Obviously, an e-bike works well. However, for non-electric bikes the "trick" is two fold.

1) Don't try. Go straight into the lowest gear at the bottom of the hill.

2) Buy a bicycle that has a low gear of 22 gear inches or below. Ideally 20 gear inches or below.

www.bikecalc.com/archives/gea...

VanMoof returns to UK with ebike that's "more powerful, more secure and smarter than anything it has released before" | BikeRadar Dutch-brand relaunches into the UK with first new bike since 2023 bankruptcy

VanMoof returns to UK with ebike that's "more powerful, more secure and smarter than anything it has released before"
www.bikeradar.com/news/vanmoof...
Dutch-brand relaunches into the UK with first new bike since 2023 bankruptcy

Using science to better climb hills on your bike #bike #ebike  Videos on the Fediverse

Using science to better climb hills on your bike #bike #ebike
video.canadiancivil.com/w/9e66c34e-9...

Two women in black rain coats and orange hats containing the words "Dutch Cycling Embassy" cycle side-by-side on the streets on Leipzig.

Love cycling? Ready to turn that passion into impact?

Chris and @dutchcycling.nl are working to make cities around the world healthier, more liveable, and truly bike-friendly—and they're looking for a Digital Communications Assistant to join their team.

Apply here: dutchcycling.nl/about-us/car...

If only we could get Edinburgh to bid for this.

Back in 2001 Edinburgh and Glasgow did jointly host the Velo-city conference. It is now much bigger and way more prestigious 😉

It is time for Edinburgh to host it again!

ABUS launches YARNIT chain lock with textile-steel construction cyclingindustry.news/abus-launche...

The Bike Lane Gender Gap: New Research Shows Women Ride More Where Protected Infrastructure Exists momentummag.com/the-bike-lan...

Are Bike Lanes Actually Ruining Our Cities? YouTube video by Global Cycling Network

Inspired by this video youtu.be/etwt75kYYhk I thought I'd explore some of the statistics around car access and deprivation with some #datavis and analysis.

Usefully, the 2021 Census in the UK asked questions around car ownership as well as many aspects of 'deprivation'. So here is 📊 🧵... [1/8]

What Scotland’s political parties told us at the online hustings
By Cycling UK www.cyclinguk.org/blog/what-sc...

Broken locks, broken promises - London Cycling Campaign

LCC launches major campaign report, petition & survey on cycle theft
lcc.org.uk/news/cycle-t...
Today, LCC has launched a major new report on the “Broken Locks, Broken Promises” around London’s cycle theft epidemic ...

Broken locks, broken promises - London Cycling Campaign

LCC launches major campaign report, petition & survey on cycle theft
lcc.org.uk/news/cycle-t...
Today, LCC has launched a major new report on the “Broken Locks, Broken Promises” around London’s cycle theft epidemic ...

LCC: “Make bike marking and registration mandatory to curb bike theft” - Cycling Industry News The London Cycling Campaign (LCC) launched a bike theft action plan earlier this year and – as yet another bike theft story crossed the CIN news desk today – we revisited its “Broken Locks, Broken Pro...

London Cycling Campaign (LCC): “Make bike marking and registration mandatory to curb bike theft” cyclingindustry.news/lcc-make-bik...

Any thoughts?

⚠️ 📆 JOIN US - @pedalonparliament.org, 11:30am 30th May, Meadows to Holyrood on closed roads, for a cycle-safe Scotland;

🎉 https://pedalonparliament.org

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

We're hearing a spate of stories about cyclists on Edinburgh's offroad paths being intimidated and assaulted by groups of masked kids. All over the network, along the Innocent path as well as in Leith.

www.edinburghlive.co.uk/news/edinburgh-news/edin... […]

ICE Trikes launches chainless PERS e-assist system for recumbent trikes cyclingindustry.news/ice-trikes-l... ICE Trikes has introduced a new chainless e-assist system developed in partnership with CIXI, offering a different riding experience for recumbent trike users.

🙄 (Unless we missed it?) Really disappointing to see no #SNP mention of #ActiveTravel infrastructure investment, just £2.5m for bike repairs!

Currently total 🚲👩‍🦼🚶 is around £160m so the manifesto allows its recent decline to continue
-> www.spokes.org.uk/2026/01/scot...

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social

Local Bike Shop Awards - Local Bike Shop Week Local Bike Shop Week Awards Celebrating the heart of cycling in our communities The first-ever Local Bike Shop Week Awards is here, and it exists to celebrate the independent retailers who go above an...

Local Bike Shop Week is coming, 3rd-9th May, with that in mind it is time to nominate your favourite shop for the Local Bike Shop Week Awards localbikeshopweek.uk/local-bike-s... Entries close on Sunday 19th April.

Find your local Edinburgh bike shop here edfoc.org.uk/2020/04/02/e...

Fuel prices are spiking, will they move to cycling thickness time? #cycling #fuelprices This is a channel about urban cycling, bike commuting and the ways we get around our cities, hosted by Tom Babin. Shifter Memberships are here! If you'd like some bonus content while also supportin...

Fuel prices are spiking, will they move to cycling thickness time? #cycling #fuelprices video.canadiancivil.com/w/58b705b8-2...

Really good points from @shifter.info

What is the best crank length for cycling? | BikeRadar How crank length affects power output and bike fit

What is the best crank length for cycling?
www.bikeradar.com/advice/sizin...
How crank length affects power output and bike fit

More company bikes, more cycling? t3-forschung.de/en/our-work/...

