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#Holyrood2026 Spokes manifestos analysis

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41 minutes ago 0 0 0 0

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#Holyrood2026 Spokes manifestos analysis

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#Holyrood2026 our manifesto analysis

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50 minutes ago 1 0 0 0

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#Holyrood2026 Spokes manifesto analysis

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1 hour ago 0 0 0 0

☝️see above

#Holyrood2026 Spokes manifesto analysis

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1 hour ago 0 1 0 0
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.

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 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 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…

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

1 hour ago 6 6 5 1

Much needed as the motorway junction made the back roads a lot more hostile!

3 hours ago 1 1 1 0
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1 day ago 2 1 0 0
Typical view out of shop window of traffic queuing for lights at Viewforth canal Bridge.

Typical view out of shop window of traffic queuing for lights at Viewforth canal Bridge.

Another heavy private car traffic day on St Peter's Place. EVs are trending with high petrol and diesel prices. If cargo bikes got 1% of that heavyweight market then the city would save £££s on street wear and congestion.

17 hours ago 8 4 0 0

🚲👩‍🦼🚶 new/upgraded path #Newton to #Winchburgh

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13 hours ago 6 2 1 0
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🚲👩‍🦼🚶 new/upgraded path #Newton to #Winchburgh

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@edi.bike @furtherfrom.bsky.social @kittysull1.bsky.social @wwctrustscot.bsky.social @jocelock.bsky.social @cameronglasgow.scot @mininglandscapes.bsky.social @trustlinlithgow.bsky.social @keithhouston.bsky.social

13 hours ago 6 2 1 0
New path entrance signage at Newton

New path entrance signage at Newton

Woodland path

Woodland path

Path through fields

Path through fields

New trees beside path

New trees beside path

Trying out the new/upgraded path from Newton to Winchburgh in @westlothiancouncil.bsky.social Opens up some different routes to/from Hopetoun Estate if out that way.
@edi.bike @spokes.org.uk

15 hours ago 16 3 0 1
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Thanks @spokes.org.uk, for mentioning our work in your most recent bulletin! 💪

🗞️ Read the whole issue here: www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

23 hours ago 1 1 0 0
part of spokes response... 6. Crewe Toll to City Centre, via Roseburn corridor Top Issues ● North of Roseburn - the Council is to be congratulated on modifying the project north of Roseburn bridge to single track, and with battery running, enabling a 3m+ active travel path (with one identified pinch point at Telford Road – see below). This follows the instruction to the tram team by councillors at the 1.2.24 Transport Committee for which we again thank all members and others who contacted councillors at that time. If at the detailed design stage there are problems with achieving the full 3m at any point, measures such as moving the tramway slightly laterally, or modifying embankment or cutting heights should be employed to ensure the full 3m. p5 ● South of Roseburn - the connection from Roseburn to the superb new path to the Canal lacks clarity, and indeed there are contradictions in the consultation materials – see these clarifications from the tram team, the Roseburn bridge cross section, the path cross section, the artist impression and the map view. Furthermore, some of these materials talk of 2m width, which is clearly substandard. We appreciate that there are engineering challenges here, but challenges are there to be met. Secondly, the consultation does not mention the massive opportunity to implement the Mobility Plan project [Mobility Plan, Active Travel Delivery , page 43] to connect the two paths with a bridge over the existing tramway and mainline railway, meaning no need to descend to road level and up again. Both these issues would raise costs but would be a minor element of total project costs, the benefits to active travel of the level connection would be transformative, and not to include the bridge if the tram uses Roseburn would render it unlikely for the foreseeable future. In summary, the Council must seek to include this connection between the two routes, with the requisite engineering studies and costings before the next consultation. Ideally…

