David Key
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davidfkey.bsky.social
David Key
@davidfkey.bsky.social
370 followers 540 following 41 posts
City of Edinburgh Councillor.
Promoted by David Key, 16 North St Andrew Street, Edinburgh
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Reposted by David Key
spokes.org.uk
👍 "It's made so many aspects of my work easier or even possible. I really appreciate it!"

😍 We helped #AceCouriers get an #Omnium #cargobike

☝️ See our #cargobike grants to local microbusinesses

@edi.bike @laidbackbikes.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @fairless.xyz @sw20.info @edfoc.bsky.social
Picture of the omnium cargobike loaded up, and with Spokes sticker Another picture of the omnium cargobike loaded up, and with Spokes sticker Picture of ACE couriers cargobikes collecting boxes of mushrooms for delivery in Edinburgh Info on spokes grants... Spokes Cargobike support grants for organisations Thanks to generous donations from our members we are pleased to offer grants to local community organisations (and very small businesses) based in Edinburgh/Lothian to assist with the cost of buying a cargo bike. We also received support for this initiative from the Galashan Trust for a limited period of time, which enabled us to increase grant levels – support from other sources would be welcome!
November 1, 2025 at 12:51 PM
Reposted by David Key
longstonecc.bsky.social
💥UPDATE💥
Developments within the Kingsknowe & Longstone area called 'Kingsknowe Connected'.
@edinburghcouncil.bsky.social have appointed AtkinsRéalis to develop this landscape-led initiative, focused on improving the public spaces around Kingsknowe Court, Kingsknowe Pl, & Longstone St.
October 27, 2025 at 6:10 PM
davidfkey.bsky.social
This week I’ve reached State Pension age.
In celebration of this, I’m running the London Marathon next year for my son, Alexander. He was 15 last week, another huge milestone given his rare disease.
Please donate if you can. Thanks. ❤️

2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/david-key
David Key - London Marathon 2026
Seven years ago our son, Alexander, was diagnosed with Niemann-Pick Type C disease. This very rare genetic disorder is commonly known as
2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com
October 23, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Reposted by David Key
spokes.org.uk
#Football & 🚲 - #HectorBellerin on how to connect them!

--> www.bbc.co.uk/sport/footba...

@edi.bike @cyclesam.bsky.social @rorykoehler.bsky.social @brionylatter.bsky.social @williambovingdon.substack.com @welshracer.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @gedboy58.bsky.social @cameroncoull.bsky.social
Elizabeth Conway Spanish football reporter Published 6 October 2025 When you imagine a top footballer pulling up to their club's training ground, the mode of transport that springs to mind is a luxury car. You would not anticipate them arriving on a bicycle. But Real Betis defender Hector Bellerin is not the archetypal player. He prefers to arrive at the team's base in Seville using more sustainable means than most - riding a bike or taking public transport. "It would be easier to take a cab. I know I'm privileged, but it's more of a revindication. We need greener cities, with fewer cars," Bellerin says. The 30-year-old is passionate about trying to live a more sustainable life, something he shares with his 3.7 million followers on social media. And on Monday he was named global champion at the BBC Green Sport Awards. Picture of Bellerin The footballer who cycles to work after being inspired by Wenger
October 7, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Reposted by David Key
merchistoncc.bsky.social
This map shows demand for secure cycle hangars in Edinburgh, with plenty of bubbles over #Bruntsfield, #Merchiston, #Polwarth & #Shandon. We've long encouraged residents to request cycle hangars and signal demand to @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social - we hope they will soon get the message!
September 18, 2025 at 8:29 PM
Reposted by David Key
bam65.bsky.social
With their limited powers and finance the @snp.org Scottish Government step in to save jobs in Falkirk 👏 news.stv.tv/scotland/ale...
Alexander Dennis bus maker jobs rescued in £4m furlough deal
Alexander Dennis Limited (ADL), which has eight sites across the UK including Falkirk and Larbert, announced in June that up to 400 jobs could be axed.
news.stv.tv
September 15, 2025 at 12:54 PM
Reposted by David Key
spokes.org.uk
#Tram #Granton-#Bioquarter

🙋Early Spokes thoughts
-> www.spokes.org.uk/2025/09/tram...

