Parking is a huge problem and not because it's inadequate and costs too much: 'Abundant parking does not solve a transport problem; it creates one. Every space generates demand, spreads destinations further apart, and makes the alternatives - walking, cycling, and public transport - less viable".

Woman hiker on the rocky summit of Ben Starav with Loch Etive behind under cloudy skies

Three walkers heading downhill off a mountain with a range of mountains beyond

Group of people sitting around a woodburning stove in a mountaineering club hut

Man walking across a rocky mountain summit plateau with more mountains beyond

What a great trip to Glen Etive! The weekend started wet but we still enjoyed the hills, incl Ben Starav, Glas Bheinn Mhor, Beinn Trilleachan & Buachaille Etive Beag. Appreciated the cosy hut at Inbhirfhaolain to dry out afterwards!
Next trip 15-18 May to Ballachulish. We welcome new members!

Another reason not to approve Rosebank.

Am mountain stream rushing downhill over rocks, under cloudy skies

A grassy mountain ridge with the remains if a snowy cornice on one side, distant lochs visible under low cloud.

A white stone building among trees with a mountain behind and two people chatting outside Two cars also parked outside.

Me standing in waterproofs on a grassy hill with a view of forestry and mountains behind, blue skies above

Always enjoy trips away with @redropescot.bsky.social but Glen Etive was a wee bit wet last weekend, especially underfoot. At least we finally got some amazing views and sunshine! Climbed Glas Bheinn Mhór and Beinn Trillichean.

Lord George Robertson: Weaponising Welfare | Mike Small in 'Bella Caledonia':
#UKPolitics

bellacaledonia.org.uk/2026/04/17/l...

Start of spokes article #Holyrood2026 : Travelling Backwards The Holyrood election on 7 May is critical to active travel and wider transport policies and budgets for the next 5 years. Is there a local project being planned that you’re looking forward to? – in Edinburgh, say Meadows to George Street, or Portobello to Musselburgh? When and if such projects will happen depends largely on the existence and size of the Scottish Government active travel budget. Sadly and shockingly, in view of the climate crisis, the cost of living crisis, and the need for healthier lifestyles to help the NHS crisis this year’s manifestos mark a massive deterioration in active travel policies as compared to the 2021 election – or even 2016. This article includes an analysis of the various party manifestos, and lots of other relevant info. We will add more as it becomes available.

Table comparing AT investment promises in 2021 and 2026 manifestos. Sorry, tables don't come out well in ALT text! Key to tables below++Very good and/or best+good=mixed, unclear, or less good than other parties-poor (or unrealistic) - -very disappointing NNot in manifesto [N is generally disappointing, but depends on the issue, so think!] Page numbers shown are to pages of each party’s 2026 manifesto 2026 v 2021 comparison of AT Investment manifesto commitments Sadly and shockingly, in view of the climate crisis, the cost of living crisis, and the need for healthier lifestyles to help the NHS crisis the 2026 manifestos mark a massive deterioration in active travel policies as compared to the 2021 election – or even 2016. Only the Greens, and to a lesser extent the Lib Dems, retain positive approaches. Whilst this applies to many policies and promises, the astonishing contrast is seen clearly in this comparative table on the top issue, active travel investment AT Investment Conservative Green Labour LibDem Reform SNP 2021 manifestos [AT funding then was approx £116m, roughly 3.5% of total transport] + 10% by 2026 ++ £320m immediately [approx 10%] rising further + 10% [unclear if soon or by 2026] = “aim” to double existing [this would be approx 7%] N/A = 10% of “capital” bgt by 2026 [BUT this is less of the total transport bgt] 2026 manifestos [AT funding is now approx £163m, roughly 3.9% of total transport] - - p35; p75 cut the AT budget; end ring-fenced cash to councils ++ p26 at least 10%; multi-year funding N = p66 “Invest in active travel for the first and last mile” - - p11 End ring-fenced cash to councils = p64 £2.5m for bike repair; new fund for outdoor recreation paths

