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blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
Blackford Safe Routes
@blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
1.5K followers 3.3K following 1.7K posts
Campaign for safe routes to school in Edinburgh. Run by the Travel Committee of James Gillespie’s Primary School and friends

https://blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk/
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Blackford Safe Routes @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk · 13d
Moody and dramatic autumnal scenes for today’s bike-bus! 🍁🍂

What a great way to start the day!
A group of kids on bikes about to cross a street. The black tarmac has a sheen to it, and there are orange and yellow leaves scattered on it. In the distance, the short hill on the route to school. On the left, some modern flats. The sky is light blue, with white, light grey, and dark grey clouds
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
rntropy.bsky.social
This is a joke, but this is one reason car-dependent suburbs are actually terrible places to raise kids. You have to drive them everywhere. Kids resent the lack of autonomy. Parents resent the drain on their time.
tomflood.bsky.social Tom Flood @tomflood.bsky.social · 13h
i just want my kids to be able to walk to the store to get stuff so I don't have to.
November 13, 2025 at 8:48 PM
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tomflood.bsky.social
i just want my kids to be able to walk to the store to get stuff so I don't have to.
November 13, 2025 at 8:38 PM
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jonburkeuk.bsky.social
They market their cars as weapons and we allow them on the same roads as children cycling to school.

And I still get weird middle-aged men in my notifications obfuscating for and defending this.

This is not a serious society.
Huge Range Rover that looks like a tank.
November 13, 2025 at 9:43 PM
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laidbackbikes.bsky.social
Let's face it. Cowgate is the capital's original 'traffic sewer'. 🐀 🐀 🐀 Most local residents are not car owners. Most visitors walk. Time to open it with space for safely walking through / close to through traffic. This in turn will reduce rush hour queues in Grassmarket using this East West route.
edinreporter.bsky.social The Edinburgh Reporter @edinreporter.bsky.social · 21h
Ahead of the @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social Transport and Environment committee meeting on Thursday members of @edcriticalmass.bsky.social protested about lack of action on Cowgate
November 13, 2025 at 5:18 PM
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americanfietser.bsky.social
Forced car dependency robs society of any chance at financial freedom. America doesn't have a "love obsession with cars", they simply have not been given a choice.
fintwitter.bsky.social FinTwitter @fintwitter.bsky.social · 1d
AVERAGE NEW CAR PRICE SURPASSES $50,000 FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HISTORY : YAHOO FINANCE
November 13, 2025 at 12:44 PM
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edinreporter.bsky.social
Ahead of the @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social Transport and Environment committee meeting on Thursday members of @edcriticalmass.bsky.social protested about lack of action on Cowgate
November 13, 2025 at 12:50 PM
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sw20.info
Would love to see data on that crossing. Bet more pedestrians than cars use it every day….
November 13, 2025 at 1:00 PM
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longstonecc.bsky.social
Solidarity. Always hear plenty about anti-social behaviour from young folk & forget adults are guilty of anti-social behaviour on a daily basis. Speeding, engine idling, fireworks, pavement parking, smoking at the school gates, not being able to put rubbish in bins properly, fly tipping etc…
November 13, 2025 at 1:31 PM
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americanfietser.bsky.social
Not all delivery trucks are justifiable in cities. We can create jobs, boost sustainable transportation, and create safer streets with better infrastructure through cargo bike logistics.

The solutions, designs, and tools already exist. All we seem to lack is the political will to implement them.
November 13, 2025 at 12:39 PM
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zakbond.bsky.social
⚡📮Nice work @royal-mail.bsky.social, who have just announced the launch of a new fleet of over 100 micro electric vehicles, replacing 52 vans.

Better for the climate and for deliveries. This is exactly the kind of move we need to see for cities free of diesel vans!

#ElectrifyLondon
A micro electric vehicle in royal mail livery.
November 13, 2025 at 12:22 PM
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magnatom.bsky.social
I think there are issues with the scheme, specifically that higher earners save more than lower earners. The focus should be to improve the savings for lower earners rather than placing limits on the scheme.
Every person that rides a bike is a fitter person, saving the NHS money.
November 13, 2025 at 9:02 AM
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gazza-d.bsky.social
But she's more than happy to subsidise people who can afford to buy £40k electric cars but more than the cost of a decent bike. And through salary sacrifice schemes too.
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025...
Rachel Reeves to cut tax benefits for workers using salary sacrifice schemes to buy bikes
Chancellor expected to introduce new limit on how much can be spent on a bicycle through cycle to work scheme
www.theguardian.com
November 13, 2025 at 6:30 AM
blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
Good news
spokes.org.uk SpokesLothian @spokes.org.uk · 19h
#EdinWebCast - #PHV in #BusLanes