@edi.bike @edinreporter.bsky.social @edinburghminute.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @ssc-edinburgh.bsky.social @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @alastairdalton.bsky.social @transform.scot @edinburghlive.co.uk
Tram Granton to Bioquarter – initial Spokes thoughts With the consultation underway, we are publishing some initial thoughts from Spokes and welcome any feedback. You may also wish to consider our points in your own consultation response. Basically, Spokes supports the principle of the tram, but we have identified some problems and some missed opportunities on the integration of cycling. We urge a fuller treatment of cycling in the forthcoming stage of more detailed planning, and we urge that complete details on cycling provision are included in the next round of consultation. Decision criteria In all decisions on the tram project, Spokes considers that the following criteria are crucial.. Traffic reduction. Traffic reduction is a major factor in positive cycling, wheeling, walking and living conditions throughout the city, and a major contributor to desirable outcomes on congestion, public health and climate. Thus decisions, such as in the Bridges corridor, must have traffic reduction as a top objective. Improving cycling conditions. Every opportunity should be taken to improve cycling conditions – for example, if the Council selects the Roseburn route the project should incorporate a new active travel bridge over the mainline railway Not worsening cycling conditions. Our biggest concern from the tram project is dangers from onroad tramlines where the layout neglects proper consideration for cycling safety. This is a major concern in the Bridges and also in the sections at Orchard Brae and from Granton to Crewe Toll. General points relevant to the scheme as a whole, or all areas Bike carriage on the trams – Edinburgh was (and, we think, still is) a pioneer in the UK in catering for, albeit this is fairly common in many European and US tram systems. With the planned tram extensions, including eventually over long distances into the Lothians, it is vital that the policy continues and, in particular, that the design of further tram vehicles continues to enable this. City Centre to Bioquarter Top issues The section through North and South Bridges is of extreme concern, with no cycle provision, new tramlines and continued through traffic on a road where width is at a premium. The project should include a bus gate (as was planned, though never implemented, as part of the Covid proposals) potentially single track sections and fully segregated cycle provision. & Photo showing... Netherlands single-track tram shopping street section, allowing safe space for walking, wheeling and cycling Crewe Toll to City Centre, via Roseburn corridor Top issues 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 pinch point). 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. However, south of Roseburn Bridge, to Russell Road, there is a lack of clarity, and indeed 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. Further investigation is essential, with a firm intention to continue the 3m offroad path through this section. The tram project should incorporate a 3m active travel bridge over the mainline railway, thus providing a level offroad path from Leith right through Roseburn to Dalry and Fountainbridge. This bridge is included in the Council’s Mobility Plan, Active Travel Delivery [page 43]. To forget it now, with major earthworks likely for the tram project, would make a mockery of these intentions. Whilst costly, the cost would be lost in the overall tram project. Crewe Toll to City Centre, via Orchard Brae Top issues The onroad tramlines, combined with traffic pressures, including at several junctions and narrow sections, present a major hazard to cyclists, given the absence of segregated provision. Indeed, the current proposals actually remove existing segregation, presenting a situation similar to the first tramline. The Council needs to provide detailed plans of how these dangers will be averted if this route option is chosen. CEC should give consideration to single-tracking on Dean Bridge rather than stating “cross-section prohibits segregated cycle provision”.
September 9, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Reposted by David Key
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Reminder! You can still review the designs for a new Polwarth junction and share your views by 21 September .

Let the council know if you support the overall changes, which design option you prefer and why, and if you have any other thoughts or concerns.

merchistoncc.org.uk/projects/the...
A birds-eye view illustration of the redesigned Polwarth junction showing how the area will be transformed from a roundabout to a T-junction. There are two options for the Merchiston ave crossings. Option 1 has a pedestrian refuge Island whole option 2 has a third loading bay and dropped kerb crossing point. Polwarth Gardens looking east - artist's impression of the upgraded zebra crossing which is wider and located closer to the junction. Pavements are widened and there are planters and the edge of a designated loading bay.
September 8, 2025 at 11:53 AM
Reposted by David Key
sw20.info
🥇First Junior #ParkRun completed at Hailes Quarry Park!

83 kids (and many supporting adults) took part in #Edinburgh’s newest park run.

Huge thanks to our volunteers and partners @longstonecc.bsky.social!

Come along: every Sunday at 9:30am.