Table of party manifesto comparisons (page 1) 2026 manifesto overall comparisons Note that the manifestos include more transport policies/promises than are shown here, particularly on walk, bus and rail. We hope this table includes most of the items directly relevant to cycling, as well as some relevant wider transport issues. Also, note that if something is not in a manifesto, it doesn’t mean it won’t happen, though it is less likely to. Issue Conservative Green Labour LibDem Reform SNP AT Investment [from above table] - - ++ N = - - = Extent of cycle/AT routes/networks ambition - - p36 “End the obsession with cycle lanes” Cycle lanes only ok if not using road or pavement space ++ p26 “national blueprint of walking, cycle and wheeling networks“; faster Council AT project delivery N + p66 “Investing in active travel for the first and last mile” = p23 Rural Scotland: “support outdoor recreation ... cycling … with accessible paths” = p64 outdoor recreation paths fund; no Roseburn tram; support Powderhall AT path [see note 3 below] Is AT recognised and supported as a public health measure - p57 Only considers leisure centres & sport + p163 “space to walk, run, play, wheel and cycle is a right not a privilege” N ++ p33 & p61 “Supporting wellbeing by making it easier for people to use active travel” N N Neighbourhoods / Car-free lifestyles N + p118 “Support local living and 20-minute nbd approaches” N + p52 New towns “prioritising features such as rail links.. and 20-minute nbds” N N Disincentivise car use/ Demand management - - p35 “End the war on drivers”; No targets; stop any Workplace Parking levies or congestion charging ++ p22 Seek road-user taxation powers for Scotland ++ p33 Levy on out-oftown retail, to support towns + p89 Business rates replaced by a new levy favouring town centre retail & hospitality = p73 “Moving all forms of transport away from fossil fuels” – But carrotsonly approach - - p21 “End the war on the car“ N 20mph - p36 20mph only ok where locals…

Table of party manifestos (page 2) Potholes - - p33 Fund pothole filling by cutting (scrapping?) the AT budget N + (or - -) p49 £350m fund [see note 1 below] + p64 “fair funding” for councils; use of new technology + p21 “Fix potholes” + p72 “up to £350m” for potholes & resurfacing Air pollution including Low Emission Zones - - p36 Halt more LEZs and reduce fines in existing ++ p118 expand LEZs, plus stronger monitoring N - - p21 Abolish LEZs N Transport integration, with respect to active travel = p38 Rail, bus & tram integration; no mention of walk/ bike + p22, p26 Better AT links to public transport; All new rail, bus, tram to carry bikes N N N N Road building - - p34 New law to fasttrack trunk road upgrades; dual A9 by 2031; many other trunk projects + p22 Future-proof roads like A83 vulnerable to climate change; no mention of expansion - - p49 Dual A9 by 2035, look into dualling A77 and A75, & create National Roads Plan - - p64 Dual A9 & A96; - - p21 “plan to upgrade major trunk roads” [see note 2 below] - - p71 Dual A9 by 2035, also parts of A96; and consider A75, A77 Air travel taxation ADT= Air departure tax - - p39 oppose any new taxes; reduce long-haul tax ++ p34 frequent flyer levy; private jet tax; more.. N + p66 Higher tax for private jet passengers N + p27 private jet tax; including for ‘ghost’ flights USP – unique selling points (good and bad!) picked out by Spokes - - p33 1. AT schemes are “ideological projects” 2. ban bikes in all pedestrian areas + p16, p156 Universal rail card; £2 max bus fares + p122 Council powers to enforce traffic contraventions + p55 “Crush illegal e-bikes, using drones to track & trace unlicensed bikes” + p64 ”Dangerous Roads Programme“ - - p21 “End the war on the car“ + p38 £2 bus fare cap [1] Labour £350m pothole fund. The manifesto does not say where the money would come from. In early campaign speeches Anas Sarwar had said it would be from cutting Active Travel funding. On our estimate this would mean a 40% cut on curre…

#Holyrood2026 #SP26

Our #manifesto analysis
--> www.spokes.org.uk/2026/04/holy...