part of spokes response... 6. Crewe Toll to City Centre, via Roseburn corridor Top Issues ● North of Roseburn - the Council is to be congratulated on modifying the project north of Roseburn bridge to single track, and with battery running, enabling a 3m+ active travel path (with one identified pinch point at Telford Road – see below). This follows the instruction to the tram team by councillors at the 1.2.24 Transport Committee for which we again thank all members and others who contacted councillors at that time. If at the detailed design stage there are problems with achieving the full 3m at any point, measures such as moving the tramway slightly laterally, or modifying embankment or cutting heights should be employed to ensure the full 3m. p5 ● South of Roseburn - the connection from Roseburn to the superb new path to the Canal lacks clarity, and indeed there are contradictions in the consultation materials – see these clarifications from the tram team, the Roseburn bridge cross section, the path cross section, the artist impression and the map view. Furthermore, some of these materials talk of 2m width, which is clearly substandard. We appreciate that there are engineering challenges here, but challenges are there to be met. Secondly, the consultation does not mention the massive opportunity to implement the Mobility Plan project [Mobility Plan, Active Travel Delivery , page 43] to connect the two paths with a bridge over the existing tramway and mainline railway, meaning no need to descend to road level and up again. Both these issues would raise costs but would be a minor element of total project costs, the benefits to active travel of the level connection would be transformative, and not to include the bridge if the tram uses Roseburn would render it unlikely for the foreseeable future. In summary, the Council must seek to include this connection between the two routes, with the requisite engineering studies and costings before the next consultation. Ideally…

Spokes response ctd; plus sketch showing how to connect Roseburn path at high level to the new path to the canal Ambience and nature value - Strava heatmaps and cycle counts by Sustrans indicate that the Roseburn Path is one of the most used off-road cycle paths in Edinburgh. Paths like Roseburn are particularly helpful for those who value a quiet semi-natural environment or who fear the roads. Jacobs note: “The Roseburn Path is a location that is expected to be particularly contentious and require policy trade-offs between active travel and tram”. If the tram uses Roseburn, every effort must be made in this “trade-off” to preserve these conditions as far as possible. Other and more detailed issues ● Connecting Roseburn to the new Canal link path - The sketch below shows a possible layout for this crucial linkage. The yellow dotted line shows a ramp down to Russell Road, but this is possibly optional if it would cause engineering difficulties, given that most people will stay at high level, whilst those needing to descend or ascend could do so at Roseburn or at the nearby ramp to the new canal path. Finally, we understand that earlier discussions with Network Rail did not meet objections to a bridge provided that all necessary clearances are achieved

Spokes response ctd; plus sketch showing how to connect Roseburn path at high level to the new path to the canal Ambience and nature value - Strava heatmaps and cycle counts by Sustrans indicate that the Roseburn Path is one of the most used off-road cycle paths in Edinburgh. Paths like Roseburn are particularly helpful for those who value a quiet semi-natural environment or who fear the roads. Jacobs note: “The Roseburn Path is a location that is expected to be particularly contentious and require policy trade-offs between active travel and tram”. If the tram uses Roseburn, every effort must be made in this “trade-off” to preserve these conditions as far as possible. Other and more detailed issues ● Connecting Roseburn to the new Canal link path - The sketch below shows a possible layout for this crucial linkage. The yellow dotted line shows a ramp down to Russell Road, but this is possibly optional if it would cause engineering difficulties, given that most people will stay at high level, whilst those needing to descend or ascend could do so at Roseburn or at the nearby ramp to the new canal path. Finally, we understand that earlier discussions with Network Rail did not meet objections to a bridge provided that all necessary clearances are achieved

Roseburn tram plan includes 3m+ path, but narrower at one bridge, and southern connection detail still unclear

During construction, onroad alternative 🚲👩‍🦼🚶 promised

Spokes response--> www.spokes.org.uk/2025/11/tram...
[see Section 6]

Next iteration of council plans expected late summer

1 day ago 1 0 0 0
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🤩 *You* are in Spokes 2026 Bulletin 🚲🚲

--> @transform.scot @edcriticalmass.bsky.social @chdot.bsky.social @sw20.info @sccscot.bsky.social @edi.bike @livingstreetsedi.bsky.social @eccan.bsky.social @portyenergy.bsky.social @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk

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1 day ago 2 1 0 0
Original post on mastodon.scot

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... […]

1 day ago 5 13 0 0
Graphic showing a photo of a person carrying a folding bicycle onto a train. Text reads: Making longer journeys possible for everyone by making it easy to walk wheel or cycle to catch a bus, tram or train. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

Graphic showing a photo of a person carrying a folding bicycle onto a train. Text reads: Making longer journeys possible for everyone by making it easy to walk wheel or cycle to catch a bus, tram or train. Walk Wheel Cycle Trust.