Cllr @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social accepts 'very helpful' Green amendt, opposes Tory amendt

Votes:
7 Lab/Green/SNP/Lib
2 Con

So
👍no PHVs in bus lanes meantime
👍no further consideration of PHVs in #BusGates until after the Licensing Review into Black Cabs & PHVs
Picture - Councillors voting against PHV in bus lanes Cllr Jenkinson
November 13, 2025 at 3:11 PM
blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
Great write-up from @edinreporter.bsky.social

Critical Mass, the cycling campaign group, demand action on safety measures in the Old Town Street remembering a fatal incident there last year

theedinburghreporter.co.uk/2025/11/road...
@edcriticalmass.bsky.social
Road safety in the Cowgate must be a priority say campaigners
Road safety needs immediate action from the council to improve Cowgate in the Old Town for everyone from pedestrians to motorists
theedinburghreporter.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 2:08 PM
blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
Bike bus is back again tomorrow, Friday 14th! 🚲 🚌 😻

We will have PC Bowden riding with us as guest 👮🏻‍♂️🚲

We ride in a group, making sure everyone is included and kept safe.

Details and dates of all the rides for this school year:

blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk/jgps-travel-...
blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk Blackford Safe Routes @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk · 13d
Moody and dramatic autumnal scenes for today’s bike-bus! 🍁🍂

What a great way to start the day!
A group of kids on bikes about to cross a street. The black tarmac has a sheen to it, and there are orange and yellow leaves scattered on it. In the distance, the short hill on the route to school. On the left, some modern flats. The sky is light blue, with white, light grey, and dark grey clouds
November 13, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Reposted by Blackford Safe Routes
urbaneprofessor.bsky.social
Another RTC involving a bus and a pedestrian at Haymarket. Sadly, I'm not surprised. It's another mess of an area in Edinburgh, where fast vehicular movement is prioritised over making it a safe place...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Pedestrian in hospital after being hit by double-decker bus in Edinburgh
The man was struck by a Lothian Buses vehicle near Haymarket station in Edinburgh.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 12:11 PM
blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
One year after a horrific road death in the Cowgate, what have Edinburgh council done?

Excellent protest from Critical Mass, on a dreich day!

Great to see @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social & @chasbooth.bsky.social speak to protesters

@edcriticalmass.bsky.social
Sodden protesters outside the City Chambers. There is a banner saying “delays cost lives. Support active travel now”. The protesters are holding up a street sign “Cowgate” and some clock faces Sodden protesters outside the City Chambers speak to the Transport Convenor, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson Sodden protesters outside the City Chambers. There is a banner saying “delays cost lives. Support active travel now”. The protesters are holding up a street sign “Cowgate” and some clock faces
November 13, 2025 at 11:58 AM
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spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast

Q: Cllr @chasbooth.bsky.social says new left turn #ElmRow --> #LondonRoad reported to cause long delays (up to 10 mins!) to 🚶👩‍🦼🚲crossing

A: Officer surprised if so but will investigate & report to ward councillors

@edtiss.bsky.social @jackrmcaldwell.bsky.social @mcdmartin.bsky.social
Cllr Booth Bluesky Report of 10 mins wait to cross ‪Edward Tissiman‬ ‪@edtiss.bsky.social‬ · 17h Currently a 10 minute wait for pedestrians/cyclists at the London Road/Leith Walk junction. On a typical 1 mile walking commute, 1/3rd of it could spent waiting at this single junction. Pathetic from Edinburgh Council, who claimed that the changes here would have no impact on active travel.
November 13, 2025 at 11:24 AM
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spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast

Living Rent #Lochend seeks safety measures following tragic injuries on local roads

Cllr @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social offers to meet with them and officers to discuss

@lochendpark.bsky.social @dastonsnp.bsky.social @benmacpherson.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social
Living Rent Lochend Info ... Living Rent Edinburgh 2d · LOCHEND NEEDS SAFE ROADS COMMUNITY DAY It was a fantastic day attended by over 70 adults and children. We were joined by local fire fightes Fire & Rescue Service & St Andrews First Aid delivering trainings Dr Bike bike Service, Stina Sparkles Face Painting and local businesses. Residents in Lochend have seen their neighbours and children being hit by cars, are afraid to have their kids cycle to school and have seen their roads littered with potholes which make crossing unsafe. We are asking for multiple improvments including safe crossings across Lochend. Winners of our poster competition will be announced soon, thank you for all the amazing entries! Thank you to Councillor Steven Jenkinson, Convenor of the Transport and Environment Committee and Councillor Danny Aston and Minister Ben MacPherson who came down to commit their support to the campaign and seeing real road safety improvements in Lochend. If you want to get involved in the campaign come along to our next meetings on Tuesday 11th November 6.30pm & Wednesday 10h December 6.30pm at St Ninian Primary.
November 13, 2025 at 11:13 AM
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spokes.org.uk
Transport Cttee (TEC) 13.11.25

Papers-> democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/ieListDocume...
Watch-> edinburgh.public-i.tv/core/portal/...

includes:
7.4 private hire cars #PHV in #BusLanes?
9.3 #A701 #A702 road building
8.7 #Climate
9.1 Road markings

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @chdot.bsky.social
democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk
November 13, 2025 at 10:01 AM
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edtiss.bsky.social
Currently a 10 minute wait for pedestrians/cyclists at the London Road/Leith Walk junction.