We looked at #activetravel, mainly 🚲, and some related transport/environment, but not at 🚌🚆

1 Greens, excellent
2 LibDem, positive in a fairly modest way
3= Labour & SNP, poor
5 Reform, bad
6 Conservative, terrible

Front page of the new spokes bulletin, with pictures of a new Leith Cycleroute opening, and of a primary school cyclist and an 89-year-old daily cyclist... BIKE LANES WORKING Edinburgh’s protected bike lanes on Leith Walk and on Roseburn CCWEL route now account for almost 10% of vehicle and pedestrian journeys on both, based on Cycling Scotland survey data in late 2025. What’s more, despite its tramlines, Leith Walk has had zero bike tramline crashes, whilst serious injuries continue in the badly designed initial tram route. LESSONS LEARNED – AND TO BE LEARNED  The protected bike lane success affirms the Council’s decision [p8] that its Primary Cycle Network should largely comprise segregated lanes on main roads. But - gaps need filled! What would bike usage be on the above routes if the missing George St link between them existed? – we suggest [p9] how to do this quickly if the planned complete revamp is currently too costly.  The absence of tramline injuries affirms the Council’s wisdom in providing segregated lanes on Leith Walk. But - potentially dangerous sections of the Granton/ Bioquarter future tramline proposals [p9] concern us. FOOT OF WALK to DOCK STREET The traffic-free Foot of Walk - Dock Street route, largely comprising bidirectional segregated onroad bike lanes, extends CCWEL and Leith Walk lanes north, with a planned continuation to Ocean Terminal. Importantly, for many trips this is an alternative to tramlined roads. A cut that we support!! Transport Convener Cllr Stephen Jenkinson opens the section at Sandport Bridge over the Water of Leith. Also pictured, Cllrs Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill (in wheelchair) and Chas Booth (behind Kayleigh). Photo: DdF CYCLING Cyclist Edith has a quick word before she heads off: “Hi – I love cycling, it’s really fun! What would be really good would be to have more space to explore the roads, see where they go, have fun, and not have cars hovering around! Bye!” THROUGH THE AGES 89-year-old Michael Owen says: “I use my …

What's in the Bulletin... The Bulletin content is intended to remain useful throughout the year, rather than covering current or ephemeral issues. Important topics include… Edinburgh’s ‘Primary Cycle Network‘ – expected 2026 developments, and the success already of early onroad segregated bike lanes Big 2026 Council decisions expected – the future of Princes Street and George Street and of the possible Granton/Bioquarter tramline extensions Traffic Growth – having scrapped its traffic-reduction commitment, the Scottish Government is this year developing a traffic growth target! And they are also expanding the road capacity which will help encourage it. E-Bikes – the incredible value of e-bikes (including Edinburgh’s VOI bike hire scheme) must not be lost amidst valid concerns over illegal use of modified e-bikes and over unscrupulous suppliers of fire-risk batteries Tramline crashes – insights into the causes, how to minimise your risks, and how the Council can minimise risks in future extensions Climate Crisis – likely continuing to grow, and accelerate, in 2026. Insurance companies are noticing, but road-expansionist decision-makers don’t seem to Spokes maps – why people love them! Spokes 2026 competition (to be launched this summer) – it’s all in preparation for our 50th (yes, 50!) anniversary next year

Bulletin 140 is now being delivered by volunteers to 1000 Spokes members, bike shops, libraries, community centres, councillors, etc, and used for bike leafletting. As a thank-you for being a member, all members are also being sent a free copy of our lovely new ‘Favourite Cycle Rides‘ Edition 3 booklet, based on entries from our 2025 competition. See what you’ve missed if you’ve not joined!

