New Cycle Map

The latest map from Spokes is a new edition of the East Lothian one [buy on-line]. It’s a revised version of the original 2003 one. One noticeable addition is the controversial Dalkeith Bypass [A68] - mostly in Midlothian - due to open later this year.

At the northern end, the map marks a “proposed cycle link”. One useful feature of Spokes maps is the ability to highlight improvements that could be made. This particular one was identified by Spokes members.

It’s just a shame that the people who plan roads (this one has been on the go for at least ten years) aren’t as aware of low cost measures that might encourage cycling and, perhaps, reduce the need for even more roads. Maybe that is why useful alternatives aren’t investigated and provided…

Spokes has also made the covers of all its Newsletters and Bulletins available on-line. A fascinating snapshot of 30 years of campaigning. The summer 2008 edition will be the one hundredth! To mark this milestone, there will be an exhibition of the leaflets and other items in the Central Library on George IV Bridge.

It Could Be Leith

Councils throughout Scotland are waiting to hear if their “Smarter Choices, Smarter Places” bids have been successful. This new funding stream from the Scottish Government is for what have also been called ‘Travel Demonstration Communities’. (Background)

Initially it was assumed that Edinburgh would be ‘too big’, but the guidelines made it clear that any ‘recognisable community’ up to 100,000 would be eligible. Various options were considered, mostly in the north and east of the city.

It was clear that “Leith” was both a well established/recognisable area and also a good candidate for this programme. It’s on the edge of path networks heading both east and west and is also having a tramline built through the middle. This is due to be completed in 2011, which will coincide with the third year of this (initially) three year funded initiative.

The precise boundaries of “Leith” are open to interpretation. It once had fixed boundaries as Leith was a town until 1920. One line was drawn across the middle of Leith Walk. As a consequence, the Boundary Bar (now called The City Limits) had different closing times in each half!

Various possible boundaries were considered by the Council for its bid. The catchment area of Leith Academy was a possibility. Adding Trinity Academy’s catchment was another option. This would have demonstrated the importance of schools (particularly the feeder primaries) in changing travel habits. City of Edinburgh Council has a long standing Safer Routes to Schools programme which mixes physical measures - traffic calming, speed restrictions etc. - with ’softer’ initiatives including producing School Travel Plans.

The area settled on for the bid is that of the (relatively) new Leith Neighbourhood Partnership (one of twelve across the city) which covers the Leith and Leith Walk wards (population about 44,000). This is sensible as it will involve an existing dedicated team with responsibility for, or oversight of, many areas that are crucial to this demonstration project. As well as improvements to infrastructure - improved walking and cycling routes and the extension of the bustracker scheme, significant effort is planned to go into marketing the many alternatives to private car use.

This will include Travel Plans aimed at large employers and ‘destinations’ and also smaller ones for families. The purpose of the project isn’t just to substitute one means of transport for another on existing journeys. The idea is to also improve and/or highlight local amenities such as parks and path networks. These are places where people can go for fun and exercise as well as ‘transport’. Places where children can practice riding their bikes and adults can gain the confidence to consider using their own bikes for journeys - perhaps to work.

One positive spin-off from the bid process (even if it is not successful) is that there is now a recognition within the Council that not only do existing paths have to be promoted more - not least with appropriate signage - but money has to be spent on maintenance. Too often in the past ‘capital’ money has been spent without enough thought for the ‘revenue’ implications. One proposal is for a “ranger team” for the path network. This would have paid staff and not just rely on the excellent Sustrans Volunteer Rangers!

To add weight to their bids councils are expected to find partners and supporters. Greener Leith, (which has campaigned for improvements to the off-road path links in Leith), is one organisation that is supportive - and has even offered to help finding “matching money”. Alastair Tibbitt, Chair of Greener Leith, has told the Council that it “wholeheartedly supports the City of Edinburgh Council’s bid to the ‘Smarter Choices, Smarter Places’ project. There is no doubt that Leith needs investment in the local transport infrastructure if it is become more sustainable. As the regeneration of the docks proceeds, together with a number of other key sites, such as Shrubhill, the existing transport network is being placed under increasing stress. We hope that the Scottish Government will shortlist this project and we wish CEC every success in its bid. We would hope to be able to work with the council to seek further match funding for some capital improvements, should you be successful.”

