Scotland’s first Festival of Movement will soon come to Linlithgow! We are delighted to now reveal the full programme for the day.
Join us across Linlithgow, from the West Lothian Cycle Route to The Cross, on Saturday 29 March for a free, fun-filled day of opportunities to get moving, from in-line skating to led cycles, as well as talks, discussions and creative workshops for all ages and abilities.
A first opportunity to hear Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, the Council’s new Transport Convener, speak on the role of cycling as part of Edinburgh City Council’s transport policy.
Cllr Jenkinson will be accompanied by Deborah Paton, Head of Transport, Strategy and Partnership at the Council. Deborah has considerable previous transport and active travel policy experience, including at Glasgow and West Lothian Councils.
At the start of his convenership, Cllr Jenkinson said there has been a great deal of consultation and policy development in the last few years, resulting in the Mobility Plan and other excellent policies under Future Streets … and that his priority would now be delivery.
This is a chance to hear what is happening, and to put forward your priorities, ideas and concerns in the QA.
Doors open 6.45 for coffee, stalls and chat, including Spokes Maps at special stall prices, and a stall to join Spokes or renew membership
Questions Questions for the panel, can be emailed to spokes@spokes.org.uk, at least a day in advance. However, questions in person from audience members are likely to have greatest priority on the night
Online We hope to live broadcast on our youtube channel – confirmation nearer the time – and make the recording available soon after
— Record proportion of journeys being made by bike on Edinburgh’s new City Centre route and Glasgow’s South City Way —
— Over 1,700 more people cycling on Glasgow’s South City Way in two-day survey period in September 2024 vs 2023, a 46% annual increase —
— Edinburgh’s City Centre West to East Link sees additional 1,000 people cycling in two-day survey period in January 2025 vs 2024, an 83% annual increase —
— Evidence of wider impact of South City Way, with growth in cycling on nearby streets
New traffic data collated by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, has revealed the growing success of two new landmark cycle routes in Glasgow and Edinburgh, and their impact in supporting more people to travel by bike.
Over a 48-hour period in September 2024, traffic surveys recorded 5,457 bikes on the South City Way cycle route on Victoria Road in the south of Glasgow. This was out of a total of 36,417 travel methods recorded, meaning that 15% of people cycled their journey – a new record cycling modal share for an urban street in Scotland.
Overall, 1,718 more bike journeys were recorded on the South City Way over the two-day survey period in September 2024, compared to the same period in September 2023. This is a 46% year-on-year growth in the number of people cycling along the route.
Illustrating the wider impact of the route, cycling was recorded as accounting for 4.3% of journeys on nearby Nithsdale Road, which has no safe cycle lanes, but which connects the nearby area of Pollokshields to the South City Way.
The number of people cycling on Nithsdale Road increased by 45% from September 2023 to September 2024, with nearby Allison Street also recording a 22% increase in cycling over the same period.
Edinburgh’s City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) – which connects Roseburn to the city centre – recorded a cycling modal share of 8.3% in September 2024, just nine months after it was completed.
A 48-hour traffic survey conducted in January 2025 on the CCWEL recorded a total of 2,199 people cycling on the West Coates section – 1,000 more bike journeys compared to the same two-day period in January 2024, shortly after construction of the route. This is a 83% year-on-year growth in the number of people cycling along this route.
Glasgow’s South City Way is one of the most ambitious urban cycle routes in the country, showcasing what investment in a good quality network of safe cycling routes can achieve. Running for 3km, the route’s fully separated, on-street cycle lanes provide a high-quality, direct link between communities in Glasgow’s Southside and the city centre.
The route was developed by Glasgow City Council and Sustrans, with cross-party support and funding from Sustrans’ Places for Everyone Programme. Glasgow City Council continues to expand it further, with new connections planned through development of the citywide network of active travel routes.
Officially opened in early 2024, Edinburgh’s 4km City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) provides a high-quality west-east cycling route connecting Roseburn in the city’s West End to Picardy Place, via Haymarket Rail Station.
