Robbie Ainsworth
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robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Robbie Ainsworth
@robbieainsworth.bsky.social
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A civil engineer in Edinburgh. Cycle path closures and a bit of history.
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Robbie Ainsworth @robbieainsworth.bsky.social · Aug 16
Following research into tram and cycle safety on Princes Street, I wanted to share snaps into three eras of historical use. Cable trams came to Edinburgh in 1888, at the same time as the safety bicycle. They were removed in 1956, as the popularity of the private motor car overtook the bicycle. [1/4]
Article from Edinburgh Evening News Wednesday December 22nd 1937 giving the opinion that cycling by tram tracks is safer than around buses. Colourised postcard around year 1900 showing Princes Street at The Mound without motor vehicles, one tram on tram tracks, pedestrians leisurely walking in road and cycles by tram tracks
Reposted by Robbie Ainsworth
spokes.org.uk
#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from Spokes 7.3 Non-Statutory Planning Guidance – Finalised Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy The proposed draft guidance, whilst including many worthwhile proposals, has one over-riding failing, in that it completely neglects the huge area of land occupied by roadway, and assumes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 4:12 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Bridge Inspection on Roseburn Terrace today 10:30 - 12:30. Potential obstruction of CCWEL path under bridge, and Roseburn Path above bridge has been queried: www.threads.com/@edinburghtr... #EdTravCyc @edi.bike @spokes.org.uk
Edinburgh Travel News (@edinburghtravelnews) on Threads
Roseburn Terrace 🚧🚦 Engineers will be carrying out a bridge inspection today (Wed 12th). Temporary traffic lights in place 10.30am - 12.30pm approx. #edintravel
www.threads.com
November 12, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Reposted by Robbie Ainsworth
spokes.org.uk
🙄 #PrincesStreet plans unfit for modern #European capital

Spokes deputn to 12.11.25 Planning Cttee
--> www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

@edi.bike @thecockburn.bsky.social @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @chasbooth.bsky.social @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @mthmttcoe.bsky.social
Start of Spokes deputation... 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. Spokes Recommendation to the Committee RECOMMENDATION In conclusion, we ask that the Committee postpones adopting the Guidance until such time as these issues have been properly addressed, to provide a holistic approach to the entire area including the sort of provision for sitting, walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport which is normal in the premier streets of other European capitals. Spokes deputation refers to Richard Murphy architect proposals, with pictures showing bus & tram only in Princes St, with bike lanes and much wider footways. The Richard Murphy Princes Street proposals are a very similar concept to the above examples, as in this drawing and video clip from his report. Figure 1. Still image from Richard Murphy Architects fly-through (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LZLsfozjqc) Resurfacing of the footway and carriageway is very costly and presents a rare opportunity to modify kerblines that may not return for another decade or more. In addition to footway extension, carriageway redetermination presents an opportunity for protected cycle infrastructure. Princes Street continues to be a popular cycle route for many journeys, including to destinations on the street itself. Indeed, anecdotal and crowdsourced evidence suggests it continues to be as or more popular than George Street. bus, taxi, tram & bike congested in Princes st (old photo, but still the same!)
November 10, 2025 at 11:36 AM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Rodney Street closed citybound including uphill segregated cycle lane. Eyre Pl and George IV park may offer alternate route. #EdTravCyc @edi.bike www.threads.com/@edinburghtr...
November 4, 2025 at 9:39 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Forrest Rd (National cycles routes 1 and 75 northbound) between Middle Meadow Walk and George IV Bridge closed for emergency repairs until Thurs/Fri. Road will be open before 9am and after 4pm each day. Dismount likely required.
@spokes.org.uk @edi.bike www.threads.com/@edinburghtr...
Edinburgh Travel News (@edinburghtravelnews) on Threads
The Forrest Road repairs are estimated to be ongoing until this Thursday 6 or Friday 7 November. **Note** The road will open each day at 4pm and close again at 9am the next day. #edintravel
www.threads.com
November 4, 2025 at 2:56 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Enjoying the new VOI bike expansion today, and I'm not the only one.

However, high winds today seem to be knocking bikes over.
I saw a kind passer-by standing some up at Fountainbridge, only for them to blow over again. Curiously, the bikes then disappeared from the app.