Other partners include Spokes, Transport Edinburgh Limited/Lothian Buses, NHS Lothian, the Police and Sustrans. A decision is expected shortly.

‘Accident’ Waiting to Happen

In the week of a tragic death at a road junction, (police are still looking for witnesses), it’s disturbing to come across a ‘new’ junction with serious problems.

The ongoing evolution of closures and diversions (for the tram) is causing endless inconvenience for road users and pedestrians. It would appear that AIP (Accident, Injury, Prevention) considerations are not as prominent as they should be.

The photo shows a car going through the red lights at the Lothian Road/Castle Terrace junction. It was one of several in a fairly short period. Clearly the responsibility lies with the driver, but the amount of visual overload isn’t helping.

The brightly coloured shrouds on the out of use lights must be one contributory factor. The line of cones and the ‘no right turn’ signs perhaps imply that there is no longer any traffic coming from Castle Terrace. In addition it seems that the green phase for traffic turning right out of Castle Terrace isn’t long enough. The lights change while traffic is still turning into Lothian Road.

It is no longer clear who is responsible for any of this. It should be City of Edinburgh Council’s City Development Department, but tie (wholly owned by the Council) has responsibility for delivering the tram and is largely obviously to criticism - whether it comes from Leith Walk traders or cycle campaigners Spokes. The recent shambles over diversions for cyclists around the Shandwick Place closure doesn’t inspire confidence that things will improve.

Tram supporters constantly say that ‘the pain will be worth the gain’. It’s to be hoped that no one will suffer actual physical pain between now and February 25th 2011.

Want to Get Good at Biking?

Sorry, you have to be 12 - 16 (and live in Edinburgh), but if that’s you - or someone you know - it’s a great opportunity.

“Adventure Edinburgh aims to give young people the opportunity to develop skills and interests in walking, climbing and mountain biking. Through this participants are encouraged to become self-sufficient in their chosen activity.”

As it’s partly Lottery funded, sessions are only £5 (including equipment and transport). Places are limited, so it’s not just ’something to do’ - or cheap childcare!

“You should have a genuine interest in learning more about your chosen activity and must demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the project.”

Initially young people will book onto the Introductory Phase “where individuals enjoy sessions that work on fundamental skills and techniques”. Assessment will be made of the “enthusiasm and commitment” and those who have it will be invited to join the Development Phase where they will receive “higher level coaching and advanced trips”.

The dates for the introduction programme are: 7th/8th June, 14th/15th June, 21st/22nd June

More details (PDF) | e-mail

Red Returns

For several years there has been a stand-off between different sections of the City Development Department.

One wanted the purity of Edinburgh’s historic centre to be unsullied by red tarmac. Yellow lines, parked cars, giant wheelie bins, and too much traffic were OK it seems.

Another part of the Council was more keen to encourage cycling with clearly marked Advanced Stop Lines. Spokes has consistently campaigned for ASL boxes to be red rather than blank/black to show drivers that they are not the only road users!

Spokes recently succeeded in getting the Council to agree to double the lines on The Mound to stop Sunday parkers - and improve cycle safety and bus flow. It has also been agreed to repaint the shabby cycle lanes at the same time.

The photo shows work at the Heriot Row/Dundas Street junction. Now the Council just has to find a way of repainting the existing red bits - Marchmont Road, Melville Drive etc. The problem, as ever, is the strange split between capital (new stuff) and revenue (looking after the stuff it already has)!

EdinburghBicycle Prizes Flickr

The Bike Co-op’s latest newsletter says:

“Pictures of bicycles and of people on bikes is part of a growing concept of ‘bicycle culture’, and Flickr leads the way in promoting this alternative, photo-bloggy culture.” (EBC has clearly been paying attention to CyclingEdinburgh.info!)