Today is #WorldPublicTransportDay 🚄 🚌 🚋

One of our strategic goals is connecting. Part of this means making longer journeys possible for everyone by making it easy to walk, wheel or cycle to catch a bus, tram or train.

1 day ago 18 3 1 2
Screenshot of letter in Evening News on Green Group position on north-south tram.

Screenshot of letter in Evening News on Green Group position on north-south tram.

My letter in today's Edinburgh Evening News setting the record straight on our group's position on North-South tram.

We will await the consultation report and continue to listen to the views of residents and stakeholders. It would be premature to reach a decision before that.

1 day ago 14 4 1 0
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They are EPAC compliant:
1: They have pedals and the rider must be able to use the pedals to propel it.
2: The electric motor is not be able to propel the bike when it is travelling more than 15.5mph (25 km/h).
3: The motor does not have a maximum power output of more than 250 watts.

More>>

1 day ago 2 1 2 0
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The car I was travelling in today was overtaken by a Deliveroo rider on an illegal e-bike, so getting an update on the situation from @spokes.org.uk today via their newsletter was timely.

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1 day ago 5 1 1 0
Front page of 2026 spokes bulletin

Front page of 2026 spokes bulletin

🙋 Spokes 2026 Bulletin 🚲🚲
-> www.spokes.org.uk/2026/04/spok...

@wolct.bsky.social @ssc-edinburgh.bsky.social @deleriad.bsky.social @harryjwilliams.bsky.social @edtiss.bsky.social @leithfeederride.bsky.social @reizkultur.bsky.social @d4cae.bsky.social @secretedinburgh.bsky.social @edinpl.bsky.social

2 days ago 1 2 1 0
Front page of 2026 Spokes Bulletin

Front page of 2026 Spokes Bulletin

Spokes 2026 Bulletin
-> www.spokes.org.uk/2026/04/spok...

@spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghminute.com @alastairdalton.bsky.social @lauralaker.bsky.social @carltonreid.com @smcarthurreports.bsky.social @holyroodmag.bsky.social @vickyallan.bsky.social @marissamacwhirter.bsky.social @turvill.bsky.social

2 days ago 0 0 0 0

🙄 (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

2 days ago 11 8 1 0

Or, here's our quick guide.

REFORM: Manifestos pledging to ‘end the war on the car’ usually warrant no consideration, but our Curator persevered. Despite ‘bus corridors in major cities’, they’d ‘invest’ in everything (except active travel) so👎overall.

CONSERVATIVES: 'Ending the war on drivers';

6 days ago 3 3 2 1
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PAN submitted by Scottish Enterprise for the mixed-use development at Edinburgh BioQuarter: bit.ly/4sBQ9AA

Public consultation: 30th April (12pm - 6pm) - Nine, Edinburgh BioQuarter, Little France Road, Edinburgh & 9th June (2pm - 7pm) - Goodtrees Neighbourhood Centre, 5 Moredunvale Place, Edinburgh

2 days ago 0 1 0 0
World Public Transport Day | World Public Transport Day

It's #WorldPublicTransportDay, apparently.

In joyous celebrations around the world, hundreds of millions of people are taking to their favoured form of public transport.

A bit like every other day, really.

worldpublictransportday.com

2 days ago 2 1 0 0
Exterior of a polling place in Edinburgh (Getty).

Exterior of a polling place in Edinburgh (Getty).

We're urging everyone who is eligible to register to vote before the deadline at 11:59pm on Monday 20 April 🗳️

You can also apply to vote by post or proxy instead of going to a polling place📮

2 days ago 17 20 1 1

🙄 (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

2 days ago 11 8 1 0
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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 …

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

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!

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

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

4 days ago 5 6 3 0

Thread on Facebook about being attacked by kids on Chancelot path. They threw rocks and wood at me from the embankment yesterday afternoon, but missed @edi.bike

3 days ago 4 4 3 1