The project included improved road crossings, footways, street surfacing and greening improvements along the route, and was delivered by City of Edinburgh Council, with funding from Transport Scotland through Sustrans’ Places For Everyone programme, alongside additional funding from the Scottish Government and the Council’s transport budget.
At Picardy Place, the CCWEL now connects to the 2km Leith Walk cycle route, which saw a total of 580,000 cycle journeys in 2024 – a 40% increase on the number of cycle journeys recorded in 2023.
Cycling Scotland organises traffic surveys across Scotland to monitor changes in travel behaviour, working in partnership with all 32 local authorities at over 100 locations. Conducted biannually in May and September each year, these nationwide traffic surveys help to track changes in modal share, highlighting how new high-quality cycle routes such as this are supporting more people to make sustainable journeys.
Annalise, a commuter who cycles with her son to school along Glasgow’s South City Way several times a week, shared her thoughts on the route: “It’s brilliant to have this and it makes such a difference.
“I’ve lived in other parts of the city that don’t have anything like this, and I didn’t cycle as much as I do now. We cycle together to school a few days a week, and I then use the route the rest of the way to get to work in the centre.
“It saves me so much time.”
Julie, who uses the CCWEL to cycle to work in Edinburgh city centre said:“This is a route I take every day. It makes a huge difference in terms of how safe you feel.
“The biggest difference I’ve noticed are the different types of people on the road as well as regular commuters. So many school kids using it and people with cargo bikes. It’s joyful to see more people using their bikes.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop MSP, said: “I’m pleased to welcome this latest evidence from Cycling Scotland.
“It confirms what cities around the world and here in Scotland already know – where you create a safer environment for cycling through quality infrastructure and support to use it, you see more people cycling.
“In turn, this means more people living healthier lives, saving money, leaving their car at home and reducing their emissions.
“To support the continued ambitions and leadership of our towns and cities – and to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier for shorter everyday journeys, in 2025-26 the Scottish Government will invest £188 million to make it even easier for people to choose sustainable active travel.”
Councillor Angus Millar, Convener for Transport and Climate at Glasgow City Council said: “The continued growth in the number of people using the South City Way demonstrates that when we build safe, segregated and accessible active travel infrastructure, Glaswegians will come and make use of it.
“It’s clear that rebalancing our roads by adding active travel infrastructure helps people feel more at ease when cycling and leads to a roads network that’s fairer for everyone. We know that many people only feel comfortable choosing the bike for everyday journeys where they have confidence that they can make use of safe, segregated cycle infrastructure for most or all of their route.
“With the recent completion of the final phase of the South City Way to Candleriggs in the city centre and ongoing work to extend the active travel network with the Connecting Battlefield project, the success of this key corridor is a great blueprint for Glasgow as we work to deliver our plans for a comprehensive City Network of segregated cycle infrastructure to connect communities across the city.”
Councillor Stephen Jenkinson, Transport and Environment Convener at City of Edinburgh Council, said: “Here in Edinburgh, it’s really encouraging to see these new figures which reflect the increased popularity and patronage of the CCWEL since its opening last year.
“Equally, the increase in cycle journeys at the junction of Picardy Place and Leith Walk is very welcome news. Providing quality active travel infrastructure across our city remains a key priority and I’m determined that this will continue.
“It’s clear that by providing these amenities which allow active travel in a safe, simple and integrated way we’ll see an uptake in use. In order to fulfil our climate objectives and goals for mobility in the city, we have a responsibility to our residents and visitors to maintain, improve and expand this infrastructure.
“Indeed, just a few months ago we saw the opening of the Roseburn to Union Canal route and with ongoing projects like Leith Connections and Meadows to George Street I’m really optimistic looking forward.”
Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland, said:“This is yet more evidence that when Scotland builds high quality cycling infrastructure, it gets more people cycling.
“Given that cycling journeys typically account for around 2% of traffic on urban streets, the fact we are now seeing four to seven times that number of journeys being cycled on these routes – together with the huge growth in cycling numbers – shows just what can be achieved when Scotland invests in safe cycling routes.
