Welcome to the website of CTC Lothians & Borders

The European Road Safety Action Plan was launched this week, along with data showing that Britain has the lowest rate of road death per head in Europe. However, the risks to cyclists and pedestrians, in which Britain is a very mediocre performer, aren't shown. Through the European Cyclists' Federation, CTC is campaigning for new road safety targets based on exposure rather than numbers of deaths or injuries. The plan also contains little that will be of use to cyclists - most of the measures refer to in-car safety measures based on technology.

Spokesworker 21 July 2010 Cycling Action Plan for Scotland : East Lothian Environment Strategy : SESPLAN consultation

'Spokes' are looking for volunteers to check the weekly lists of planning applications in East and Mid Lotian. There are only around 10-20 applications a week, and most weeks none need commented on
Please get in touch spokesATspokes.org.uk if you would like to volunteer for this.

www.citybeast.com/cyclingsafetypage.html -location of every crash resulting in death or serious injury of a cyclist in 2000-2008. (This snippet from Spokes)

 Supermarket, Former BigW site, Brunstane, Edinburgh
Response to Planning Application
Ref (CEC)10/01663/FUL

Fountainbridge South is the site of the old Scottish Newcastle Brewery and lies between Dundee St and the Union Canal. It is an extensive site, running from Gibson Terrace, across Viewforth and Gilmore Park to a point opposite Grove St, almost at Edinburgh Quay.

Ref. 10/01687/PAN

The plans can be viewed at www.fountainbridgesouth.co.uk where a feedback form is also available.
 

Cycle safety mirrors have been installed in London and this BBC video on cycle superhighways shows the view from the cab of a lorry. Transport for London has launched its 'Undertaking at junctions can be fatal' poster, and "never pass large vehicles on the inside at junctions" is part of the advice from the Barclays Cycle Hire Code of Conduct video.
 

A successful letter concerning safety issues at the south end of Cammo Walk.

email from Spokes... of particular interest is the reference back to a Spokes discussion document on the driver liability in collision with cyclist or pedestrian.

Scottish Government’s Cycling Action Plan

Spokesworker 8 June 2010 [pdf 179k] : Tramline crashes : Towpath opening Spokes structure : Results of Better Way to Work cycle challenge : Nov 6 Cyclenation Conference in Edinburgh: and more…

A useful summary of current campaigning issues.

Bike to Work Scheme Ltd  is an organisation aimed to help employers offer their employees savings of up to 50% on the cost of bicycles and safety equipment made available through the Government's Green Transport Plan. They work in association with particular bike shops. see www.bike2workscheme.co.uk

Holyrood's Transport, Infrastructure and Climate Change Committee has warned that Scotland could miss its target of increasing cycling levels by 10% over the next decade unless it spends more on cycling. Watch CTC Public Transport Adviser Dave Holladay on BBC Politics Scotland.
 

Response on behalf of CTC (Scotland) to the discussion paper that sets out the Scottish Government’s plans.

Lothian and Borders Police are promoting a cycle marking scheme to improve cycle security….The marking is intended to deter theft. It also involves a database, which matches bikes with their rightful owners if a bike is recovered by the police following a theft. See Spokes for details

Committee Minutes Cycle Forum Edinburgh, 23 February 2010

CycleDigest is the best way to keep up-to-date with the campaigning world. In this issue: the aftermath of Vote Bike; road safety and off-road news, including tackling the HGV hazard and a police investigation into illegal use of trailbikes; events and publications; and much more.

Comments on Detailed planning application 10/00686/PAN   and 10/00688/PAN  for purpose built student accommodation and ancillary works including landscaping and means of access at St Leonard's Land, 98 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AJ

Comments on 10/00953/PPP - Application for planning permission Sighthill for redevelopment

Comments on Detailed planning application 10/00686/PAN   and 10/00688/PAN  for purpose built student accommodation and ancillary works including landscaping and means of access at St Leonard's Land, 98 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh EH8 8AJ

RHSC is (eventually) being relocated to the RIE site,  we can seek as a condition, the upgrading of the path over the hill to Craigmillar

Peter Hawkins comments on the Edinburgh Open Space Strategy

An online poll of over 6000 Institute of Advanced Motorists members and non-members has found that the majority believe cycle training would have more of a positive impact on cycle safety than the compulsory wearing of cycle helmets. Only 1% of respondents supported making cycle helmets compulsory, but 96% said they would approve of additional public money to make cycling safer in the UK.

An important consultation exercise is currently being run by the Council and gives us an opportunity to improve conditions for cyclists, city-wide.
You can comment online and/or by going to any of the area workshops that concern you.

