Helen Todd
LightNews LightNews
banner
helenrambler.bsky.social
Helen Todd
@helenrambler.bsky.social
1.3K followers 670 following 350 posts
Retired in 2024 from Ramblers Scotland; Chair Planning Democracy; board member Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre; volunteer with Spokes; Hon Fellow Scottish Env LINK.
Interested in walking, cycling, mountains, Scottish politics, CND, climate change, gardening.
Posts Replies Media Videos
helenrambler.bsky.social
I can’t count! (If you’re thinking meteorological). Love it when the sun shines!
November 19, 2025 at 4:14 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
The comfort of a cat, can’t beat it.
November 18, 2025 at 8:43 AM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Probably back to T-shirt weather next week!
November 16, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
☝️ #TramlineCrashes - see above

? Had a tramline crash
? Want to minimise your risk

See HERE--> www.spokes.org.uk/documents/pu...

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @edcriticalmass.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @leftwing66.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @sw20.info
Cycleroute crossing tramlines at non-ideal angle at Haymarket. Tramline layout makes a better crossing difficult. Start of spokes webpage about tramline crashes... Contents 1. Important – Reporting tramline crashes 2. Minimising your chances of a tramline crash 3. Developments & documents relating to Edinburgh tram 4. Other useful tram documents [not Edinburgh], including design guidance 1. Reporting tramline crashes All crashes or other incidents relating to tramlines should be reported – this will help future potential victims by identifying causes and possible remedial measures. It may also help you if you later decide to make a claim for injury or damage. See our reporting page which covers.. Making an official report to the Council Spokes survey/records of crashes, to help identify causes and press for improvements Police – when/why report a tramline crash? Claiming for injury or damages [also see para 2301 in (2) below for some successes]
November 14, 2025 at 12:40 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Great to meet you - keep up the fight!
November 13, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
ramblersscotland.bsky.social
Absolutely, Helen!

From 2015 to 2022, IPA funded 450 local projects worth £12.2 million, delivering approximately:

155 miles of path upgrades
80 bridges
1,000 signs
500 gates
500 seats

Pound-for-pound, that's *remarkably* impactful and popular investment!
November 13, 2025 at 2:08 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
Glad that @ramblersscotland.bsky.social has written to the Cab Sec on this issue. The last scheme paid out £12.2m over 8 years. That’s invaluable match funding for so many path projects - but just peanuts in the overall agricultural budget. Let’s hope there’s still time for a rethink.
November 12, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Reposted by Helen Todd
spokes.org.uk
#A701/ #A702 'relief'/link road 🚘🚘🚘

Spokes objection--> www.spokes.org.uk/wp-content/u...

🙋🙋 You have till midnight Fri 7 Nov to object
HERE--> planning-applications.midlothian.gov.uk/OnlinePlanni...

@edi.bike @johnrobson87.bsky.social @rupenash.bsky.social @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk @sw20.info
Map of proposed new road Introduction to spokes submission A701 Relief Road and A702 Link Road 2025 Planning application Spokes response - November 2025 Summary Spokes strongly object to the principle of the A701 Relief Road and A702 Link Road proposals, and therefore to this planning application. If built, these roads will aggravate the issues they are supposed to alleviate. The proposed scheme particularly fails to meet the “Takes climate action” and “Improves our health and wellbeing” Priorities identified in the National Transport Strategy,1 and also runs counter to the national policy to reduce car use as part of the commitment to achieving net zero by 2045.2 Whilst there are some notable improvements for cyclists included in the latest plans, the scheme as a whole will create a more dangerous environment for cycling in Midlothian and south Edinburgh. It will also further entrench the dominance of car use in Midlothian, making it even more difficult for future generations to switch to using sustainable modes of transport. The time, money and other resources being allocated to this project should instead be spent on projects which will actually help solve these problems, such as improving the public and active travel networks in Midlothian. Below we list general and specific comments on the proposals.
November 7, 2025 at 7:25 PM
helenrambler.bsky.social
And including a beautiful poem by Jackie Kay.
Welcome wee one by Jackie Kay O ma darlin wee one At last you are here in the wurld And wi’ aa your wisdom Your een bricht as the stars You’ve filled this house with licht Your trusty wee haun, your globe o’ a heid My cherished yin, my heart’s ain. O ma darlin wee one The hale wurld welcomes ye The mune glows, the hearth wairms Let your life hae luck, health, charm Ye are my bonny blessed bairn My small miraculous gift I never kent luve like this.
November 7, 2025 at 9:13 AM
helenrambler.bsky.social
😊
November 6, 2025 at 10:59 PM