Keith Irving
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keithirving.bsky.social
Keith Irving
@keithirving.bsky.social
300 followers 150 following 57 posts
CEO of Cycling Scotland. Foundation of Hearts supporter. PACTS co-opted trustee. Personal views.
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Reposted by Keith Irving
spokes.org.uk
Critical Safety Issues for 🚲👩‍🦼🚶

👍 Superb new Guidance from #govuk @ategov.bsky.social

--> www.gov.uk/government/p...

@edi.bike @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social @sw20.info @alastairdalton.bsky.social @keithirving.bsky.social @edinpl.bsky.social @harryjwilliams.bsky.social
Cover page of the new Guidance Active Travel England Guidance Critical safety issues for walking, wheeling and cycling Published 6 November 2025 What is a critical safety issue? A critical safety issue is defined as a street layout or condition that is associated with an increased risk of collisions for people walking, wheeling or cycling. Active Travel England’s route check tool identifies 16 critical safety issues for walking, wheeling and cycling. This guidance explains each of the issues with illustrations and provides links to relevant guidance and key evidence. You can use this guidance with the route check tool to identify and remove these risks. This will help reduce the risks of collisions for people walking, wheeling or cycling. The recommendation to focus on identifying and removing critical issues was introduced nationally in Local Transport Note 1/20 for cycling and regionally through approaches such as London’s Healthy Streets check and Greater Manchester’s Streets for All check.
November 8, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Reposted by Keith Irving
crisortunity.bsky.social
UK rail electrification in three graphs, for folks who prefer their information in graph format
Graph showing how little electrified railway the UK has compared to other European countries - 38% of our network vs 100% in Switzerland , 72% in Netherlands, 61% in Germany etc Bar Graph comparing rail electrification costs per kilometer for different countries and different UK rail electrification schemes. Swiss electrification costs per kilometer are around a fifth of those of the UK’s most expensive schemes (eg Manchester to Preston). Germany’s costs per km are only a tiny bit higher than Switzerland’s Line / bar graph showing kilometers of route electrification per year in Germany vs UK. Germany has been electrifying around 200km of railway every year for decades. The UK has long periods where it electrified nothing, then short bursts of activity where it electrified up to 500km per year. Then back to nothing again! Germany’s rolling programme of electrification vs the UK’s feast-or-famine approach is the number one reason why their per km costs are a tiny fraction of the UK’s.
November 8, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Reposted by Keith Irving
cyclingscotland.bsky.social
"I would recommend that all lorry and bus drivers participate in at least one of these day courses."

🚲 We hear from drivers at @eastlothiancouncil.bsky.social on their experience of Road User Awareness Training - which is helping to embed road safety knowledge and change perceptions on cycling.
Road User Awareness Training: East Lothian Council
Paul Duncan from East Lothian Council talks to us about how local authorities can benefit from Road User Awareness Training.
cycling.scot
November 7, 2025 at 8:50 AM
Reposted by Keith Irving
rikefranke.bsky.social
😮
Norway finds out that its electric busses - produced by a Chinese firm - can be remotely controlled from China!

The good news of this is that the Norwegians realised this because they did a cybersecurity test. We need to think about, and test, stuff like this more.
www.focus.de/panorama/wel...
Norweger stellen fest, dass China 850 ihrer Elektrobusse fernsteuern und sogar stoppen kann
Etwa 850 in Norwegen eingesetzte Elektrobusse können aus China vollständig kontrolliert werden. Das hat ein geheimer Test der öffentlichen Verkehrsbetriebe ergeben.
www.focus.de
November 6, 2025 at 10:43 AM
keithirving.bsky.social
This would be a good start:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government considering new tax on EV drivers in Budget
The BBC understands there have been
www.bbc.co.uk
November 6, 2025 at 8:45 AM
keithirving.bsky.social
Swift roadside drug tests rolled out further by police: drug-driving offences have risen by 60% in the past three years.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk
October 31, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Reposted by Keith Irving
weatherprof.bsky.social
2X increase in the most extreme hurrucanes!
Looking at every Cat 4 & 5 in the Atlantic since 1980 (reliable records/ data gathering) I broke the record into 2 equal parts.
1980-2002 and 2003-2025
The most recent period has more than double the number of most intense hurricanes in the Atlantic!…
1/
October 30, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Reposted by Keith Irving
patrickdunleavy.bsky.social
Classic case of private capital privileging its consumers at huge cost to everyone else, while government fails to regulate. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Car headlights to be reviewed after drivers complain of being 'blinded' at night
Concern over the glare from brighter headlamps is prompting the government to review vehicle design.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 28, 2025 at 9:50 AM
Reposted by Keith Irving
spokes.org.uk
#Drem-#Gullane campaign for station link path avoiding B1345

👍 Congrats to you & #FentonBarns ... looks like a big step forward!