@edi.bike @spokes.org.uk
November 2, 2025 at 12:19 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
CCWEL at Roseburn potentially obstructed today for unexpected Scottish Water repairs www.threads.com/@edinburghtr... #EdTravCyc
Edinburgh Travel News (@edinburghtravelnews) on Threads
Roseburn Terrace Scottish Water contractors are carrying out an ironwork repair today (Mon 27 Oct), roughly outside EH Dental Care. Some disruption is likely to vehicle, pedestrian and cycle traffic ...
www.threads.com
October 27, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Reposted by Robbie Ainsworth
johnrobson87.bsky.social
Update @edi.bike @spokes.org.uk Comiston Rd closure has a 🚧 gap that is passable with care on carriageway (see grey jacket cyclist route) so pleasant compared to Braid Rd.
@edinreporter.bsky.social is it not odd the petrol station is also closed for roof works right now? Some coincidence!
October 27, 2025 at 7:57 AM
Reposted by Robbie Ainsworth
filmendefietser.bsky.social
Storm incoming, hold on to your bikes!

#StormBenjamin
October 23, 2025 at 4:15 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Comiston Road closed for 1 week. Traffic to be officially diverted by Greenbank Crescent.
However, expect confused rat-running near Greenbank-Meadows quiet route, especially on Braidburn Terrace.
www.threads.com/@edinburghtr... #EdTravCyc @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
Edinburgh Travel News (@edinburghtravelnews) on Threads
Comiston Road 🚧⛔️ Gas leak repairs by the Shell garage just south of Greenbank Crescent now require a full closure of Comiston Road. This is expected to be installed around 6.30pm today Wed 22 Oct a...
www.threads.com
October 22, 2025 at 4:03 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Holyrood Park High Road has re-opened to pedestrians and cycles following the grassfire and rockfall assessment. #EdTravCyc @edi.bike @spokes.org.uk www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-plac...
External Event notices | Holyrood Park | Historic Environment Scotland
Find out about external events taking place at Holyrood Park that may impact your visit.
www.historicenvironment.scot
October 17, 2025 at 11:28 AM
Reposted by Robbie Ainsworth
spokes.org.uk
😍 #WestLothian #SpokesMap 2025 is here!!

INFO--> www.spokes.org.uk/2025/10/west...

Launched by MP @kittysull1.bsky.social & Deputy Provost #PeterHeggie

🤩 See Special Offer [ends 31 Oct]

@edi.bike @thecockburn.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social
West Lothian #SpokesMap – 5th edition! The 5th edition of our highly praised West Lothian Cycle Map was launched on 11 October by Kirsteen Sullivan, MP for Bathgate and Linlithgow and Cllr Peter Heggie, Council Deputy Provost, at West Lothian Bike Library / Crofthead Community Centre. The whole county was surveyed in detail by Spokes volunteers, together with a new area covering Falkirk, Bo’ness and the Kelpies. The map was then completely redrawn and revised by our maps group’s skilled volunteer cartographer, using new software which enables simpler future updating. Kisteen Sullivan MP & Deputy Provost Peter Heggie launch the Spokes Map at West Lothian Bike Library (see weather-proof map copies on the Library's fence behind) Map extract, extending to Falkirk, Bo'ness Steam Railway - and the Kelpies! Special Offer [ending 31 October] Until 31 October 2025 you can order direct from Spokes, by post or email [office@spokes.org.uk] at the special price of £7 each including postage. You can also order 6 maps for our standard bulk-order price of £30 – perfect to resell at your workplace, school or amongst friends and relations – give them a cheap price or raise cash for a charity. Or as a present to your 6 best friends! [Postage may be added if delivery or collection cannot be arranged].
October 14, 2025 at 1:44 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
#EdTravCyc Some cycling on grass and up a bank required at path exit
longstonecc.bsky.social Longstone Community Council @longstonecc.bsky.social · Oct 9
So this is what was going on this morning. Union Canal path between Redhall Park turnoff and Kingsknowe Station will be closed each day for the next couple of weeks from 8am - 4.30pm. Cutting back ash trees. Diversion in place. No notice of this in advance 👎🏼 @spokes.org.uk @sw20.info @edi.bike
Union Canal Tree Safety Works: Edinburgh
www.scottishcanals.co.uk
October 9, 2025 at 7:57 PM
Reposted by Robbie Ainsworth
spokes.org.uk
#Tram #Granton-#Bioquarter

🙋 Spokes draft response [as of 6 Oct]
--> www.spokes.org.uk/2025/10/tram...