“Road safety is the single biggest barrier to more people cycling, and the strong success of these landmark routes demonstrates clearly that investing in well-connected, dedicated cycling lanes is having an impact: helping more people to travel safely and affordably, benefiting our health, reducing harmful pollution and our impact on the climate.
“We need more safe cycling routes just like these, to bring the benefits to more people across Scotland.”
Edinburgh Leisure is seeking new participants as it launches an innovative 11-week cycling course, starting Monday, 3rd March, designed specifically for older adults looking to rebuild their cycling confidence. The programme offers a supportive environment for those eager to return to cycling after years away from the handlebars.
The course, based at Saughton Sports Centre’s 400m traffic-free track, uses Cycling Scotland’s acclaimed Bikeability curriculum to help participants regain their cycling prowess. At just £3 per week, or £33 for the block, the programme provides bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, though participants are welcome to bring their own equipment.
“Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile while enjoying Edinburgh’s amazing network of dedicated cycle paths,” says Cat Wilson, Edinburgh Leisure’s Project Officer for Older Adults.
“Whether you want to join grandchildren on family rides or meet new people, our experienced volunteers will help you rediscover the joy of cycling at your own pace.”
The course features:
Professional instruction in essential skills including safe stopping, proper signalling, and gear management
A traffic-free learning environment
Fully qualified, passionate volunteer instructors
All necessary equipment provided
Social, relaxed atmosphere with like-minded participants
Upon completing the initial course, participants can progress to an 8-week Level 2 programme, where they’ll explore Edinburgh’s cycle paths using their newly refined skills.
Important Notes:
This is not a beginners’ course but is designed for those who have previously cycled
Suitable for adults aged 50 and above
No current cycling experience required
All abilities welcome
The Ageing Well project, a partnership between NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure, and Pilmeny Development Project, is part of the UK Ageing Well network dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles for older adults and increasing expectations of good health in later life.
For registration, information and to register your interest: Phone: 0131 458 2260 Email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk
First Minister: athletes at the top of their fields inspirational
As the 2024 Paralympic Games draws to a close, First Minister John Swinney has commended Scottish athletes for their world-class performances which will inspire future generations.
21 Scottish athletes took part individually or in team events, securing 11 gold medals, eight silver medals and one bronze medal – contributing to ParalympicsGB’s overall medals tally of 124 medals.
Athletes from Scotland broke records in pursuit of gold medals, including Stephen Clegg’s record-breaking S12 backstroke time, Jenny Holl’s effort as pilot for Sophie Unwin on her way to gold and a world record in the Women’s B 3,000m individual cycling pursuit, and Sammi Kinghorn achieving a gold medal while setting a new Paralympic Record for the Women’s T53 100m.
The First Minister said: “I want to pay tribute to and congratulate all of the ParalympicsGB squad, including the 21 Scots on the team, for your performances in Paris.
“You are all athletes at the top of your field, and Scotland has been cheering you on throughout these Games.
“Your performances will inspire people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities to take up sport, achieve their own goals and become more active in their own lives. The next generation will be inspired by where you are now, and the Scottish Government and partners will work to ensure there will be opportunities for them to follow suit.”
Forbes Dunlop, CEO of sportscotland, said: “On behalf of everyone at sportscotland I want to congratulate every single one of the Scottish athletes who have represented Paralympics GB in Paris over the last couple of weeks.
“There have been some extremely strong performances from our athletes, including personal bests, Paralympic and World records and a very impressive haul of medals, demonstrating the enormous level of commitment and talent across the team.
“All of this success is down to years of hard work from the athletes, their coaches and their wider support teams including Scottish Governing Bodies of Sport and the sportscotland institute of sport and we are proud to be part of the ‘team behind team’ supporting the athletes.”
Gavin Macleod, CEO of Scottish Disability Sport, said: “Congratulations to all the Scottish Paralympians and their significant support networks in Paris.
“The performances are testimony to the inclusive approach Scottish Governing Bodies of sport are taking to ensuring para-athletes are supported.
“Not all of us will be able to reach the heights of these international high-performance athletes however, what we can do is commit to working in partnership to ensure that children, young people and adults can access quality PE, comprehensive sporting opportunities and the chance to move more every day.”