--> dgcorepath.wixsite.com/website/post...

@edi.bike @lothianloop.bsky.social @shona-mcintosh.bsky.social @martinwhitfieldmsp.bsky.social @lizallan.bsky.social
email from Gullane-Drem campaign... Hi everyone, The landowner - D C Watson & Sons (Fenton Barns) Ltd - which owns Fenton Barns, a family-run farm with a commercial, leisure and retail village — has publicly announced its support for the Drem–Gullane path. This backing is especially significant: Fenton Barns controls a key stretch of the proposed route between the two villages. Momentum is building. The community is united behind a safe, climate-friendly path to keep children, families, commuters and visitors off the dangerous B1345.🚶‍♀️🚴‍♂️💚 News release: https://dgcorepath.wixsite.com/website/post/major-landowner-backs-path 📸 Keith Chalmers-Watson & Nicola Simpson of Fenton Barns flanked by path campaign supporters Robin Haynes & Chris Holme. Best wishes, Iain, Clare, Gail, Rosalind, Jonathan & Barry Drem-Gullane Path Campaign landowner statement... Nicola Simpson, managing director at Fenton Barns, said: "We at Fenton Barns strongly support the creation of a safe cycling and walking route between Drem railway station and Gullane, some of which would be over our land. We believe that responsible, managed access to parts of Fenton Barns will take cyclists off the dangerous B1345 and will encourage safer travel to our businesses. We stand ready to work with campaigners, neighbouring landowners, and East Lothian Council to agree on the most suitable route for this important and common-sense proposal." Picture of campaigners
October 28, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Reposted by Keith Irving
cyclingscotland.bsky.social
🚲🩺 For the last two years, Kirsty - an NHS health visitor in Glasgow - has cycled to work and to appointments in the community.

"I've found cycling is much quicker than driving... it gives you the headspace you need and time to reflect and think about how best I can support the families."
Kirsty, an NHS health visitor in Glasgow, smiles as she stands with her bike outside the health centre where she works.
October 27, 2025 at 8:02 AM
keithirving.bsky.social
Football fans have good days and bad days. Today was a good day. #hmfc
October 26, 2025 at 5:21 PM
Reposted by Keith Irving
transportenvironment.org
EU vehicle safety regulations have supported a 36% reduction in European road deaths since 2010, while road deaths in the US over the same period increased 30%.

Aligning EU standards with laxer US rules would undermine the EU’s global leadership in road safety.

Read the letter 👇
Accepting US car standards would risk European lives, warn cities and…
European cities and civil society groups have warned that accepting lower US car standards will see more dangerous vehicles flood into Europe
bit.ly
October 21, 2025 at 1:01 PM
Reposted by Keith Irving
markjmcintyre.bsky.social
Let this be the inspiration for cities everywhere.
Photo of a school street in Paris (Rue de l'Arbelete), Christophe Belin / Ville de Paris. A woman can be seen pushing a child's scooter along a street outside a school building in central Paris, newly lined with trees, greenery and abundant street space for children to play and move safely, which has been reclaimed from vehicles. A young girl playing on newly renovated school street in central Paris. Trees and brand new pedestrian-focused paving can be seen in the background. Josephine Brueder / Ville de Paris Photo of children walking down a school street in central Paris. The entire street has been transformed into a fully pedestrianised space, with new planting, bushes, and space for children to walk safely and easily to school. Christophe Belin / Ville de Paris. A woman cycles down a new school street in Paris, as children gather outside the school's doors. Abundant new planting can be seen in the centre of the new pedestrianised street. Christophe Belin / Ville de Paris.
October 14, 2025 at 5:28 PM
Reposted by Keith Irving
wwctrustscot.bsky.social
Did someone say highland coo?

Last Friday we were in stunning Glen Coe to officially open the new Glencoe Greenway 🎉

The 5km traffic-free path finally makes it possible to safely walk, wheel and cycle into the heart of the iconic glen 💚

Find out more: walkwheelcycletrust.org.uk/glencoegreenway
Local MSP Kate Forbes and representatives from project partners National Trust for Scotland, VisitScotland and Walk Wheel Cycle Trust post for a photograph on the new Glencoe Greenway, with the hills of Glencoe in the background. A National Trust for Scotland employee petting one of the Highland cows that lives on site in the Glencoe national nature reserve. A couple walking in the distance on the new Glencoe Greenway path, with trees in the foreground and the hills of Glencoe in the background in beautiful morning light.
October 15, 2025 at 2:45 PM
keithirving.bsky.social
Today's update from @thecccuk.bsky.social:
-Strengthening UK’s adaptation essential & urgent
-Prepare the UK for the weather extremes if global warming levels reach 2°C above preindustrial levels 🔥❄️🌦
-Reaching 4°C above preindustrial levels cannot yet be ruled out 🔥🔥🔥
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Government told to prepare for 2C warming by 2050
The Climate Change Committee said the UK should make climate change adaptions beyond the Paris Agreement.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 15, 2025 at 11:23 AM
Reposted by Keith Irving
thebikestation.bsky.social
In 2024, our mechanics repaired 800+ bikes — keeping more wheels spinning and less waste in landfill. 🌍
Repairing isn’t just fixing bikes. It’s looking after ourplanet.
buff.ly/BdXYLXU