@edi.bike @thecockburn.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @cobaltmale.bsky.social @transform.scot @sw20.info
Tram Granton to Bioquarter – Spokes early draft response, as of 6 Oct With the consultation now well underway, the Spokes draft response is developing well. You can find it here [1.9MB pdf]. We strongly stress that this is a work in progress and there are likely to be considerable further edits, particularly to the second part of the response, dealing with individual sections of the route. Major updates and ideas in the draft, since our initial thoughts, include.. An introductory section on bikes and tramlines, which includes lessons from our tramline-crash reporting tool and from earlier phases of Edinburgh tram Detailed commentary on all sections of the route [several sections still require considerable fleshing out]. Some major issues/opportunities arising include.. Great concern over cycling safety in the Bridges corridor. We urge single-line working for this section, or possibly the tramlines on one side of the road with bidirectional segregated cycling on the other side We suggest dropping North Bridge tram stop and replacing it by two stops – at Waverley Steps to serve east Princes Street and the rail station, and at the North Bridge arcade, to serve the Old Town and again the rail station. There are multiple reasons for this suggestion, in addition to a major cycling safety aspect There may be an opportunity to incorporate an active travel bridge over the mainline railway, linking the North Edinburgh Network to the new Fountainbridge link, without the long ramps down to road level and up again. What you can do Above are just some of the highlights of our draft response – there is a wealth of other detail, and we welcome any feedback Forward our draft to anyone who may be interested Repost our bluesky post Like our facebook article Most important of all – submit your own response to the consultation. Use the online QA and/or the email address given.
October 6, 2025 at 11:54 AM
Reposted by Robbie Ainsworth
spokes.org.uk
🙋 #Tram final drop-in TODAY Wed 1 Oct, 1600-1900
Waverley Court 4 East Market St

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @robbieainsworth.bsky.social @harryjwilliams.bsky.social @hannahritchie.bsky.social @transform.scot @sw20.info @johnrobson87.bsky.social @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk @thecockburn.bsky.social
October 1, 2025 at 10:55 AM
Reposted by Robbie Ainsworth
edi.bike
🎉 The East Area ETRO has been agreed to make permanent! And, moments later, so have the North and West Area Travelling Safely schemes.

Many thanks to everyone who joined us and @spokes.org.uk in calling for scrutiny on this process and calling for sense to prevail at the TRO Sub-Committee.
three people are riding bicycles down a road and the word swapfeet is on the bottom
ALT: three people are riding bicycles down a road and the word swapfeet is on the bottom
media.tenor.com
September 4, 2025 at 9:51 AM
Reposted by Robbie Ainsworth
spokes.org.uk
#TravellingSafely East

Officer says
1. cash allocated to upgrade #ETRO routes
2. Order concerns traffic restrictions, not materials

🙄 Cllr Lang again queries the materials
A: the materials are safe but will be upgraded if permanent

No other councillors speak!

🤩 Report agreed! - East lanes saved!
Officer Deborah Paton says the order concerns traffic restrictions, NOT the nature of materials used, although info on that has been supplied at the request of councillors. cllr lang speaking
September 4, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Reposted by Robbie Ainsworth
spokes.org.uk
#Cargobikes !!

1. #SpokesMtg 2 Sept
-> bsky.app/profile/did:...

