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spokes.org.uk
SpokesLothian
@spokes.org.uk
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Spokes, the Lothian Cycle Campaign:
fights for better conditions for everyday journeys by bike, particularly Edinburgh & Lothian. Also lobby Scot Gov.
We also encourage more councils, govt depts, politicians, professionals etc to move to bsky!
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spokes.org.uk
SpokesLothian @spokes.org.uk · 2d
#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from Spokes 7.3 Non-Statutory Planning Guidance – Finalised Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy The proposed draft guidance, whilst including many worthwhile proposals, has one over-riding failing, in that it completely neglects the huge area of land occupied by roadway, and assumes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…
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
#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 2:11 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
jackrmcaldwell.bsky.social
🚶🚴‍♀️⛔ST MARK'S PATH CLOSURE

Been notified of works starting on Powderhall bowling green to build nursery, 27 homes & widen path (hooray!) to St Mark's meaning closure from Mon 17th Nov 'til 12/1/26

Have asked CEC to look to minimise closure on QuietRoute 20.

CCG update: c-c-g.co.uk/community/si...
CCG Site News | Edinburgh | CCG
www.c-c-g.co.uk
November 14, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
andyheald.bsky.social
Hi- @spokes.org.uk - are you aware that St Mark's Path is going to be closed for at least 8 weeks from Monday ?
Newsletter mentions a pedestrian diversion but no cycle diversion.
This is first we've heard about any path closure.
www.c-c-g.co.uk/wp-content/u...
November 14, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
👆

#Transport Cttee 13.11.25 thread above - clips below!

@edi.bike @edfoc.bsky.social @sw20.info
@edcriticalmass.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social
@bike-freedom.bsky.social @harryjwilliams.bsky.social @johnrobson87.bsky.social @infrasisters.bsky.social @bjpaddy.bsky.social @edtiss.bsky.social
Clip from above thread - PHV in bus lanes? clip from above thread - Spokes & other PHV deputations clip from above thread - Lochend Living Rent deputn re crashes/ injuries in their area clips from above thread, re climate strategy
November 13, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
urbaneprofessor.bsky.social
congratulations on your campaigning!
November 12, 2025 at 4:46 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
foescot.bsky.social
📢 Join Scotland’s Climate March on Sat 15th Nov to demand a better world as part of a Global Day of Action!

Assemble at 11am, Glasgow Green.

Global Solidarity. A Fair Transition. Caring For Our Planet. Get involved: climatemarch.scot

#ScotlandsClimateMarch
Graphic with text: ‘Scotland’s Climate March: a better world is possible. Saturday 15th November. Assemble at Glasgow Green, 11am. Global solidarity: for a world where everyone is safe, has enough, and is respected. A fair transition: for a fairer Scotland with jobs, transport and homes that support the move beyond fossil fuels. Caring for our planet: restoring nature to reclaim a future where all can thrive.’ Colourful illustrated icons are at the top and bottom of the image, depicting things like people, transport, energy and workers.
October 6, 2025 at 11:20 AM
spokes.org.uk
#Haymarket

Sadly, cyclist injuries also continue where bikeroute crosses tramlines at far from ideal angle

☹️ Two crashes reported to us in last few weeks, one with fractures and other injuries

🚲 be aware: #skidding on rails is as big a danger as wheel trapping
-> www.spokes.org.uk/documents/pu...
November 14, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
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
spokes.org.uk
#EdinWebCast - #PHV in #BusLanes

@edinburghbug.bsky.social @transform.scot @nigelbagshaw.bsky.social @paulwhite-cpt.bsky.social @lothianbuses.bsky.social @thecockburn.bsky.social @edfoc.bsky.social @johnrobson87.bsky.social @chasbooth.bsky.social @helenrambler.bsky.social @keithirving.bsky.social
spokes.org.uk SpokesLothian @spokes.org.uk · 1d
#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 2:21 PM
spokes.org.uk
#ElmRow --> #LondonRoad crossing delays for 🚶👩‍🦼🚲

Looks like rapid action has resulted!!

@edtiss.bsky.social @edi.bike @jackrmcaldwell.bsky.social @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
mcdmartin.bsky.social Martin McD @mcdmartin.bsky.social · 1d
Fixed now. Wait time 90 - 100 secs
November 13, 2025 at 12:39 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
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
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
Reposted by SpokesLothian
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
Reposted by SpokesLothian
edcriticalmass.bsky.social
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 9, 2025 at 10:57 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
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
Reposted by SpokesLothian
edi.bike
🔒 Keeping Edinburgh's cycle parking free of hire bikes

- 📸 Three new parking images added to our campaign

edi.bike/projects/202...