What you can do Please repost our bluesky of this article If you’d like a supply of the Bulletin for work colleagues, a local leaflet pick-up point, bike leafletting at shops in your area, or whatever, get in touch

🙋 Spokes 2026 Bulletin 🚲🚲🚲

HERE-> www.spokes.org.uk/2026/04/spok...

🙋 Ask for copies for leafletting or local pick-up locations

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social @sw20.info @edinreporter.bsky.social @keithirving.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @jarlathflynn.bsky.social

Further Reporting of Offences to Police Scotland - Land Matters The Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land was established under Part 3 of the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2016 to provide greater transparency on who owns land. It requires partners...

BLOG - I have reported further offences to Police Scotland under the Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land. andywightman.scot/2026/04/furt...

Panorama of snowy mountains with forestry below, Glen Etive

Two hikers in red jackets on a rocky mountain summit

Woman standing looking at the view from a mountain summit plateau, with the remains of a large snowy cornice in front of her

Woman sitting on a mountain summit with Loch Etive beyond

Looking forward to our next trip to Glen Etive, 17-19 April. We've been there regularly over the years, it's a great area to explore.

We're always keen to get new members, why not contact us to find out about our monthly weekends away and monthly day walks? Email scotland[at]redrope.org.uk

🗳️ You can vote in Scotland - and many people don’t realise it

Refugees have the right to vote in Scottish elections.

📅 7 May
⏰ Register by 20 April

✔️ 16+ and living in Scotland with permission to stay

📘 Guides available - check our bio

💬 Have your say in the place you call home

Man standing by a cog when railway in Budapest, part of the public transport system.

A street in Vienna with bike parking and green spaces taking the place of on-road car parking spaces. The street is also a prioritised quiet route for cyclists.

Last day of our Interrail trip to Budapest, Vienna & Berlin. An inspiring insight into amazing public transport, walking & cycling infrastructure and public realm investment. Yes, lots of motor traffic too, but non-drivers tend to be prioritised.
Edinburgh could do so much better!

Job Opportunity: Advocacy Lead for SCCS - Stop Climate Chaos Scotland Key Details • 5 days (35 hours) per week, • £35,000, initial 1 year contract but could be extended subject to funding, • Home-based in Scotland with access to Central Belt meetings required. • Applica...

- WE'RE HIRING -
Advocacy Lead

'It is vital that we re-establish the priority of climate action amongst the public, with politicians and decision makers, and win wide support for urgent change and leadership.'

Could this be you?👇
www.stopclimatechaos.scot/job-opportun... #climatejobs #scotland

Oh no! Hopefully it’s all going to improve from now on. Will be very atmospheric anyway! (NB the porch at Strawberry Cottage always used to be kept unlocked as a shelter space, in case you need to eat lunch in the dry when you get there. Opposite Athnamulloch)

Four hikers in a sunny woodland standing by footpath signage

An information board in Hungarian showing walking trails in an area

Three hikers on a trail through a woodland carpeted in wildflowers

View from a hill over the wooded, agricultural land below, wildflowers in the foreground

Walking yesterday in the hills of the Duna-Ipoly national park north of Budapest. Very wooded & bursting with wildflowers, a lovely spring day.
Though of course I had to check out all the signage and interpretation along the way, as pals at @ramblersscotland.bsky.social will understand

Back in 2008 Trump cited this golf course, built on a SSSI, as evidence that golf & a natural environment could exist together. He got permission for his Aberdeenshire course but then lost SSSI status due to his management of the dunes. Good to see this Kintyre course still walks the walk.

Three hikers heading down a gentle slope on a Scottish hillside, more mountains beyond in the distance.

Man and a dog on a rocky mountain summit.

Woman hiker on a grassy mountain summit with more mountains behind, bit of snow remaining.

Hiker climbing up a snow patch on a Scottish mountain.