“If you go to the Flickr website and type ‘bicycles in edinburgh’ into the search box, then a photo gallery of bicycle images will magically appear on your radar screen. While there are plenty of interesting bike images for Edinburgh, so far, there is not the same number of images for Leeds, Newcastle, Manchester or Aberdeen - or plenty of other UK cities, for that matter.” (Just to name cities where EBC has branches…)

So to help spread this “Bicycle Culture” (which is becoming a worldwide phenomenon) there is now the “Flickr Photo Competition - Win a Camera Bag”.

Add a photo to Flickr and e-mail to the Co-op: “let us know about it and we’ll include your photo in the newsletter or on our website. Then we’ll choose our favourite picture submitted in April 2008 and award the winner a fine camera bag (AKA the Revolution Adventure Bar Bag)”

Of course you can also add your photos to Cycling in Edinburgh, Edinburgh cycles to work, .citycycling Cycling in Manchester, Cycling in Newcastle, Cycling in Aberdeen, Cycling in Leeds or Commuting WITHOUT a car too - or start your own group…

Celebrate Sheldon and Save a Toad

Photo SheldonBrown.com

The two are not directly related - apart from the fact that they both take place in Holyrood Park this Sunday.

It’s almost two months since the internet’s best know (and best loved) ‘bicycle guru’ died. Since then various events have been held to celebrate his personal generosity to thousands (probably millions) of cyclists world wide.

The event on Sunday will be simple - just one minute’s silence near the swan pond (St. Margaret’s Loch) at 1.00. From 12.00 anyone with a bicycle is invited to ride along the (closed on Sundays) section from Holyrood Palace.

One thing about Sheldon is that he liked all types of bikes - and cycling. He had a hand in the boom/fad of fixed/singlespeed bikes. He also had a fondness for “English 3 speeds“. When MS meant he could no longer balance a two-wheeler he still rode his recumbent trike.

At one minute past one, some people will head for Dunsapie Loch in search of a personal best on the unofficial Arthur’s Seat Challenge. Some will carry on down to Duddingston Loch (on another Sunday shut section of road) and even on to Musselburgh for an ice cream at Luca’s. Others will head for Redbraes Park to see the first Edinburgh Falcons cycle speedway fixture of the year - against Hull, start 2.00.

Saving the toads starts at 8.30.

Holyrood Park’s Ranger Team is “looking for volunteers to help scour the hill, record any toads they find and deliver them safely to the loch”.

“Every year the toads migrate to Dunsapie Loch, and the last few metres of their trek are dangerous as they must leave the grassy hillside and cross the road.” Nick Pettigrew, Holyrood Park Ranger, says: “The toad patrol is a great event for children and adults alike, with lots of fun to be had. It’s a great learning experience as anyone can investigate the environment for themselves in a hands-on situation. Each morning during the spawning season the Rangers look out for toads. We can find up to 30 a day that need help.”

Meet at the entrance to the High Road near St Margaret’s Loch. Sturdy footwear and waterproofs are recommended. (Booking is essential for this event - call 0131 652 8150.)

Following the toad rescue activity there will be “more toady fun and games” at the Holyrood Park Education Centre from 10.00 to 14.00. There will be the “Toad Detective Challenge” - follow the clues, manoeuvre around the assault course and “save the missing, celebrity-toad”!

So come along for a spin in the Park on Sunday with your favouritest/fastest/funest cycle and take part in two events. Adorned helmets optional.

More Cycling on TV

This week it’s racing from Manchester. In a couple of weeks there’s an unprecedented(?) four part documentary on the outstanding/record breaking (194 days 17 hours) “World Cycle Challenge” recently completed by Mark Beaumont.

It’s made by BBC Scotland so may only be shown (initially?) in Scotland - and then presumably on BBC iPlayer.