2. Win £1K towards a #cargobike
-> bsky.app/profile/spok...

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @laidbackbikes.bsky.social @banzaiedinburgh.bsky.social @sw20.info @cargobikefest.bsky.social @portyenergy.bsky.social @digital-mage.bsky.social
Spokes meeting article... Cargobikes in Edinburgh: #SpokesMtg Cargobikes are seen more and more in Edinburgh, and the potential is massive, as in many European cities and elsewhere around the world. Our public meeting on 2 September will feature the 90-minute documentary film MOTHERLOAD – a mother’s experience of how cargo bikes can be an antidote to the increasing isolation, disconnection, and planetary impact of life in C21. The meeting will then hear from local organisations in the forefront of cargobike development in Edinburgh “Filmmaker Liz Canning cycled everywhere until she had twins in 2008. Motherhood was challenging, but to Liz hauling babies via car felt stifling. She Googled “family bike” and uncovered a global movement of people replacing cars with cargo bikes: long-frame bicycles designed for carrying heavy loads. Liz set out to learn more, and MOTHERLOAD was born.” The film has now appeared in over 600 venues around the globe, making the case for cargobikes – and not just for families, but for a wide range of transport purposes worldwide. Speakers After the film there will be short presentations (5 mins or less each) from several local organisations using cargobikes, including… The Bike Station – continuing the work of former CargoBikeMovement Banzai [Bruntsfield Area Net Zero Action Initiative] – runs a cargobike library Porty Community Energy – runs a cargobike library Cycling Gardeners of Edinburgh – a small business using cargobikes as their main form of transport [photo below] Then a QA with the speakers panel – due to the 90-minute film, the QA is likely only to be 30 minutes rather than our usual hour. Spokes comp article... #SpokesComp 2025 : My Favourite Bike Ride For our 2025 summer competition we’d like to hear about your favourite local bike ride, in Edinburgh and/or the Lothians. It may be a leisure ride, or your daily commute or perhaps the school ‘run’ with your kids. In judging the competition, we want to know not just the route itself but, most of all, why this ride is so special to you. Hopefully your entry will entice or inspire other people to get on their bike and try the same or something similar. So that the competition does not require technical skills, judging will be based on written entries. Your route should be fairly easy to describe, without too many intricate instructions, frequent turnings, etc. Photos and/or a sketch can be included and often help, but are not essential. You can also include electronic mapping if you wish, but this will not be included in the judging. Comp prizes... PRIZES Top prizewinner gets first choice of prizes, and so on till all prizes allocated. Runner-up entries which don’t win a prize will get to choose a free Spokes map or buff Museum of Scottish Railways (Bo’Ness) Family annual pass to the extensive museum Bo’Ness & Kinneil Steam Railway Family ticket for one return trip Ember Bus [takes 2 bikes] £50 bus tickets credit Edinburgh Bicycle £50 Edinburgh Bicycle voucher Camera Obscura Family ticket Cameo Picturehouse Tickets for 2 Laidback Bikes Recumbent tour or cargobike hire Harts Cyclery One-week ebike hire Edinburgh Festival of Cycling Urban Arrow Cargo-bike day hire Lanterne Rouge bike cafe, Gifford £20 voucher Lanterne Rouge bike cafe, Gifford Blue/white no-plastic Africap from Sierra Leone Rosebean cafe or Dower House cafe £10 voucher Spokes £1000 voucher* towards cargo-bike purchase Spokes £200 voucher* towards e-bike purchase Spokes Set of all 4 Spokes maps RUNNERS-UP Spokes map or Edinburgh map-buff
August 29, 2025 at 9:31 AM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Spontaneous cycling lessons after a road resurfacing closure last night. If only it was always like this? @edi.bike @violaoutside.bsky.social @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
August 28, 2025 at 11:39 AM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Union Path closures 9am-5pm daily until next Wednesday 3rd September. They'll be moving southwards generally, so hopefully cycle access should be possible by Harrison Park in later stages. It should be a manned closure. www.scottishcanals.co.uk/boating/ongo... #EdTravCyc @edi.bike @spokes.org.uk
August 26, 2025 at 1:06 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Greenbank - Meadows quietroute closed unexpectedly at Strathearn Place. #EdTravCyc @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk @edi.bike @spokes.org.uk
August 18, 2025 at 8:40 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Following research into tram and cycle safety on Princes Street, I wanted to share snaps into three eras of historical use. Cable trams came to Edinburgh in 1888, at the same time as the safety bicycle. They were removed in 1956, as the popularity of the private motor car overtook the bicycle. [1/4]
Article from Edinburgh Evening News Wednesday December 22nd 1937 giving the opinion that cycling by tram tracks is safer than around buses. Colourised postcard around year 1900 showing Princes Street at The Mound without motor vehicles, one tram on tram tracks, pedestrians leisurely walking in road and cycles by tram tracks
August 16, 2025 at 9:24 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Holyrood Park High Road and its pavement now closed past Dunsapie Loch into next week. HES have organised geotechnical engineering rock face inspections next week to check for fire damage. The path is likely to remain closed until the risk of rockfall can be ascertained #EdTravCyc
robbieainsworth.bsky.social Robbie Ainsworth @robbieainsworth.bsky.social · Aug 11
Holyrood Park High Road and its pavement now closed to all users until at least Friday 15 August #EdTravCyc
robbieainsworth.bsky.social Robbie Ainsworth @robbieainsworth.bsky.social · Aug 11
HES website is usually the most up to date for this "The High Road will be closed until at least Wednesday 13 August".
www.historicenvironment.scot/visit-a-plac...
August 14, 2025 at 8:44 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
A good time to consider supporting Marionville Fire Station www.change.org/p/save-mario...
August 12, 2025 at 12:49 PM
robbieainsworth.bsky.social
Holyrood Park High Road and its pavement now closed to all users until at least Friday 15 August #EdTravCyc
August 11, 2025 at 1:48 PM