
November 22, 2025 at 1:06 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
laidbackbikes.bsky.social
If you cycle tour then you now have an alternative to ScotRail / Citylink / Flix for bike transport. Ember routes now go as far north as Wick & Thurso

Bikes are easy to prebook on Ember site. They don't insist on bike bag but not too muddy as bike may go in hold.
@spokes.org.uk @edi.bike @sw20.info
Ember e-bus live tracking map showing network with Aberdeen, Inverness, Wick and Fort William and many points in between. All tickets must be pre booked. Bus cannot be hailed at stop.
November 21, 2025 at 9:01 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
edtiss.bsky.social
*All-time record* set at the Omni Centre cycle lane on the 7th November - 2,265 cycle journeys.

I can only speculate that the rollout of Voi e-bikes has significantly boosted cycling in Edinburgh this autumn, bucking the seasonal trend.
November 21, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
#A701 'relief road' petition

--> pentlandhouse.com/cbxpetition/...

Spokes view--> www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @sw20.info @shona-mcintosh.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @midlothiancan.bsky.social @thebonnieloon.bsky.social @mrjasonrose.bsky.social
Heading of the petition, plus picture of the fields to be built over Stop the £55 Million A701 Relief Road Target: 1000 Received: 537 53.7% The Issue Midlothian Council has submitted a £55 million plan (25/00521/DPP) for a “A701 Relief Road” — but the evidence shows it will make congestion and environmental problems worse, not better.
November 21, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
☹️ If @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social can do it why not #LeonardoUK?

@edi.bike @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @vicnicsnp.bsky.social @julebandel.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @turvill.bsky.social @nellibdems.bsky.social @stockbridgeicc.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social
robbieainsworth.bsky.social Robbie Ainsworth @robbieainsworth.bsky.social · 4d
It's disappointing to see public safety cited as a reason for implementing such a dangerous diversion across a busy junction.
It should be possible to manage the risk of works along the path as done for CEC's regular lighting, devegetation and drainage works.
November 21, 2025 at 9:10 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
iammelissa.bsky.social
Now reading that one alt route via Ferry Rd is closed for 2 months. I’m sorry this is all far too much and too difficult. We don’t own a car, Edinburgh Council - you should be making things safer not actively dangerous! @edi.bike @spokes.org.uk @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk #EdTravCyc
November 21, 2025 at 2:37 PM