Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign

06/11/2026

SPOKES COMPETITION

The topic was to describe the way in which you have benefitted from Spokes being around.

16th place – Sarah Dorman

Spokes support for other campaigners

In 2012, a random collection of cyclists on twitter started talking about organizing a cycle protest in Edinburgh in parallel with a London mass cycle protest. This became Pedal on Parliament. Spokes itself said "Not only the biggest ever cycling demonstration in Scotland, but MSPs told us it was probably the biggest ever demonstration on any subject at the Scottish Parliament." For those of us organising the protest, it was significant because of our emphasis on improved infrastructure - not behavioural campaigns like the 'Nice Way Code', leisure routes, or cycle training for children. We felt that groups campaigning around cycling didn’t prioritise protected infrastructure, and indeed, we felt up against the 'received wisdom' of long standing cycle campaigns.

But, despite this, Spokes made a small but significant cash donation to Pedal on parliament, which enabled us to make some basic, but essential purchases, such as buying blue tabards for our marshalls. This contribution - to a group whose members were often critical of Spokes - was crucial to getting POP off the ground. But it also demonstrates Spokes' willingness to work with groups with shared aims, even if their tactics or asks were not entirely in sync.

In the years since 2012, we've seen a sea change in cycle provision with protected routes now found in Edinburgh, Glasgow and many other urban areas of Scotland. And cyclists are no longer told to 'man up'. Not everything is perfect, and there's still a long way to go, but there has been an important shift - and much credit is due to POP, and its supporters, especially Spokes.

I've written this entry to say thanks to Spokes - for their many contributions to cycle campaigning, their flexibility and creativity in working with the wide and diverse cycling community in Edinburgh (and beyond), and for taking a chance on us back in 2012.
(Written as an individual: my comments should not be taken to represent an official POP position)

(Spokes adds: top Spokes campaigning has always been cycling infra: indeed our first big campaign was for a bike route across the Meadows. This is quite compatible with behavioural initiatives, and both feed on each other, as of course do great campaign initiatives like PoP which we are delighted to continue to support and promote).

06/11/2026

CITY MOBILITY PLAN

From Critical Mass Edinburgh

Protest Thursday 12 November 8:30am
City Chambers

There will be a protest outside City Chambers on Thursday 12th November, 8.30am to highlight the lack of action on the City Mobility Plan. We understand that the councillors are due to discuss this at the meeting. This plan received cross party support and was approved in February 2021 and again in February 2024. According to the council's own website this plan is supposed to be delivering "a healthier, thriving, fairer and compact capital city and a higher quality of life for all residents" and was part of targets to reduce car kilometres by 30% by 2030.

Sounds great but we've actually seen motor traffic increase year on year, with it back to its highest level in 2025. We've also seen bus stops removed and no provision for cycling on North Bridge. No meaningful action in the Cowgate despite two serious incidents. George Street remains a missing link in the CCWEL. Traffic free routes have not been improved for night time safety. Quiet routes have been removed, rather than expanded. The accompanying Our Future Streets (Circulation Plan) is meant to "help inform the necessary prioritisation of use of road space" with George IV Bridge and the Canongait given pedestrian priority. These are all council aims and council targets. If you think it is time for "Word, words, words!" to be put into "Action, action, action!", join us on Thursday 12th. All fans of sustainable transport, safe streets and clean air welcome!

05/11/2026

CAR TRAFFIC IN EDINBURGH DOWN 16% AS CYCLING POPULARITY INCREASES

The number of cars on Edinburgh’s streets has fallen by 16% over five years as cycling becomes a more popular option for capital commuters.

The overall number of vehicles on Edinburgh’s streets has dropped by around 17% amid plummeting numbers of taxis, heavy goods vehicles and motorcycles.

Bicycles were the only vehicle category to increase its numbers between 2019 and 2025.

This is according to new statistics revealed by the City of Edinburgh Council, who counted the number of vehicles on key roads across the city.

Vehicle numbers were gleaned over 12-hour periods at all 117 count points to give an impression of the number of cars in use in the city.Compare Cars

In 2019, this gave a total of 1,917,991 motor vehicles, with cars making up around 1,408,603 of the total.

In the latest counts, taken in both 2024 and 2025, just 1,583,873 motor vehicles were recorded, with 1,183,506 cars on the road.

However, automatic counters from the Department for Transport (DfT) suggest that overall traffic has almost fully returned to pre-pandemic levels. Council officers note that the DfT counts mostly cover trunk roads surrounding the city, rather than routes within Edinburgh itself.

The number of bicycles increased from 69,456 to 71,229 – though these figures compare the period of the city’s original cycle hire scheme (which closed in 2021) with a gap before the full rollout of the new Voi e-bike trial, meaning active cycling figures could now be even higher.

The starkest fall was seen in the number of taxis, which dropped 44% to just over 54,000, while motorcycle traffic and heavy goods vehicle traffic plummeted 31% and 26%, respectively.Learn Road Rules

The change was most pronounced in Leith, where major road layout alterations from the tram extension saw the introduction of dedicated cycle lanes.

