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.
Join ELREC for a sunny cycle to Portobello THIS Saturday.
The rides are fun, social, and inclusive.
Participants will need their own bike and we are offering a free bike safety check on the Friday afternoon prior to the ride at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.
Over 300k spectators lined the demanding 271km route, cheering on the best riders in the world as they took on hills, scenic vistas and changeable weather in a dramatic fight for the rainbow jersey.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships wishes to thank the hundreds of thousands of fans who lined the streets to create a rousing atmosphere for riders and an unforgettable spectacle during the men’s road race from Edinburgh to Glasgow.
The organisers have estimated the number of fans across the entire route was in excess of 300,000, with 190,000 of those turning out around the Glasgow circuit specifically.
Avid cycling fans and curious locals of all ages showed their support for one of the showpiece races of the 11-day mega event – which encompasses 13 UCI World Championships – taking place in Glasgow and across Scotland.
The route from the capital to Glasgow, taking in Fife, Falkirk, Stirling, Clackmannanshire and East Dunbartonshire, was lined with spectators, culminating in a spectacular finish around a challenging 10 lap, 14.3km city centre circuit. Crowds cheered the epic finale in the heart of George Square, as Mathieu Van der Poel became the first men’s Dutch UCI World Champion in the road race for nearly forty years.
Paul Bush OBE, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, Chair, said: : “Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the fans who came out in such huge numbers, in towns and cities across the Edinburgh to Glasgow route, to inspire the riders and create such a memorable men’s road race experience for everyone.
“The excitement and atmosphere generated reinforces Scotland’s status as a world-class major event destination and it was particularly heartening to see so many young people savouring the experience.
“The race was temporarily interrupted in the Carron Valley and was successfully re-started. It was clear from the enthusiasm of the crowds lining the streets that it did not detract from a memorable race against a backdrop of Scotland’s most stunning and iconic landmarks.”
Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive Officer, said: “Today was a pivotal moment in this history making Championships, with a magnificent spectacle on the road in front of thousands of fans and millions more watching on TV across the world.
“We now look forward to another week of world-class cycling across the country, culminating in next week’s showpiece event when the women’s road race brings the curtain down on this first-of-its-kind championships.”
The first four days have been hugely successfully, we now look forward to another seven days of world class cycling across Scotland, including BMX Racing at Knightswood, Road para-cycling in Dumfries and Galloway and the Individual Time Trial races in Stirling.
The route for the UCI Men’s Elite Road Race has been announced. This forms part of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the “biggest cycling event ever.”
The race will begin in Edinburgh on Sunday 6 August 2023 at 9.30am. We expect the event to attract many visitors from across the world to follow the race as it makes its way from the capital to Glasgow. The city will be busy and some roads will be closed as the event passes through.
Route
Competitors will start off in the shadow of Arthur’s Seat and the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood Park. The race then heads up the Royal Mile and through Edinburgh’s Old Town, passing under Edinburgh Castle.
They will then head down the Mound and towards Stockbridge before moving onto Queensferry. Competitors will then cross the Firth of Forth via the Queensferry Crossing. The race will eventually finish in Glasgow’s George Square, covering a distance of 270km.