Sign up here: www.parkrun.org.uk/hailesquarry...
Parkrunners for the newest Edinburgh Parkrun ready to go at Hailes Quarry Park And there off! The start of the newest Edinburgh Parkrun. Location of the Hailes Quarry Park Parkrun start Location of the Hailes Quarry ParkRun start on a map of Sooth West Edinburgh.
September 7, 2025 at 7:37 PM
Reposted by David Key
longstonecc.bsky.social
Getting ready for the offical Hailes Quarry Junior Parkrun launch next Sunday. We met with all the volunteer marshals, run directors and a small group of young folks for a practice to make sure we’ve got everything covered & ready for the inaugural event. www.parkrun.org.uk/hailesquarry...
August 31, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Reposted by David Key
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Here are the two options for the junction with Merchiston Ave - the Community Council believes Option 1 best meets our primary goal of improved safety. What do you think? Have your say by 21 September!
bsky.app/profile/merc...

cc: @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @spokes.org.uk
merchistoncc.bsky.social Merchiston Districts Community Council @merchistoncc.bsky.social · Aug 26
Polwarth junction redesigned! There are two proposed options for the eastern end of the Polwarth junction.

We believe option 1 is better for pedestrian safety.

Read our assessment: bit.ly/PolwarthJunc...

Review the designs and share your own views with @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social by 21 Sept!
Proposed design Option 1. Photo illustration showing a row of shops with a widened pavement in front, and a crossing point with pedestrian refuge halfway across the street. The image illustrates a few people crossing the road at the crossing point and at another informal crossing point in the foreground. Proposed design Option 2. Photo illustration showing a row of shops with a narrow pavement in front, and a lorry parked in a loading bay in front. The image illustrates a person crossing the road at an informal crossing point in the foreground.
August 29, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Reposted by David Key
ungagged.bsky.social
August 15, 2025 at 6:11 PM
davidfkey.bsky.social
Interested in the process for determining electoral boundaries in Scotland?
Have your say here:

consult.gov.scot/elections/el...
Process for determining electoral boundaries in Scotland - Scottish Government consultations - Citizen Space
Find and participate in consultations run by The Scottish Government
consult.gov.scot
July 14, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Reposted by David Key
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Please spread the word and encourage your neighbours to sign up for our newsletter, to get vital updates and hear about opportunities to engage. Every voice matters!

merchistoncc.org.uk/projects/the...
 The Polwarth Pavement Project – Merchiston Community Council
Great news: change is coming to the Polwarth Roundabout! The City of Edinburgh Council is redesigning the Polwarth roundabout junction to improve safety, following a campaign by the Merchiston Communi...
merchistoncc.org.uk
June 20, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Reposted by David Key
merchistoncc.bsky.social
📐🚗🚶‍♀️🚴🏾‍♀️👩🏼‍🦼We have seen draft plans for the new Polwarth junction design, and they look good! We believe these improvements address our community's safety concerns.

🗓️Public consultation starts later in the summer.

🗣️Your voice will be crucial at this stage – we need to show support for these changes!
New Polwarth junction designs are coming soon – Merchiston Community Council
Get the latest updates on how we are representing community interests and views in Merchiston.
merchistoncc.org.uk
June 20, 2025 at 10:47 AM
Reposted by David Key
dastonsnp.bsky.social
Political campaigning in general & by-elections in particular are a great way of seeing bits of Edinburgh (& elsewhere) that you wouldn't otherwise.

Tonight, the Rosemount Buildings - what a gem!

I assume that someone knows stuff about them - @threadinburgh.scot or @stevenrobb.bsky.social?
June 18, 2025 at 6:27 PM
Reposted by David Key
merchistoncc.bsky.social
Our name may have changed but we continue to work on our various projects to represent and serve residents in the local area, and we hope that this change will encourage a wide range of people from across our area to get involved in our meetings and activities.

#edinburgh #CommunityCouncil
We have (slightly) changed our name – Merchiston Community Council
Get the latest updates on how we are representing community interests and views in Merchiston.
merchistoncc.org.uk
June 10, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Reposted by David Key
merchistoncc.bsky.social
👋We have (slightly) changed our name to better reflect the wide area our community council covers.

We are now the Merchiston Districts Community council serving over 19,000 people living in Bruntsfield, Church Hill, Fountainbridge, Greenhill, Polwarth, Shandon, Viewforth... and Merchiston! 🏘️🏘️
June 10, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Reposted by David Key
spokes.org.uk
#SpokesMaps #history

--> www.spokes.org.uk/spokes-maps/...
[needs updated from 2019]