More than 2,000 daily bike trips on Leith Walk in May, following completion of cycle lanes between Leith and Picardy Place
New traffic data collated by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, has revealed how the growing network of cycle routes in Edinburgh is encouraging record numbers of people to travel by bike.
Through May 2024, a daily average of 1,812 bikes were recorded travelling on the cycleway on Leith Walk, with a peak of 2,107 journeys on 30th May.[1]
Demonstrating the significant year-on-year growth in cycling on Leith Walk, a total of 219,070 bike journeys were recorded along the route between January 2024 and the end of May 2024 – almost double the number recorded over the same time period in 2022 (117,969). Data shows that cycling volumes are at their highest during commuting times, indicating many people are using the route for everyday journeys.
Data was captured by an automatic counter located on the cycle path at Picardy Place, one of Cycling Scotland’s nationwide network of counters, funded by Transport Scotland to help measure cycling levels across Scotland.
In addition, a survey organised by Cycling Scotland to monitor traffic over a 48-hour period between 15th and 16th May, recorded that bikes accounted for 9.1% of all journeys on Leith Walk: a level of modal share rarely seen in Scotland.
A person cycling on Melville Street separated cycle lane, part of the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) route in Edinburgh
On the other side of the city centre, Melville Street also recorded a high cycling modal share of 6.4%. The number of cycling journeys in Edinburgh is up 12% compared to May 2023, and up 19% compared to May 2022.
The sustained growth in bike journeys seen on Leith Walk comes after the completion of fully separated two-way cycle lanes along the 2km route, as part of the Trams to Newhaven project, connecting communities in Leith and Edinburgh’s city centre. The route was developed by City of Edinburgh Council, with funding from the Scottish Government.
The route has also recently connected to the newly opened 4km City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL), which runs from Roseburn to Picardy Place via Haymarket Train Station, and is already seeing increases in cycling.
Leith resident Elspeth, who uses the Leith Walk and CCWEL routes to cycle to work in Edinburgh Park several times a week, said: “I use the Leith Walk cycle lanes regularly – for travelling to work but also for lots of other shorter journeys, like popping into town or visiting friends.
“The separated cycle lanes have made my bike journeys so much more relaxed, and thanks to CCWEL, it’s now almost completely on separated cycle lanes. It means I can go whatever pace suits me without feeling rushed with traffic on my tail.”
“I love how it gives me independence and allows me to get about town. I find getting around by bike is great for my physical and mental health, and I love the passing waves and nods from other people on bikes in the morning!”
People cycling on Leith Walk
Rowan Simpson, Monitoring and Development Officer at Cycling Scotland, said: “It’s really encouraging to see more than 2,000 people are cycling on Leith Walk each day – yet more evidence that where Scotland builds networks of connected cycling routes, separated from vehicle traffic, more people travel by bike.
“We know that road safety is the single biggest barrier to more people cycling, and the early success of Leith Walk and City Centre West to East Link underlines the critical role of safe, convenient, separated cycle routes, if more people are to choose cycling for short and medium journeys.”
“The new cycle routes make it possible to cycle to Edinburgh Waverley and Haymarket stations more safely, supporting multi-modal journeys by bike and public transport and helping more people to choose sustainable transport.
“With transport the largest source of carbon emissions in Scotland, we need to help more people to cycle, walk and wheel safely. Investing in dedicated, separated cycling lanes, limiting polluting traffic growth and helping everyone to access bikes, training and bike storage are all key actions to reduce our climate impact and improve health.”
Person cycling southbound on Leith Walk
Transport and Environment Convener of City of Edinburgh Council, Councillor Scott Arthur, said: “These are really exciting counts that showcase the significant growth in cycling on Leith Walk following completion of the Trams to Newhaven project and the connection with the recently opened City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL).
“The Leith Connections project will be continuing the segregated cycle infrastructure and public space improvements, from the Foot of the Walk northwards, first to Commercial Street and ultimately to Ocean Terminal in the north, Hawthornvale path in the west and Seafield in the east.