‘ Murder Most Foul’, a wonderfully written tirade from 1947 against the injustice of the slaughter of pedestrians and cyclists on our roads by JS Dean, the then President of the Pedestrians’ Association is now available online

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Comment by Dave  Holladay (who deals with public transport on behalf of CTC)

Spokesworker 19/04/10

Schoolchildren are being encouraged to take advantage of the warmer weather and start cycling to school.
Riding a bike to school boosts children’s confidence, critical judgment and fitness levels, according to research for the Cycle To School campaign

Scotrail plan to introduce new 380 trains on the North Berwick line and on the routes from Glasgow Central to Ayr, Ardrossan, Largs, Wemyss Bay and Gourock . At first sight,this looks as if this will provide an increase in cycle carriage facilities, but it is likely that, at peak times guards will quite reasonably, not allow bicycles on these trains. Comments by Nicola McNeil

There is a proposal for a supermarket development on the site of the former B&Q at Inglis Green Rd. There is to be a public exhibition, Wed and Thurs 14th and 15th April, 10am to 9pm, at Slateford-Longstone Church Hall.

This is an opportunity to ask for a pedestrian/cycle bridge over the Water of Leith. This could be a vital link in a longer distance route

So far one in five prospective parliamentary candidates have signed up to CTC’s Vote Bike manifesto. Of the candidates contacted, a third of Liberal Democrats have signed up, as have 37% of Greens, 20% of Labour and 1% of Conservative. Thanks to the 1,300 members who have so far written to their candidates – but more need to take part! Please take the time to visit the Vote Bike section on the CTC website and get involved.

CTC would like to find out more about your commute to work, in order to help encourage cycle commuting by addressing barriers and improving conditions. The survey is designed for all commuters - not just those who currently cycle to work - so please invite commuting friends and family to take part. The survey only takes a few minutes to fill in and responses are anonymous. Click here to launch the survey.

Royal Mail plans to replace almost all of its bikes with electric trolleys that will be shipped out to neighbourhoods by van, claiming that posties on bikes violate health and safety regulations. Find out why CTC opposes this and take action today on our website.

Cycling from Dura Den, near Cupar, to Lower Largo, via Ceres, Springfield, Ladybank and Coaltown of Burnturk. Lunch on the beach and return to Dura Den in the afternoon. BBQ at Caroline and Paul's.

Click for details 

The Borders Brake-Away cycle group 

North Fife coastal route (start- Strathmiglo) OR East Neuk circular route (start- Cupar or Leven/Largo area)
 

The Selkirk road sportive will be run on the Saturday of the event weekend with an open start from early in the morning onwards. The two routes on offer route make the most of the network of narrow hill roads linking the river valleys that the Scottish Borders is so famous for. The climb tot-up for each distance is… 47 mile: 4 climbs, 95 mile: 8 climbs.

Midlothian group Ladies’ ride, Hardengreen-Penicuik,. Alternative Boys’ ride may be organised! Contact Kathleen Kirkness for details kkirkness[at]hotmail.com

Massively enjoyable French Cycle jamboree, good weather too!
See www.sf2010-verdun.org for current details

Spokes Ride meets at 10:00am on the first Sunday of the month at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road riding to somewhere in Lothian

Sat 7th - Sun 8th August 2010

Saturday   Thornhill to Haugh of Urr, staying Saturday night at Urr Lodge Hostel
Sunday   Haugh of Urr, NCN route to Dumfries

More details

400 km Galashiels Nae Bother to Us 400 06:00 Sat BRM £4.00 Lucy McTaggart
see www.aukweb.net

Easy to moderate bike rides around West Lothian. The Club runs will depart from Xcite Gym Car Park, (EH54 6QT) just outside Almondell Shopping Centre, Livingston.Meet 10 a.m. for a 10.15 a.m. departure every second Sunday of the month. 

More details at  www.meetup.com/Livingston-West-Lothian-Cyclists-Touring-Club/

Come and see Pedal Pusher - a new play about the Tour de France that is transferring from London to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe this Summer.

 WHEN? 3pm (photocall) 4pm (show), Sunday 8th August

WHERE? Roxy Sanctuary, 2 Roxburgh Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9SU, Venue number: 115

WHAT'S THE DEAL? 2 for 1 on tickets for cyclists and cycle club members, usual price £12

HOW DO I GET A TICKET? This offer is only available through the Zoo Box Office,  email box@zoovenues.co.uk to reserve your seat

Escape the Festival crowds! Meet at Tescos off Broughton Rd, at end of cycle tunnel, at 9.30am.
Cycle o Craigie Farm for morning coffee'n'cake! Continue to Ratho for picnic and return to Edinburgh by canal towpath. Total Distance 25mls. More details

Cycle ride as part of Midlothian Walking festival, Further details from Judy Cantley Judy.cantley[at]btopenworld.com

Meet 9.50 am Commonwealth Pool.

Peebles – Cademuir – Lyne -Stobo –Dawyk (coffee stop)- Broughton-Kilbucho House-Thripland- Biggar (lunch at crown Hotel or cafe)- Hartree-Broughton-Dreva-Stobo (visit ancient church) – Lyne-Peebles. 45 miles. More details

200 km Pitlochry 200  08:00 Sun AA2.25 [2550m] BRM £6.00 David Husband
100 km  Lethnot and Lunan 09:00 Sun BP £5.00 David Husband

see www.aukweb.net

Sat 21st - Sun 22nd August 2010
Meet Bridge of Allan Saturday 10.30am prompt.
Cycle to Callander via Doune (about 15m) Overnight in Callander area. (Book early for B&B).