On a typical 1 mile walking commute, 1/3rd of it could spent waiting at this single junction.

Pathetic from Edinburgh Council, who claimed that the changes here would have no impact on active travel.
mcdmartin.bsky.social Martin McD @mcdmartin.bsky.social · 1d
Reported to Edinburgh Emergency number who have passed to signals. Recorded a 10min video waiting for them to change and then they did.
May be to do with whether button pushed but didn't try it. Shouldn’t be necessary.
November 12, 2025 at 5:52 PM
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jarlathflynn.bsky.social
Check out this That's TV feature on the newest #bikebus in #edinburgh.
x.com/ThatsTVLothi...
@spokes.org.uk @sustrans.bsky.social @edi.bike @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk @cyclinguk.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social
November 12, 2025 at 5:16 PM
blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
Protest! Tomorrow! 🤘
edcriticalmass.bsky.social Edinburgh Critical Mass @edcriticalmass.bsky.social · 4d
Tick, tock! Cowgate. One year on. What have you done?

We'll be outside City Chambers from 8.30am this Thursday 13 November to ask the council just that.
Clock face showing 3:40
November 12, 2025 at 11:21 PM
blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
Ambitions for Princes St improved 👍
spokes.org.uk SpokesLothian @spokes.org.uk · 1d
#PrincesStreet #Edinwebcast

👍 Amendment passed, voting 7-4

👍 Fantastic news! Transport & wider considerations must now be incorporated in the strategy

This might not have happened without long-term effort/persistence by Spokes & the visionary/technical expertise of Richard Murphy architects
Crucial parts of the successful amendment 4. notes the interventions made by some which seek to place a greater emphasis on placemaking and respecting the transport hierarchy. 5. therefore, agrees not to adopt the strategy at this stage. 6. instead agrees that officers should seek to convene an elected member/officer/stakeholder workshop that brings together those with transport, culture, heritage and placemaking expertise so a more ambitious and exciting strategy can be brought forward for approval. Moved by: Cllr Hal Osler Seconded by: Cllr Kevin Lang Pictures showing type of vision proposed by Richard Murphy, with 2 bus/tram lanes, bike lanes and much wider footways. This type of solution will now - hopefully - get serious consideration Start of the Spokes submission http://www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/251112-CEC-PLANNING-COMMITTEE-SPOKES-Deputation-princes-st.pdf CEC PLANNING COMMITTEE, 12.11.25 - written deputation from Spokes 7.3 Non-Statutory Planning Guidance – Finalised Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy The proposed draft guidance, whilst including many worthwhile proposals, has one over-riding failing, in that it completely neglects the huge area of land occupied by roadway, and assumes it must stay as now. It is as if we have separate Planning and Transport departments rather than a unified Place department. This cannot be the right approach for a holistic view of Princes Street and the Waverley Valley. Nor is it right that large amounts of money should be invested without the whole area being considered in a unified manner. The earlier, consultation, proposals were widely criticised by the West End and New Town Community Councils, by internationally renowned Richard Murphy architects, and others for lacking ambition and imagination. Nor did they go anywhere near the recommendations of the Council's commissioned report by urban designer Jan Gehl, way back in 2010, who identified "cycle and pedestrian priority" and reduced vehicle presence as "essential" for Princes Street to achieve its "huge potential." Sadly, the draft Guidance document presented today shows little change in these respects. It fails to live up to what is expected in the heart of a modern European capital. Richard Murphy Architects have put forward the sort of approach which takes these issues seriously (website; full report) and looks at how the entire area, including the roadway, can be transformed into a place catering properly for walking, wheeling and cycling, together with effective tram and bus services, and with much greater scope for enjoying the incredible setting of Scotland's premier street. In particular, Murphy points out how much of the Princes Street roadspace is currently just e…
November 12, 2025 at 11:20 PM
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edcriticalmass.bsky.social
Preparation for tomorrow at 8.30AM outside City Chambers to ask what they've done in a year.
A partially painted Cowgate sign
November 12, 2025 at 11:05 PM