“This improved connectivity, and better active travel and public transport links support our wider ambitions to achieve net zero by 2030 and active travel across Edinburgh.
“Once the Leith Connections project is complete, this improved route will not only provide a safer environment for people walking, wheeling and cycling but will transform the area to create a more pleasant, welcoming space to spend time.”
Person cycling northbound on Leith Walk
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director at Sustrans, added: “Edinburgh residents want to safely and easily get around without needing to rely on a car. This new data shows the demand that can be unlocked by delivering safe walking, wheeling and cycling links like the City Centre West to East Link.
“People in Edinburgh know that every time they decide to travel under their own steam, they are helping their health, our planet and improving the quality of the air we all breathe – and delivering more of these opportunities has support across the city.
“It’s so important to build on the success of projects like CCWEL and deliver even more high-quality, active connections which give everyone fairer, better choices to reach the places they need to.”
EDINBURGH’S WALKING, WHEELING AND CYCLING TRENDS REVEALED
The biggest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in urban areas in the UK and Ireland
Half of Edinburgh residents want to see more spent on walking, wheeling and cycling improvements across the city, according to a new report.
The biannual Walking and Cycling Index, delivered in partnership between Sustrans and the City of Edinburgh Council, draws on independent survey feedback from a cross-section of more than 1,200 residents in the Capital, surveyed in 2023.
Today Sustrans joined the City of Edinburgh Council to officially launch the Index with a panel discussion on access to walking, wheeling cycling in the city.
Amongst the findings, the report shows that 50% would like to see more spent on cycling while 57% want investment in walking and wheeling and 68% support an increase in spend on public transport. Almost half of residents want to walk and wheel (45%) and cycle (49%) more too, along with a quarter who want to use public transport more, and improved infrastructure is key to this.
Regular walking and wheeling remains as high as 2021, with two-thirds of people travelling by foot or wheel five days a week. The annual number of cycling trips has increased to 30.7 million from 24.4 million in 2021, although the number of residents cycling at least once a week dropped slightly from 26% to 22%.
The majority of residents think their local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach – with more and easier to access shops and everyday services (say 79%) and parks and greenspaces close to home (according to 78%) amongst the incentives to walking and wheeling more.
Sixty-nine per cent agree they can already get to many places they need to visit without having to drive.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “As ever, the Walking and Cycling Index makes an extremely interesting read, and it’s thanks to the many people from all parts of the city who took part in the survey last year.
“Edinburgh is a compact, walkable city, as demonstrated by the many people who already regularly walk, wheel and cycle here. However, what’s clear from the Index is that there’s still much to be done to encourage even more people make the shift to travel on foot, wheel, bike or, in some cases, public transport.
“Thankfully, we’re on the right track, with an ambitious programme of development underway which will transform the way people travel around the city, and the results of the Walking and Cycling Index reassure us that we have the backing of Edinburgh’s residents to invest in these kinds of changes.
“The majority of residents think local areas could be improved through a 20-minute neighbourhood approach, and we will consult on this approach via our proposals to make Dalry greener, healthier and more vibrant.
“From our recent ban on pavement parking to the completion of the City Centre West to East Link, as well as longer term plans like the tram line between Granton and the BioQuarter and City Centre Transformation, we’re working to make Edinburgh a truly people-friendly city.”
Karen McGregor, Director, Sustrans Scotland, said: “I’d like to thank the people of Edinburgh who gave us their time to take part in the Walking and Cycling Index. The results show that making walking, wheeling and cycling the most accessible and desirable form of transport is of great importance to people, especially during the current cost of living crisis.
“There is clear evidence that people in Scotland’s capital want the option to walk, wheel and cycle to where they need to get to more often. The recent ban on pavement parking in the city is a huge step forward, but the Index also shows that people living in Edinburgh want safe, accessible cycle paths and pedestrian crossings; and they want more investment in public transport.
“The latest Index results show that The City of Edinburgh Council has the backing of the public to build on the work it has already started to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle to get around.”
Other findings in the Index include inequalities and varied perceptions of walking, wheeling and cycling amongst different groups. Twenty-eight per cent of men cycle at least once a week compared to 16% of women, while the proportion of white residents who walk or wheel at least five days a week (67%) is higher than people from ethnic minority groups (55%).