Major city cycling levels continue to rise post-pandemic, new study shows Cycling levels are rising again in four major cities, after an initial surge during the Covid-19 pandemic, a new study has shown.Researchers from four different universities and the French Ministry of...

@roadcc.bsky.social
Major city cycling levels continue to rise post-pandemic, new study shows road.cc/news/major-c...
The report praised the cities’ political leadership but warned of continuing income and racial inequalities in choosing where to build new infrastructure.

Bike bags explained: your ultimate guide to on-bike storage Choosing the right on-bike storage can transform your riding, whether you’re commuting across town, heading out on a weekend adventure, or tackling a multi-day tour.From classic panniers to frame pack...

From classic rear panniers and lowrider front setups to modern frame packs and bar bags, we break down every on-bike luggage option.

Urban Arrow cargo bike hire EdFoC's Urban Arrow cargo bike is available for hire and rental

In response to the current increasing costs of fuel, we have decided to cut the cost of our cargo bike hire by up to 15%
edfoc.org.uk/cargo-bike-h...
Find out if you could replace increasingly expensive car journeys with a cargo bike, by hiring ours for a week 😉

Local Place Plans: have your say! www.spokes.org.uk/2026/04/loca...

OPINION: Bike recalls are no longer rare and the response needs to change - Cycling Industry News Recalls are impossible to completely irradicate and indeed recently seem to be on the increase in the trade. How they are handled is crucial, argues Pete Gillett, CEO of Marketpoint Recall… The cyclin...

Bike recalls are no longer rare, and the response needs to change cyclingindustry.news/opinion-bike...

Development Manager with The Bike Station – Goodmoves BackgroundThis is an exciting and challenging opportunity to work with a driven team in one of Scotland’s most well regarded and effective local active travel and bike refurbishing chari...

Job alert
@thebikestation.bsky.social
are looking for a Development Manager, part-time, £31,000 pro-rata
goodmoves.org/vacancy/a4sP...

Community Outreach Officer with The Bike Station – Goodmoves Purpose of the roleThe post will engage with communities in Edinburgh, with particular focus on our Kids Bike Life programme. Kids Bike Life (KBL) is a project designed to enable more young peo...

Job alert @thebikestation.bsky.social are looking for a Community Outreach Officer, part-time, £27,127 pro-rata goodmoves.org/vacancy/a4sP...

Two cyclists ride across a massive suspension bridge, under a bright, pale grey-blue sky. Behind it, we can see the support cables of another, further away bridge structure.

🚲 edi.bike | issue 140 | 13th Apr '26

‘Most Edinburgh car commuters have an alternative available’; Voi bike harbour rescue; plus events, infrastructure, route closures & more:

buttondown.com/edi.bike/arc...

⚠️ 📆 SAVE THE DATE- @pedalonparliament.org, 11:30am 30th May, Meadows to Holyrood 🎉

Start of spokes report... SpokesMtg: #Holyrood2026 Hustings – Report Our March 16 Spokes/CUK hustings whilst polite and friendly throughout, revealed some clear policy differences, particularly on how, if at all, to tackle car numbers in the city. Perhaps not surprisingly, there was more agreement on the multi-faceted value of cycling as a means of getting around, whilst the issue of illegally ridden modified e-bikes featured prominently in questions. Of course, with party manifestos not yet published we didn’t get much in the way of specific policies – rather, the individual views of the speakers, but obviously representing their party’s general approach. This report is not intended as a blow-by-blow account of the meeting, but rather picking out interesting points from the evening..

Video shot of the speakers, with the audience voting on which questions will be asked

A contentious topic!... Shifting away from cars and towards active & public transport This was the topic which brought out most differences between the parties. Unsurprisingly all speakers, to various degrees, supported ‘carrots’ such as better active and public transport conditions, but whether and what ‘sticks’ were needed was a different matter! Chas Booth was enthusiastic about using some form of road user chargine and/or workplace/non-domestic parking levy to achieve a shift away from car use Stephen Jenkinson [Edinburgh’s Transport Convener] said the Scottish Government has not yet given councils the full powers needed to introduce congestion charging, despite being asked several times by both Edinburgh and Glasgow. He gave the impression of personal support if the policy was introduced jointly with other councils Sally Pattle said that SEStran (of which she is the Chair) is discussing with councils how car reduction targets could be met, implying that she supports such targets Kate Campbell supported a workplace parking levy and car reduction targets, and said the government was working on a new target, following the dropping of the previous one Jo Mowat did not support a workplace parking levy or congestion charging. Even on the carrots, she was less enthusiastic, suggesting that bike lanes slowed buses and that Councils should decide on funding priorities (presumably meaning that government cash currently allocated for active travel, should instead go into general funding, for councils to then decide how to use).

extract from the spokes article... What you can do next Repost the bluesky post about this article Make sure you are registered to vote. If not, register by 20 April The Edinburgh Reporter has listed all candidates (name & party only) in the constituency seats within Edinburgh and in the regional list seat of Edinburgh and Lothians East Region Democracy Club – a truly fantastic resource, for the public good, largely by volunteers, with considerable info on each candidate. And … you can help, for example by uploading leaflets you receive from candidates. Info about the election Constituency seat candidates (all Scotland) Regional List candidates (all Scotland) Scottish Parliament info about the election and how it works

#Holyrood2026 #Hustings

Report of #SpokesMtg
-> www.spokes.org.uk/2026/04/spok...

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social @edinburghbug.bsky.social @sw20.info @gobikeglasgow.bsky.social @morningsider.bsky.social @edinpl.bsky.social @keithirving.bsky.social