On Leith Walk, there was a 35% reduction in the number of cars and a 48% jump in the number of bicycles.

In the Portobello and Leith area, there was a 15% slump in the number of cars and a 55% jump in the number of bicycles.

The initial counts, however, were taken pre-Covid, before subsequent years saw a dramatic fall in the number of journeys people took because of social distancing rules.

In places where counts were available for both 2024 and 2025, there was a marginal increase in the number of vehicles and cars.

Edinburgh’s low emission zone (L*Z) is also thought to have had an impact, with a 23% decrease in all motor traffic and a 19% decrease in car traffic since 2019.

This is compared with a 15% decrease in motor traffic and a 14% decrease in car traffic outside the L*Z.

Council officers cited the decrease outside the L*Z as evidence that fears traffic would be displaced to surrounding areas were unfounded.

After revealing the statistics on Tuesday, Edinburgh’s Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, said:

“The volume of traffic has fallen by 16% since 2019, that’s quite a significant figure, and it does show the measures we’ve taken, encouraging the use of more active travel methods, have had a significant effect.Learn Road Rules

“A lot of this data won’t have captured the increase in cycling that we’ve seen with the cycle hire scheme.

“I think as that rolls out across the city as part of the trial, we’ll start to see a positive response in the numbers with regards to cycling.”

He added: “Ultimately car volume going down, active travel going up tells a positive story.Compare Cars

“It also shows that not only the emission zone, but also various restrictions that we’ve put in place, predominantly around the city centre, haven’t really had the displacement effect many predicted on the surrounding boundary roads.”

These fresh statistics come after figures from Cycling Scotland in September revealed that there were more bicycles than cars on Edinburgh’s Leith Walk during rush hour for the first time.

Meanwhile, a fixed counter at the top of the Walk recorded 67,572 cycle journeys in May 2026, a 25% increase on May 2025.

In addition, there were just four pedestrian casualties on Leith Walk between the introduction of segregated cycle lanes in 2021 and 2024, compared with 34 in the four years previous, according to data from cycling campaigner Edward Tissiman.Shop Bike Gear

https://theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2026/11/car-traffic-in-edinburgh-down-16-as-cycling-popularity-increases/

The number of cars on Edinburgh’s streets has fallen by 16% over five years as cycling becomes a more popular option for capital commuters.

05/11/2026

YOUTH CYCLING SCHEME LAUNCHES AHEAD OF TOUR DE FRANCE

Scottish Cycling has launched a new programme in Edinburgh designed to introduce young people to cycling and promote active travel.

The Rock Up & Ride initiative will operate at the Crags Community Centre at 10 Bowmont Place in partnership with the South East of Scotland Transport Partnership (SEStran) and We Play Together SCIO.Buy Maps.

It aims to develop confidence and practical skills for independent cycling while removing financial barriers by providing a fleet of bikes and equipment.

The expansion is supported by the Scottish Cycling Tour de France Grand Départ Social Impact Programme ahead of the major sporting event arriving in the capital next summer.

The project seeks to encourage participants to view cycling as a viable option for everyday journeys, making active travel an accessible choice for the local community.

Beyond initial cycling instruction, young people taking part will receive support to progress into local cycling clubs or explore avenues in volunteering and coaching.

The initiative will also assist local staff and volunteers at the Crags Community Centre in gaining experience and formal qualifications, ensuring the facility can continue supporting cycling activities in the long term.

Project coordinator Erin Finnigan has been appointed to manage the programme, leveraging the established connections We Play Together SCIO has built with young people around the centre.

Erin will direct opportunities straight to the community, ensuring the planned activities align with the needs and interests of local youth.

Participants will be introduced to several cycling disciplines, including mountain biking and track cycling.

A specific focus will be given to BMX, with sessions utilising the “Skelf” pump track located next to the Crags Community Centre.

To ensure accessibility, a group of coaches will support the sessions, using a provided fleet of bikes and equipment to eliminate cost barriers that might otherwise restrict participation.

SEStran has partnered on the project to promote the benefits of active travel and help young people gain the confidence to use bicycles for both leisure and daily transport.

The wider Scottish Cycling Tour de France Grand Départ Social Impact Programme aims to use the profile of the upcoming event to create opportunities for local areas.

Speaking about the impact of the programme Nick Rennie, Chief Executive of Scottish Cycling, said: “We’re delighted to be furthering the reach of our flagship participation programme, Rock Up & Ride, as it expands into Edinburgh ahead of the Tour de France Grand Départ next summer.

“We’re already feeling the buzz that the Tour de France is creating, so this is a wonderful opportunity to use that to get more people on bikes and build their confidence and competence, so that they regularly use cycling as a form of active travel, or a past time.

“The expansion of the programme into the capital wouldn’t be possible without some fantastic partnership working, so I extend a big thank you to SEStran, We Play Together and the Scottish Government for helping bring it to life, and I can’t wait to see it flourish over the coming months and years.”