Its called ‘THE MAN WHO CYCLED THE WORLD’ and is on BBC2 on Mondays and Tuesdays - 7th/8th and 14th/15th of April at 7pm.

It promises to be more impressive/interesting than the programmes about another Scot who jumped on his bike (motor) with a mate and film/support crew and travelled through Africa - and then came back to advertise aftershave!

Watch the shows and see Mark’s beard grow….

The programme could also have been called ’round the world on 14 gears’. His bike was fitted with the superbly engineered Rohloff hub. It’s reckoned that after the 18,000 trip it will now be ‘run-in’ and ready for use….

Mark is now ’somewhere in Edinburgh’ writing a book of the trip. He says that later this year he will be “planning the next major expedition”!

Active Travel Photo Competition

There’s a great chance to win a Dahon folding bike for your organisation - just by taking a photo.

ACT TravelWise is running a competition with two ‘pool bikes’, and a year’s free membership of ACT TravelWise as prizes. All you have to do to enter is email a photo and caption of “someone where you work commuting without a car, or car sharing” to competition@acttravelwise.org. Full details at acttravelwise.org/ competition. (Closing date April 4th)

If your photo was taken in Edinburgh you might like to add it to the “Edinburgh cycles to work” Flickr group. If the image is from elsewhere (or doesn’t involve a bike) you could go to the “Commuting WITHOUT a car” group.

ACT TRAVELWISE is a new organisation combining the Association for Commuter Transport (ACT) and the National TravelWise Association. Its ‘mission’ is “to have a serious impact on the harmful effects of transport. The association members seek in particular to reduce the economic costs of congestion, the environmental damage of traffic pollution and the personal health consequences of car dependency. Our members do this through the promotion of all sustainable alternatives to travel . The association’s approach is to reduce unnecessary car trips through supporting our members in their business of encouraging behavioural change through travel planning and mobility management.”

Membership is for “any organisation or person that is either developing or delivering a Travel Plan, a marketing campaign for changing travel behaviour, advising on sustainable travel initiatives or providing sustainable transport services to others.”

Historic Free Entry to Lothians

A view from Craigmillar Castle

Once again Historic Scotland is offering a weekend (12th and 13th of April) of free entry to 268 of its 345 properties which span “over 5,000 years of Scotland’s history and culture”.

There was a time when cyclists were notoriously ‘careful with their money’ - or was it that ‘only poor people cycle (or take public transport…)’. Now, cyclists are just sensible…

You could just visit Edinburgh Castle, but how about Craigmillar Castle - and then travel east to Dirleton Castle and Gardens and on to Tantallon Castle.

Or cross the Forth and visit Dunfermline Palace (lunch at Abbot House) - and check out Pittencrieff Park (aka “The Glen”). (Last two not HS properties.)

Maybe try a tour of West Lothian taking in Blackness Castle (movie star), Cairnpapple Hill and Linlithgow Palace.

You could organise a ride and make it an official Bike Week ‘preliminary event’. All venue pages on the Historic Scotland site have links to the appropriate part of the Sustrans NCN map.

EDINBURGH AND LOTHIANS properties included in the Free Weekend.

Opening times over the Free Weekend are 09.30 to 17.30 (last admission 17.00) unless otherwise stated. Some of the smaller properties may close over lunchtime.

Blackness Castle
Cairnpapple Hill
Craigmillar Castle
Crichton Castle
Dirleton Castle and Gardens
Edinburgh Castle – open 09.30 to 18.00; last admission 17.15
Linlithgow Palace – last admission 16.45
On Saturday 12 April some parts of the Palace will have restricted access between 11.00 to 13.30 due to a wedding taking place. There will be no car parking at the Palace on that day. To fully enjoy exploring the Palace, visitors are advised to come on Sunday 13 April instead
Seton Collegiate Church
Tantallon Castle
Torphichen Preceptory – open 13.00 to 17.00
Trinity House, Leith – open 12.00 noon to 16.00; last admission 15.30