#CircularEconomy #RepairCulture #Sustainability
Repairs & Servicing | The Bike Station | Scotland
We offer a huge variety of repair services for your bike. If you need your bike repaired, please complete the Edinburgh contact form below if you intend to bring your bike to our Edinburgh branch, or…
buff.ly
October 11, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Reposted by Keith Irving
gavincorbett.bsky.social
Outdoor recreation won’t change the world or solve all society’s ills. But a wee bit of investment will be highly visible, will bring joy and better health to a lot of people and will boost the rural economy. What’s not to love?
ramblersscotland.bsky.social Ramblers Scotland @ramblersscotland.bsky.social · Oct 8
🌳Scotland needs Paths Into Nature!🚶

We’ve launched an ambitious joint manifesto ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election, backed by 7 partner orgs in Scottish Outdoor Recreation Alliance.

Our goal? ✅ Make Scotland’s world-class access rights an everyday reality for all!

ramblers.org.uk/scotmanifesto
October 8, 2025 at 12:58 PM
keithirving.bsky.social
'With power comes responsibility' - the ⚽️ player who cycles 🚲 to work

www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...
'With power comes responsibility' - Hector Bellerin wins BBC Green Sports Award
Former Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin talks about his attempts to live a more sustainable life as he wins the BBC Green Sports Award.
www.bbc.co.uk
October 6, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Reposted by Keith Irving
felly500.bsky.social
Position Statement: Active Travel and
Health

www.adph.org.uk/networks/lon...

@londonadph.bsky.social
www.adph.org.uk
September 28, 2025 at 7:49 PM
keithirving.bsky.social
To St Andrews for a rugby match by train & bike this morning. Easy journey by Fife coastal path / North Sea cycle route- and plenty of replacement calories available at Leuchars station...
Cafe kiosk at Leuchars station Path next to road to St Andrews, disappearing into distance Sign for North Sea Cycle Route and path Bike on train. Murrayfield stadium visible out train window
September 27, 2025 at 12:16 PM
keithirving.bsky.social
Road Casualties data for 2024 in Great Britain published this week: www.gov.uk/government/s...

Thanks to @pactsuk.bsky.social, there is an important new chart on the vehicles involved in fatal crashes:
Chart showing road fatalities by road user involved in collision. Data for Great Britain in 2024
September 26, 2025 at 9:58 AM
keithirving.bsky.social
#charityjobs
cyclingscotland.bsky.social Cycling Scotland @cyclingscotland.bsky.social · Sep 17
We’re appointing a new Head of Finance and Corporate Services, who will have responsibility for managing and overseeing all aspects of Cycling Scotland’s finances, helping us deliver our charitable mission.

Find out more and apply by 12 noon, Monday 13th October 2025: buff.ly/JgaLYOR
Photo of people cycling in a protected cycle lane on a busy urban street in Glasgow. Overlaid white text reads: "Join our team", with the Cycling Scotland logo.
September 17, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Reposted by Keith Irving
cyclingscotland.bsky.social
E-bikes are having a hugely positive impact in getting more people cycling. However there's a lot of confusion between legal, safe e-bikes and illegally modified e-bikes.

Our latest blog explores the difference, the serious dangers of illegal e-bikes and what needs to change: buff.ly/2KhwVD6
A woman in a red jacket smiles as she rides an e-cargo bike on a city street.
September 16, 2025 at 7:48 AM
Reposted by Keith Irving
cyclingscotland.bsky.social
📣🚲 "I think Bikeability is awesome!"

P6 pupils of Tayview Primary School in Dundee share what #BikeabilityScotland means to them: unlocking joy, cycling confidence, physical wellbeing, and skills they can take with them through the rest of their lives.
September 12, 2025 at 12:08 PM
Reposted by Keith Irving
cyclingscotland.bsky.social
Chair Laura Young and Brian Deegan, Director of Inspections at Active Travel England bring the #CyclingScotlandConf to a close, with a Q&A focusing on the unique benefits that cycling can bring to transport planning and the success stories already being seen across Scotland.
Brian Deegan, Active Travel England Director of Inspections addresses the 2025 Cycling Scotland Conference in Dundee. Climate researcher and environmental campaigner Laura Young chairs the 2025 Cycling Scotland Conference in Dundee.
September 10, 2025 at 3:10 PM