Sally Pattle, Chair of the SEStran Partnership Board, commented: “We’re delighted to support Scottish Cycling’s Rock Up and Ride initiative in Edinburgh through our People and Place programme.

“The sessions with We Place Together at the Crags Community Centre are giving local young people and their families the chance to build their cycling skills and confidence in a fun and inclusive environment, helping make cycling a more accessible option for leisure and everyday journeys.”

Scottish Cycling has launched a new programme in Edinburgh designed to introduce young people to cycling and promote active travel.

05/11/2026

POLICE CLOSE EDINBURGH ROAD AND CYCLIST TAKEN TO HOSPITAL AFTER RUSH HOUR CRASH

An Edinburgh road was closed for hours following a crash involving a cyclist on Thursday morning.

Gillespie Road was closed between Lanark Road and Colinton Road following a collision at around 9am. Drivers were urged to avoid the area while police carried out investigations.

The male cyclist involved was taken to hospital for treatment.

Police confirmed shortly before 12.30pm, more than three hours after the incident, that the road had reopened.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 0702 of 5 November, 2026.”

The Scottish Ambulance Service has been contacted for comment.

Drivers have been told to avoid the area

05/11/2026

SPOKES COMPETITION

The topic was to describe the way in which you have benefitted from Spokes being around.

15th place – Steven Leitch

My Map to Edinburgh

When I moved to Edinburgh, the city was a maze to me. I knew where I needed to get to, but I didn’t yet know the streets, the shortcuts or, most importantly, which roads I would actually feel comfortable cycling on.

My Spokes map changed that.

Rather than seeing Edinburgh as a collection of busy roads and unfamiliar streets, I started seeing it as a network of routes to be discovered. I could study the map, work out quieter alternatives and gradually piece together my own way around this great city.

The biggest difference was my journey to work from East Edinburgh. The Spokes map gave me the confidence to try cycling it. What initially felt like an intimidating commute became a route I knew, understood and felt comfortable riding.

And that has meant more than simply going from A to B. I’ve discovered parts of Edinburgh I might have missed, become more familiar with my new home and realised just how practical cycling can be for everyday life.

For someone new to Edinburgh, that sense of confidence is invaluable. The map didn’t just show me where the cycle routes were — it helped me understand the city from a cyclist’s perspective. Now, instead of wondering whether I can cycle somewhere, I’m more likely to think which route to take.

That’s what Spokes has given me: confidence to explore my new city on two wheels, and a map that helped turn Edinburgh from somewhere unfamiliar to somewhere I can confidently navigate by bike.

Photo:- Heading into Edinburgh on Cycle Route 1, ‘Innocent Railway Path’ towards Holyrood Park

05/11/2026

COUNCIL TO GO AHEAD WITH CAR-FREE GEORGE STREET DESIGN – BUT NO TREES TO CUT COSTS
The city council could give the green light to changes to the layout of roads and pavements in the city centre, if councillors agree next week.

(Edinburgh Reporter - please read the rest on the link.)

The city council could give the green light to changes to the layout of roads and pavements in the city centre, if councillors agree next week. The biggest share will be spent on George Street where £20 million will be spent on pedestrianisation, planters and benches – but no trees. The City of E...

05/11/2026

LUCIO’S TOUR DE FRANCE
AUTOUR DE LUCIO
Edinburgh – Institut Français d’Ecosse
November 12, 2026 @ 18:00

Q&A with filmmaker Étienne Barrier

Lucio, a young man battling dystonia, as he sets out on a gruelling 99-day running and biking trek across France alongside his devoted mother.

With the Tour de France due to start off from Edinburgh next year we’re proud to present a film that highlights the uplifting value of sport in general and cycling in particular. Lucio, 26, suffers from dystonia, a condition that causes speech and movement disorders. However, he has embarked on a crazy challenge: to walk and cycle around France in less than 99 days.

Accompanied by his mother, he will discover France, his country that he only knows through television, and prove that with enough determination, you can make your dreams come true.

With the Tour de France due to start off from Edinburgh next year we’re proud to present a film that highlights the uplifting value of sport in general and cycling in particular. Lucio, 26, suffers from dystonia, a condition that causes speech and movement disorders. However, he has embarked on a ...

05/11/2026

RIDE AWAY
À bicyclette !
Tranent – The Fraser Centre
November 7, 2026 @ 19:00
French Film Festival

A deeply moving French comedy-drama about a grieving father who goes on an epic bicycle trip across Europe to honor his late son.

An unforgettable road trip across Europe, from the Atlantic to Istanbul… Director Mathias Mlekuz stars in a fictionalised version of the real-life bike pilgrimage he took with his co-star and actor friend Philippe Rebbot. They travel from the west coast of France to Istanbul to pay homage to Mathias’ son Youri after his untimely and shocking death.

Filled with moments of intense emotions and occasionally bursting with laughter, this journey becomes an opportunity for these two friends to explore their friendship and pay tribute to Youri’s memory. Audience Award, best director and best music at Angoulême Francophone Film Festival 2024.

03/11/2026

BIKEABILITY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR – CORSTORPHINE PRIMARY SCHOOL