Sunday cycle via Thornhill, Kippen, Fintry, Kilsyth- Falkirk (canal towpath) then catch train at Falkirk, Polmont or Linlithgow 

More details

The Borders Brake-Away cycle group Biggar – Lanark circular (Clyde Valley)

The Borders Brake-Away cycle group

Biggar – Lanark circular (Clyde Valley)

Lothians and Borders Cycle Touring Club Invitation Ride
Wednesday 25th August
Starting 10:00am Greenlaw Town Hall
 

The Borders Brake-Away cycle group

Selkirk – Hawick circular (inc. Burnfoot)

200 km Forres Foray 08:00 Sat BRM £3.00 Steve Carroll
100 km Grantown Gallop 10:00 Sat BP £3.00 Steve Carroll
See www.aukweb.net

There is a chance to ride the Gaick on the 29th of August as Steve Carroll is running his Audax weekend
 - see http://www.aukweb.net/cal/index.htm

Info on the Gaick - http://cycling.visitscotland.com/images/route_maps/325768  and http://www.scottish-outdoors.com/outdoors/cycling_route_details.cfm@route_id=39.htm

Could even make a weekend of it, it only takes 5 mins to fit the slicks to do the Saturday event!

contact vtt@ctclothians.org.uk

82 km Garten Treasure Hunt 09:30 Sun BP £2.50 Steve Carroll
80 km The Gaick (off-road)     09:00 Sun BP £2.50 Steve Carroll

CTC Lothians are intersted in organising a contingent  to ''The Gaick' contact vtt@ctclothians.org.uk
else see www.aukweb.net

200km  Aaron Aardvark's Thursday Skive 08:00 Thu [2000m] BR £3.00 Lucy McTaggart

see www.aukweb.net

Five Ferries -Sat 4th - Sun 5th September 2010

Saturday: Train to Ardrossan. Ferry Ardrossan to Brodick. Choice of routes across Arran, to Lochranza ( overnight) .
Sunday: Ferry Lochranza - Claonaig, Cycle Claonaig to Tarbert, Ferry Tarbert - Portavadie, Cycle Portavadie to Colintraive. .Ferry Colintraive to Rhubodach, Cycle Rhubodach to Rothesay, Ferry Rothesay to Wemyss Bay then train to Glasgow Central.
More details

Spokes Ride meets at 10:00am on the first Sunday of the month at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road riding to somewhere in Lothian

Booking is now open for the 2010 International Mountain Biking Association UK conference on 10 September. It's taking place in the Tweed Valley, heart of the 7stanes - so as well as talks and workshops, you can try out some of the best trails in Britain.

Booking info is on the IMBA UK website.
 

Sat 11th - Sun12th September, more details to follow

'Pedal for Scotland' is now open for registration. This year there are three great rides to choose from. Details here

Easy to moderate bike rides around West Lothian. The Club runs will depart from Xcite Gym Car Park, (EH54 6QT) just outside Almondell Shopping Centre, Livingston.Meet 10 a.m. for a 10.15 a.m. departure every second Sunday of the month. More details at  www.meetup.com/Livingston-West-Lothian-Cyclists-Touring-Club/

The Borders Brake-Away cycle group

Lowick – Chillingham circular

160km Three Glens Explorer 09:15 Sun [1350m] BP £5.50 Neil Fraser

see www.aukweb.net

Sat 25th - Sun 26th September : more details follow

France Sat 25th September - Sun 17th October 2010, more details

Pitlochlry weekend, October 1st to 3rd . Book yourself in.

The Borders Brake-Away cycle group

Callendar – Killin

200km   Etal-u-Can 08:00 Sun [2379m] BR £3.00 Lucy McTaggart

see www.aukweb.net

The Borders Brake-Away cycle group

Gladhouse Reservoir, off road to Heriot Water, Heriot, Crichton, Gorebridge, Carrington, Temple and return to Gladhouse. 25 miles by road; 1 mile on farm road; 3.5 miles on hill path.

Fri 22nd - Sun 24th October 2010

See Perthshire turn Autumn gold. Cycling /walking /paddling weekend at Kinloch Rannoch.
Staying Friday and Saturday night at Kinloch Rannoch Outdoor Centre. More details

I am interested in joining a trip to Morocco in late October. The supported tour starts from Marrakech and will make a road circuit linking the Atlas and the Sahara. Would you care to join me?

Autumnal cycle ride around Loch Katrine

Meet in Aberfoyle at 10.00am ( in the car park on the left as you drive into town.)

More details

Cycling Scotland Annual Conference 2010 City Chambers, Edinburgh

This year the national event will showcase the important role cycling can play in Scottish society and how it can help Scottish communities, Local Authorities and National Government deliver against their outcomes.

Spokes is hosting the autumn conference of Cyclenation – the twice-yearly meeting of UK cycle campaign groups - its first visit to Scotland for 10 years.

Day ride, Peebles - St Mary's Loch
Meet at Peebles carpark beside river, 9 a.m.
This ride, a last gasp for the year, is around 50 miles and takes in some stunning Borders scenery.  But please check details