We had a great trip to Killin in March. Good weather, good food and good chat. The Munros Sgiath Chuil, Meall Glas, Meall Ghaordaidh and Meall nan Tarmachan all climbed and enjoyed. Our next trip in April is to Glen Etive.

Woman standing on a terrace with formal gardens beyond surrounded by trees

Small blue flowers (Scilla) carpeting a lawn also planted with bushes

In Berlin Botanical Gardens today. As a frequent visitor to Edinburgh Botanics it’s always interesting to see what other cities’ gardens are like. Spring isn’t so advanced here, but it’s huge and a beautiful place to walk around.

It must be rather galling for camper to sit freezing by the tent, (quite rightly) obeying the Cairngorms' no-fires byelaw, watching the hillside opposite legally go up in flames.

Surely (a) a byelaw and (b) a very high fire risk issued by SFRS should mean NO fires at all? Interesting post below.

Yes please!

Strongly recommend you catch this film if you can - or when it’s available online soon. Lots to learn about different ways of doing so many things - education, cooperative working, public housing. Not all perfect, but plenty food for thought.
Thanks Lesley and hope the cough gets better soon!

Glorious!

Does that include muirburn?

As Ben says, there’s a high fire risk in Mar Lodge (and more widely in NE of Scotland). Lots of dry, dead vegetation at this time of year.
www.firescotland.gov.uk/news/wildfir...

Council consultation page... North Edinburgh Connections (walking, wheeling and cycling) Overview We want to make your streets safer and easier for everyone to get around. In North Edinburgh Connections (formerly NEAT-Connections) we’re proposing changes to roads, pavements and public spaces along: West Granton Road Pennywell Road Ferry Road Changing streets makes it easier and safer for everyone in the community to get to local shops, schools and other community facilities. The proposals include: more accessible pavements reducing traffic to a single lane in each direction on Pennywell Road safer and more crossings protected cycle lanes, connecting to other areas like Granton and the city centre new and improved outdoor spaces, which could include trees, plants and play areas By reducing road space, we can build safer routes and paths for getting around and connecting to other areas. Landscaping with plants and trees will make the area more attractive to travel around or simply spend time in.

Map of area, highlighting W Granton Rd, Pennywell Rd, Ferry Rd

🙋 #NorthEdinburgh Connections 🚲🚶👩‍🦼 consultn

HERE--> consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/neat/

+ send us your thoughts

@edi.bike @kaykinoneill.bsky.social @sannedd.bsky.social @kevin-lang.bsky.social @nialla.bsky.social @harryjwilliams.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @vicnicsnp.bsky.social

Red Rope's walk from Holyrood to The Drum, Gilmerton - Sunday 29 March 2026 TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE & TO LET US KNOW HOW MANY TO EXPECT add some details to the form. It does not commit you to attending but completing the form is taken to mean that you have read the description ...

Our next day walk on Sunday 29 March is another amazing green walking route from the Royal Mile to Drum House in Gilmerton, barely touching a road.
All welcome, including non-members.
To register and for more info see:
docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...

THIS NEWS IS MASSIVE! This afternoon Edinburgh City Councilors voted to put in place a temporary moratorium on new data centres in the city.

At the Full Council meeting today, 19th March, Edinburgh city councillors discussed a motion 'A moratorium on ‘green’ data centres in Edinburgh'

Oh, hadn’t thought of that 😉

What a bizarre idea! Cyclists (and walkers to some extent) would definitely benefit from pothole-free roads, but the damage is caused by motor vehicles. So why raid the active travel budget to repair them??

Man and woman standing by a cargo bike stall for Spokes cycle campaign group. Water of Leith at the Shore in Leith behind, in bright sunshine.

Ribbon cutting ceremony on a cycle path in Leith. Group of people in attendance.

Lovely sunny morning for the official launch of a new cycle path in Leith. Enjoyed chatting to people and selling maps on the @spokes.org.uk stall.
A passerby asked me if it was a cycling protest - no, happily a celebration (for once!)

Very nice!