Participants in the survey shared their views on the kinds of improvements that would encourage them to walk, wheel and cycle more. Some of the changes that would encourage people to travel by foot or wheel are fewer cars parked on pavements (67%), nicer places on streets to stop and rest (71%) and wider pavements (68%).
Seventy-three per cent said more traffic free cycle paths away from roads and 65% highlighted segregated cycle paths on roads as improvements that would help them to cycle more, while 58% support building more cycle paths physically separated from traffic and pedestrians, even when this would mean less room for other road traffic.
The report also emphasises the benefits already being delivered by people walking, wheeling and cycling in the Capital. By taking up to 160,000 cars off the road every day, each year they help prevent 1,314 serious long-term health conditions, create £262.6 million in economic benefits and save 42,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
Schools in Edinburgh still have time to sign up to the UK’s largest walking, scooting and cycling to school challenge.
Taking place 11-22 March 2024, the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel inspires pupils to make active journeys to school, improving air quality in their neighbourhood and discovering how these changes benefit the world around them.
The challenge is delivered by Sustrans, the charity that aims to make walking, wheeling and cycling easier, in partnership with City of Edinburgh Council and headline sponsors Schwalbe Tyres UK.
Dr Cecilia Oram, Head of Behaviour Change, at Sustrans said:“Millions of pupils have risen to the challenge and embraced walking, scooting and cycling throughout these past 15 years of Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel, and this time it’s going to be bigger than ever.
“Not only are pupils and their families enjoying quality time together during an active school commute, but they’re also improving traffic congestion and air quality around their schools.”
Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel is open to all primary and secondary schools in the UK, including SEN/ASN/ALN schools, with prizes to be won every day.
The prizes on offer to schools this year include Micro Scooters, Frog bikes and Cyclehoop cycle parking and infrastructure.
Free resources are available to encourage pupils to help reduce air pollution and learn about the benefits of active travel for themselves, their schools, their neighbourhoods, and the planet.
Alison McLean, Acting Headteacher at Queensferry Primary School in Edinburgh, said:“Last year, our pupils had so much fun walking and cycling to school with their friends and family.
“We noticed they arrived at school refreshed and ready to learn. We were also thrilled to come in first place in the large primary school category in Scotland.
“I would encourage more schools to sign up to the Big Walk and Wheel as it’s a great way for young people to learn more about the local environment, air quality and how it affects them.”
15 years of the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel in Scotland
Since data collection for the challenge began in 2011, just over 1.5 million miles1 have been travelled by pupils taking almost 2.3 million active travel journeys to school in Scotland.
That equates to around 19 trips to the moon, or over 180 journeys around the Earth1, saving just under 1,200 tonnes of CO2 polluting the air on the school run, from 3.1 million car journeys had the participants been driven to and from school1.
Just over 340,000 active journeys to 340 participating schools took place in Scotland during the 2023 challenge, saving just over an estimated 240 tonnes of CO2 emissions if the journeys logged had otherwise been made by car2.
Karen McGregor, Scotland Director at Sustrans, said:“For 15 years, pupils across Scotland have enjoyed taking part in the Sustrans Big Walk and Wheel. Parents save money by not having to drive and children get to be out and about exploring their world.
“The challenge shows that a healthier, more enjoyable and sustainable journey to school is possible. We want to transform school runs across Scotland by making it easier for all families to walk, wheel or cycle to school.”
Join in
Comment and share your active journeys to school, using the hashtag #BigWalkandWheel
Bored and tired of the same old Saturday routine ? Why not join us for a sunny cycle to Craigie Farm to pick your own Fruit!
The rides are fun, social and inclusive. Participants will ideally need their own bike although we have a small selection of adult and kids bikes we can rent for free.
Booking is essential.
There is also the opportunity to get your bike checked for free on the Friday afternoon prior to the ride. All details in the poster.
Scotland’s first Festival of Movement will soon come to Linlithgow! We are delighted to now reveal the full programme for the day.