@edi.bike @edinreporter.bsky.social @threadinburgh.scot @secretedinburgh.bsky.social @hcaatedinburgh.bsky.social #maps @edfoc.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @kennybrown131.bsky.social
The first Spokes Edinburgh bike map - which as far as we know was also the first Edinburgh bike map! 2. MAP EDITIONS 1987 FIRST EDITION The first edition of the Edinburgh Cycle Map was published in May 1987. It sold for £1.50 and was printed on a folded A2 sheet and then inserted into a plastic wallet. The baseline was the black Edinburgh map produced by Geographia, overlaid with red showing quiet roads, cycle paths and various other features for cyclists to use or avoid. The back showed details of the city centre. The cover showed the original Spokes “penny-farthing” logo, outlines of hills and Edinburgh skylines and the note that the publication was supported by City of Edinburgh District Council “Improving Services, Creating Jobs”. That financial support was in the form of a guarantee against losses rather than an actual grant, and we didn't ever draw down the money. The map was paid for through the adverts on the back plus sales, marking the start of Edinburgh cycle maps as a good money spinner for Spokes. Of the original cycle shop advertisers, only a few exist today, including Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative and Freewheeling. Those who have not survived include weell kent names such as Macdonalds, Jocky Allan and Sandy Gilchrist. Robin Williamson was also an advertiser, and his shop survives as Bike Trax even if his name is no longer above the door. Eleven bike shops were listed, whereas the 2016 edition lists an impressive 32 Edinburgh cycle shops. The back of the first edition doesn't include any accompanying text apart from the list of advertisers and the adverts themselves, probably because the effort of producing that first map was so great that there was little energy left for any frills. The map was launched during Bike Week 2007 by councillor Kathleen MacFie, We held the actual launch at the foot of the Mound, and then adjourned to her New Town flat for refreshments, a property previously occupied by Robert Louis Stevenson, we were told, which was may…
June 9, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Reposted by David Key
spokes.org.uk
🙋 Get your new 🚲🚶 #SpokesMap at our #MeadowsFestival stall

🙋 Sunday 8 June, 11-5

@edi.bike @edinreporter.bsky.social @turvill.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social @sw20.info @bjpaddy.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @simitakumar.bsky.social @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social
picture of extract from 2025 Spokes Edinburgh map Meadows Festival layout map, with Spokes stall V169 circled
June 5, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Reposted by David Key
spokes.org.uk
☝️ #SpokesComp

@edtiss.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social @bikes4refugees.bsky.social @bridgend-farmhouse.bsky.social @carfreeholyrood.bsky.social @jarlathflynn.bsky.social @d4cae.bsky.social @reizkultur.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @infrasisters.bsky.social @leithfeederride.bsky.social
June 2, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Reposted by David Key
spokes.org.uk
🤩 2025 #Edinburgh #SpokesMap !!

Info--> www.spokes.org.uk/2025/05/spok...

@edi.bike @edinburghminute.bsky.social @edinreporter.bsky.social @chdot.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social @bjpaddy.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @threadinburgh.scot @secretedinburgh.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social
Small extract from the 2025 Spokes Edinburgh map, including new CCWEL and Roseburn/Dalry routes Spokes Edinburgh Map 2025 The 12th edition of the Spokes Edinburgh Map is here! It shows all known new development that has taken place over the last four years, since our 2021 map, in terms of paths, tram, significant housing developments, and more.
May 30, 2025 at 7:14 AM
Reposted by David Key
spokes.org.uk
👆

#SpokesCount - May traffic count

@stephenjenkinson.bsky.social @chasbooth.bsky.social @ehyslop.bsky.social @kayleighoneill.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @edinburghbug.bsky.social @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social @ianmurraymp.bsky.social @keithirving.bsky.social @spurtle.bsky.social @sw20.info
May 27, 2025 at 11:19 AM
Reposted by David Key
blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
A good result for active travel projects at today’s Transport & Environment Committee.

Labour/SNP/Green councillors voted to approve officers’ prioritisation of projects

Tory (cancel almost everything) & LibDems (delay everything) motions were defeated 🧵
May 22, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Reposted by David Key
spokes.org.uk
👍 Great!

🙋‍♀️ #CarFree 168-homes #Slateford development approved

--> bsky.app/profile/spok...

@edi.bike @davidfkey.bsky.social @laidbackbikes.bsky.social @sw20.info @edfoc.bsky.social @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @da-anderson.bsky.social @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk @edcriticalmass.bsky.social
ssc-edinburgh.bsky.social SSC Edinburgh - Development News @ssc-edinburgh.bsky.social · May 21
Application approved for residential redevelopment of the former Caledonian Brewery site on Slateford Road - 168 homes (126 private & 42 affordable) by Sheppard Robson for Artisan Real Estate: bit.ly/4bsZaUw
May 22, 2025 at 8:07 AM