Send your photos to hello+voiracks@edi.bike or @ us on Bluesky with them
A set of four hire bikes are seen as the evening darkens, blocking all but one side of a set of silver sheffield cycle stands against a sandstone wall with a place plaque reading 'Greenhill Gardens'
November 13, 2025 at 8:07 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
ariane-burgess.bsky.social
✍️ greens.scot/HighlandRail
Dual The Highland Main Line
Dual The Highland Main Line -
greens.scot
October 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
ericlesley2.bsky.social
Yeah it's an extended Dutch junction, straight on across the tram tracks, then the cycle signals hold all traffic for a cycle only phase
November 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk
A really excellent deputation from Spokes on the A701/2 “relief” roads

Particularly the section on “induced demand” 👏👏👏

@spokes.org.uk
Alt text in the replies Alt text in the replies Alt text in the replies
November 12, 2025 at 10:30 AM
spokes.org.uk
#Fountainbridge / #DundeeStreet 🚲 lanes

Yes the drop-in is TODAY weds 12 Nov
--> consultationhub.edinburgh.gov.uk/sfc/dundee-s...

Apologies for the incorrect date in yesterday's post below

At least, it's not raining today, so a more pleasant trip!!
November 12, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
edi.bike
Cycling through Fairmilehead? AECOM wants to hear from you, collecting quick feedback to improve routes along A702/A703 Gowkley Moss R'bout to Fairmilehead.
📍 Outside Craigdon Mountain Shop, Fairmilehead
📍 Seafield Moor Road (A703)/Seafield Road Junction
Wednesday 12 November, 8–9am AND 4:30–5:30pm
November 11, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
edtiss.bsky.social
Hello @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social , any reason pedestrians/cyclists have to wait through 6 traffic phases (c5 minutes) before we get a chance to cross London Road?
November 11, 2025 at 8:03 PM
Reposted by SpokesLothian
spokes.org.uk
☝️ #PrincesStreet plans unfit for modern #European capital

👍 Excellent amendments by #LibDems & #Greens

🤔 Hope other parties agree!!

@edi.bike @chasbooth.bsky.social @nellibdems.bsky.social @kevin-lang.bsky.social @davidfkey.bsky.social @mthmttcoe.bsky.social @cllrbenparker.bsky.social @sw20.info
Amendment by the Liberal Democrat Group Planning Committee 12 November 2025 2026 Item 7.3 – Non - Statutory Planning Guidance – Finalised Princes St and Waverley Valley Strategy Committee 1. Expresses its thanks to officers for their hard work in creating a draft Princes St and Waverley Valley Strategy and reviewing the responses received in the recent consultation. 2. recognises the vital importance of getting this strategy right given the iconic importance of Princes Street and Princes Street Gardens to the whole City. 3. notes the concerns raised by several organisations and groups that the proposed strategy still lacks ambition and imagination, and fails to provide the kind of vision needed to ensure Princes Street and the surrounding area are vibrant and welcoming places. 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 Amendment by the Green Group Planning Committee 12 November 2025 Item 7.3 Non-Statutory Planning Guidance – Finalised Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy In recommendations: Add at the end of paragraph 1.1.1, “further notes concerns expressed by active travel groups and Richard Murphy architects amongst others at the inconsistency between the transport aspects of the strategy (chapter 5) and the City Mobility Plan and Our Future Streets;” Amends paragraph 1.1.2 to read, “Approve the planning aspects of the Princes Street and Waverley Valley Strategy at Appendix 3 as non-statutory planning guidance under City Plan 2030, subject to referral of this report to the Transport and Environment Committee and the Culture and Communities Committee to allow them to consider the sections of the strategy within their remit.” and Amends paragraph 1.1.3 to delete the word “Interim” Moved by: Cllr Chas Booth
November 11, 2025 at 3:50 PM
spokes.org.uk
🤔 Private Hire Vehicles in #BusLanes

Report to Transport Cttee 13 Nov--> democracy.edinburgh.gov.uk/documents/s9...

Spokes deputation attached

👍 Pleased to see Convener @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social opposes

@edi.bike @edinburghbug.bsky.social @paulwhite-cpt.bsky.social @lothianbuses.bsky.social
CEC Transport & Environment Committee 13.11.25 7.4 Bus Lanes and Bus Gates - Consideration of Permitting Access to Private Hire Vehicles Spokes deputation - 13 November 2025 Summary Further to our deputation for TEC on 15.08.2024 regarding this issue, Spokes would like to reiterate our strong opposition to the use of bus lanes and bus gates by private hire vehicles. Introducing more vehicles into bus lanes, making them less safe for cyclists and busier for buses, is the exact opposite of the intended actions of this project, as well as various council policies. Private hire vehicles are not allowed to use bus lanes in London, and private hire firms have lost legal action against this (Case C-518/13 - European Court of Justice). Edinburgh should continue to follow suit. The Council’s 7-7-7 bus lane project and plans for Bus Infrastructure Fund investments have already progressed vastly slower than comparable measures in other cities. Cities in the UK and Europe have made these changes in a matter of months, not years. The priority should now be to implement bus priority measures as soon as possible, rather than looking to allow further vehicles into bus lanes or through bus gates. We therefore urge councillors to reject this motion and for the council to prioritise investment in officer time and money be reallocated towards implementing agreed council policies that have already been debated but are yet to be actioned.
November 11, 2025 at 3:32 PM
spokes.org.uk
☹️ Our sincere apologies to anyone who made it through the rain only to find it's tomorrow

@edi.bike @blackfordsaferoutes.co.uk @jestermouse.bsky.social @merchistoncc.bsky.social
November 11, 2025 at 3:24 PM