Road closures
These roads will be closed from 6:30pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:
Queens Drive
Horse Wynd
Dukes Walk
These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 1:45pm on 6 August:
Canongate
New Street (between East Market Street and Canongate)
These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 11:15am on 6 August:
High Street (between South Bridge and St Giles Street)
Lawnmarket (between St Giles Street and Bank Street)
These roads will be closed from 11:59pm on August 5 to 12 noon on 6 August:
High Street (between St Mary’s Street and South Bridge)
The following roads will be closed from 8:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:
Abbeyhill (between Canongate and Abbeyhill Crescent)
Calton Road (between Abbeyhill and Abbeyhill Crescent)
The following roads will be closed from 9:00am to 9:45am on 6 August:
George IV Bridge (between Lawnmarket and Victoria Street)
Lawnmarket (between Bank Street and Castlehill)
Bank Street
North Bank Street
The Mound
Hanover Street
Queen Street Gardens East
Heriot Row (between Dundas Street and Howe Street)
Howe Street (between Heriot Row and South-East Circus Place)
South-East Circus Place
Circus Place
North-West Circus Place
These roads will be closed from 9:10am to 9:45am on 6 August:
Kerr Street
Deanhaugh Street
Raeburn Place
Comely Bank Road
Craigleith Road
These roads will be closed from 9:15am to 9:50am on 6 August:
Queensferry Road (between Craigleith Road and Hillhouse Road)
Hillhouse Road
These roads will be closed from 9:20 to 9:55am on 6 August:
Queensferry Road (between Hillhouse Road and Maybury Road)
These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10am on 6 August:
Queensferry Road / A90 South-eastbound (between the dual carriageway section and Whitehouse Road)
These roads will be closed from 9:40am to 10:40am on 6 August:
Queensferry Road / A90 North-westbound (between Maybury Road and the boundary of City of Edinburgh Council’s responsibility).
Vehicle crossing points on closed roads
On 6 August, traffic will be held at the junctions with the race route for up to 10 minutes while the race passes. Once the final support vehicle passes, traffic will be able to flow as normal. The timings may change slightly to fit with the event as it passes through Edinburgh.
St Mary Street – Jeffery Street at Canongate/ High Street 9:25am to 9:35am
North Bridge – South Bridge at High Street 09:25am to 9:35am
Princess Street at The Mound/ Hanover Street 9:25am to 9:35am
Queen Street at Hanover Street/ Queen Street Gardens East 9:25am to 9:35am
East Fettes Avenue – Comley Bank Avenue at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
Orchard Brae – Crewe Road South at Comely Bank Road 9:30am to 9:40am
Telford Road – Strachan Road at A90 Hillhouse Road 9:30am to 9:40am
Quality Street – Craigcrook Road at A90 Queensferry Road 9:30am to 9:40am
For those older adults looking to get back in the saddle again, Ageing Well will be starting a new 11-week cycling course on Monday, 10th July, where participants can develop those dormant skills in a relaxed and social atmosphere with like-minded companions.
The level 1 course, based on Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability material, will get participants comfortable again on a bike, developing skills, at a pace that suits them, on the 400m track at Saughton Sports Centre, a traffic free environment on which to learn to cycle. The course will begin on Monday, 10th July at 10am-12noon and run until 18th September 2023.
This is NOT a beginners’ course teaching people to cycle but is aimed at older adults who have not cycled for some years and who want to gain confidence and start cycling again. They will learn skills such as stopping safely, indicating correctly, and mastering the gears. Bikes and helmets will be supplied but participants can also bring their own. The cost is £3 per week.
Cat Wilson, Edinburgh Leisure’s Project Officer for Older Adults explained: “Cycling is a great way to keep fit, active and mobile and enjoy the outdoors and countryside on the amazing network of dedicated cycle paths in the Edinburgh area.
“Perhaps you’d like to join grandchildren on family rides or just to meet some new people? And don’t worry if you haven’t been on a bike for ages or don’t currently own one, we even provide bikes, helmets, and Hi-Viz vests, so all you need to bring is yourself! The courses are led by experienced, fully trained volunteers who are passionate about cycling and supporting those who would like to get back in the saddle.”
A level 2 Course will commence directly after Level 1 on Monday 25th September 2023 with 4 weeks from Ainslie Park and 4 weeks from Meggetland. This course will further explore the cycle paths of Edinburgh using the skills participants have learnt from Level 1.
For more information and to book a place on the cycle course, contact a member of Edinburgh Leisure’s Active Communities team on: Tel: 0131 458 2260 / Email: active@edinburghleisure.co.uk
The Ageing Well project promotes healthy lifestyles for older adults (typically 50+) in Edinburgh. The project is a partnership with NHS Lothian, Edinburgh Leisure and Pilmeny Development Project and is part of the UK Ageing Well network, which aims to increase the expectation of good health in later life.
The rides are fun, social, and inclusive.
