Bikes Win Commuter Challenge

For the second year, bikes came first from all starting points. The only motorbike in the Challenge beat the bicycle from Ocean Terminal.

The train passenger from Newcraighall should have come first on that journey – but the train didn’t turn up and he had to wait half an hour for the next one!

The event was covered on Radio Scotland (listen again) and Talk 107. It was on BBC1 Scotland at lunchtime. Scotsman story.

Publicity Stunt or Significant Development?

Last night famous/notorious businessman/self publicist announced that profits from his transport businesses (air and rail) will be used to research alternatives to oil.

This is a recognition that unlimited supply of fossil fuel for unlimited air travel is likely to come to an end some time in the not too distant future. Whether enough land can be planted for bio-fuel crops remains to be seen. Whether this land would be better to remain uncultivated or be used for food crops will be another issue. BBC story.

However the fact that someone who has spent years cultivating a cuddly imagine and has fronted a variety of successful ‘brand’ businesses (and some failures) is prepared to go on high-profile record warning about Global Warming should be a step forward.

Today is In Town Without My Car Day – where individuals are asked to consider their travel choices. A world with less air travel (or travel with less fossil fuel) would be good. One where more people cycle more (as is happening in Edinburgh) is also to be welcomed.