New Racks at Waverley

With more people cycling to and from Edinburgh’s stations it’s not surprising they need more racks.

Good thing bikes aren’t seen as a security risk here.

Bicycle Film Festival Set for Another 5 Years

Filmhouse – venue for Bicycle Film Festival in Edinburgh

Following the success of this year’s inaugural event in Edinburgh, organisers of the Bicycle Film Festival have renewed the web site address bicyclefilmfestival.info for another five years.
(Registered with Easily.co.uk )

The 2007 event will run for the whole of Bike Week, 16-24 June 2007 – though there may not be films EVERY night.

Organiser Maggie Wynn said “we were confident that the BFF would be a success, but we were still surprised at how popular it was. We were also very pleased with the wide range of people it attracted – not just the committed cycle activists and racers.”

“We’ve already had a lot of suggestions for films for next year. Some might be hard to get for copyright or distribution reasons, but we’ll try. I can guarantee that it will be a varied and exciting programme, again.”

Suggestions for films or offers of help to maggieATbicyclefilmfestival.info

Tom Morton Plans Ride from Land’s End (?)

Radio Scotland presenter Tom Morton (weekdays 2-4) finished a 335 mile ride last week vowing to return to riding motor bikes in future.

Today he is telling listeners that it was “great” and planning another expedition next year. He even mentioned Land’s End to John o’ Groats, (but that was probably a joke).

If not here’s a book he might like – Cycling Guide from Lands End to John O’Groats

The Fall and Rise of the Bicycle

TODAY

Three part BBC Radio 4 series. Last part – China: Rejecting the Bicycle Monday 31 July 2006 21:00-21:30 (Radio 4 FM).

Also available on-line as “Listen Again”.

Cycling in the Sundays

“Floyd Landis is sure the results of his B sample will vindicate him, but a radical overhaul is still needed if the sport is to regain credibility, says Jeremy Whittle” Sunday Herald

Canal Holidays (better with bikes) Scotland on Sunday

“Emma Davies Jones; her life and career as one of Britain’s leading cyclists were almost destroyed by a car accident.” Observer Sport Monthly

Bikes on Trains

Unique bike mag AtoB has just updated its bikes on trains page. A comprehensive list of all the complex conditions of cycle carriage of Britain’s many railway companies.

Bikes are still free on all ScotRail trains, though booking is necessary on some long distance trains, “note that the reservation number (08457 550033) takes you through to a real Scottish person in Fort William who actualy knows the network and can see it out of the window.”

GNER will take tandems – unlike most operators, and has an on-line booking form. However this only guarantees that someone will ‘phone you back “within 24 hours” by which time bargain tickets may have gone.

Directors Want to Use Bus Lanes

The Institute of Directors wants cars with passengers to be allowed to use bus lanes. Bus lanes in Edinburgh and elsewhere are a success, speeding up buses and making Public Transport more attractive. They have the added bonus of making it easier for cyclist.

Sharing a narrow bus lane with buses and taxis is not ideal, but with large numbers of cars it would be a disaster. At least bus drivers are (mostly) considerate. It is unlikely that the Scottish Executive will agree with the IoD.

Evening News story.

CEC Greenways and Bus Lanes Page.

It IS Quicker by Bike

Glasgow University student Colin Baird left a Clockwork Orange subway train at Buchanan Street station and pedalled (not peddled as The Scotsman claims!) furiously to the next stop at St. Enoch Square.

Of course it’s now a much downloaded video at the Subway Challenge site. Sadly the video is too long, too dark (it’s night time) and there’s not much cycling. Perhaps racing trains between Haymarket and Waverley will become a new sport. Though if you’ve ever been stuck on a train by Princes Street Gardens you’ll know that bikes have a high chance of winning.

Sunday Ride to Swanston

Sunday 30th July organised by TryCycling in Edinburgh

A gentle 14-mile run to Swanston, taking 4½ hours with plenty of breaks. TryCycling rides are an excellent choice for less experienced and returning cyclists. Guides are on hand to provide encouragement and support, and a mechanic will be available to help with roadside problems. Children under 16 are welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult.
Meet: 10.00, at the Meadows (junction of Middle Meadow Walk and North Meadow Walk). Cost and booking: Free, but booking recommended.

from cycling-edinburgh.org.uk

Flying Scotsman Film Controversy Continues

Biopic about the life of Graeme Obree is due to open the Edinburgh International Film Festival on the 14th of August. (Already sold out.) FILM DETAILS.

Unpaid film crew and extras plan to picket the cinema over £79,000 owed. The film’s director Douglas Mackinnon wants the film to be a success, allowing wages to finally be paid.

Scotsman story.

Article about the making of the movie in the Scotsman

LATEST news 15.8.06