It’s September, so it must be Cyclefest!

Two wheeled transport takes centre stage in the city

This month, Edinburgh will enjoy a month of non-stop cycling action, culminating in the first ever CycleFest Edinburgh.

National Cycle to Work Day will kick things off on Thursday (3 September), with people all over the city ditching the car for a more eco-friendly commute.

Then on Sunday (6 September) it’s time to get back in the saddle, this time for charity, as Pedal for Scotland sweeps the nation.

Cycling will continue to dominate the Scottish capital as the Edinburgh stage of the Tour of Britain rides into town on Wednesday 9 September.

Keeping the cycling celebrations going, the Edinburgh Corn Exchange will host an action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled weekend for cycling novices and experienced riders alike on Saturday 19 – Sunday 20 September.

The inaugural CycleFest Edinburgh will showcase a multitude of exhibitors stocking the very latest bicycles and accessories, plus there’ll be a plethora of workshops, celebrity appearances and stunt displays to keep you gripped all weekend.

Making a very special appearance at the show will be BMXer Champion and Guinness World Record Holder, Matti Hemmings, AKA Matti Axel from the hit Nickelodeon show, ‘Get Your Skills On’. He’ll be there to present breath-taking tricks from bunnyhops and sliders to grinds and foot jams, kicking out all the moves in the specially created outdoor track area.

Adding an extra nail-biting edge to the weekend will be Savage Skills, a freestyle mountain bike stunt team with eight World titles and 25 British Championship titles to their name. Jaws will drop as they wow the crowds with their repertoire of interactive tricks, jumps and stunts.

All this plus the chance to learn to ride like a pro with the likes of Redscar and important advice on staying safe with Cycle Law Scotland. CycleFest Edinburgh is also throwing in cheerleaders and a bagpiping, juggling, unicyclist for good measure!

Yes, Edinburgh’s all set for a cycling jamboree!

CYCLING GRANTS AVAILABLE

Community groups across Scotland are now able to apply for a Development Grant of up to £20,000 to help them overcome barriers to cycling and work towards becoming a Cycle Friendly Community. Applications can be submitted at any time up to Friday 30^thOctober and will be assessed on a first come, first serve basis, dependent on available funding.

For more information visit Community Development Grants

Free walking and cycling festival at Inverleith Park

Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership presents:

Inverleith On Foot and By Bike

Don’t miss this opportunity to have fun, try new things, get out and about in fresh air, win some great prizes and get fitter!

Sunday 13 September in Inverleith Park, 2.30-5.30.

Finalé of the event is the live screening of the Tour De Britain. Come watch it on large screen in our bike powered cinema!

More info here.

What should we do with George Street?

Have your say on the future of George Street

Edinburgh residents are being invited to help shape the future of one of the city’s best-known streets. An open day to be held tomorrow will offer an opportunity to meet the designers working on a long-term vision for George Street.

Participants can give their views on a year-long trial in the street, which has seen the introduction of a dedicated two-way cycle lane and a one-way system for general traffic and buses.

They will also be invited to contribute ideas and opinions on a permanent layout, with the drop-in session featuring four themes for George Street: A Civic Place, A Place for Living, A Place for Enterprise and A Place for Movement.

Transport Convener, Councillor Lesley Hinds, said: “Throughout this trial we have involved the public to ensure changes take into account the users of the street, and I think that’s reflected in the positive feedback we’ve received along the way.

“Now, as the trial draws to a close, we want to include those who live, work and travel on George Street to help us decide its future, and that’s why it’s so important that people come along to our open day to give their views on a long term plan.

“Making the city centre a great place to be is about striking a balance between work and leisure, practicality and atmosphere – and I think that by working together we can achieve that.”

Throughout the trial, regular ‘stakeholder engagement’ and on-street interviews with passers-by (approximately 100 per month) have gathered feedback from the public.

Amongst the findings were the importance of cycling facilities to the future of the street to respondents, the need for George Street to be accessible to all and the preference for symmetry in any long-term designs.

Ironside Farrar have been appointed until October 2015 to turn the information gathered into design principles, which will be presented with the concluding report on the George Street Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to Committee in November.

The George Street ETRO finishes on 6 September, when the street’s layout will revert to that of pre-September 2014, when the trial began. This means both sides of carriageway will be open and the cycle lane removed, as will all marquees and decking. An interim cycle facility will then be introduced, as approved by Transport and Environment Committee on 2 June.

The open day will be held at the Roxburghe Hotel

on Thursday 13 August, from 3pm to 7pm.

Epic cycle trek honours record breaker

Michael keeps it in the family!

An Edinburgh man is taking on an epic cycling challenge, from one end of Ireland to the other – 60 years after his aunt became the fastest woman to complete the route!

Michael Woods, who aims to complete the challenge in six days, will be joined by a group of family members during the 386 miles and they will raise funds for cancer charities including Macmillan Cancer Support.

The route will closely mirror the one taken by Michael’s aunt, Isabel Woods, on 26^thJune 1955. She cycled from Mizen Head on Ireland’s south coast to Fair Head in Northern Ireland in a record-breaking 23 hours and 3 minutes, a record she held on to until 1 July 2007.

Michael said: “Isabel’s ride of 60 years ago is a mind boggling feat of stamina and endurance and following the route at a more leisurely pace is one way of comprehending just what a feat it was. If our road trip enables us to raise funds for some good causes then all the better.”

Macmillan’s Edinburgh Fundraising Manager Jayne Forbes said: “We are very grateful to Michael, David, Norah, Sheena and Brian and everyone who supports them. They’ve already raised a fantastic amount of money which will help us make a real difference to the lives of people affected by cancer.

“We help people in many ways, from specialist nurses and doctors, to help and advice for people who have financial worries as a result of their cancer diagnosis, none of which would be possible without the support of people in Edinburgh.”

If you would like to support Michael and the team please visit:

https://www.givey.com/ie2eiw60

Women urged to get on their bikes to support people affected by cancer

Macmillan Cancer Support is calling on women in Edinburgh to sign up and take part in Scotland’s biggest women only bike ride. This year the Macmillan Cycletta Scotland returns to Scone Palace, near Perth, on Sunday 19 July and as the event’s official charity partner Macmillan hopes to raise much needed funds to support people locally affected by cancer.

Macmillan Cycletta is the UK’s leading series of women only bike rides. Taking place on marshalled country roads, with distances of 20, 50, 100 and 150km to choose from at Scone, it’s a fabulous day out and a great chance for women to get together.

There are medical, mechanical and treat stops along the route, a Recovery Zone at the finish, and lots for supporters to see and do in the grounds of Scone Palace where parking is free. The day’s fun also includes the LittleLife Scootathlon, a mini fun triathlon for children aged 4 – 8.

Edinburgh Fundraising Manager, Jayne Forbes said: “Macmillan believes that nobody should face cancer alone and that’s why we’re calling on all women to join Team Macmillan and help us raise as much money as possible at this year’s Cycletta Scotland. Whether you haven’t ridden a bike for years or you’re a keen cyclist who’s excited by the new 150km distance, there’s something challenging but achievable for everyone and the stunning Perthshire countryside makes this a wonderful route for all abilities.

“Macmillan is delighted to be the official charity partner of Cycletta and we look forward to welcoming Team Macmillan cyclists as they take part in this fabulous event, encouraging more women to take up cycling.”

There are still places available for Cycletta Scotland, just visit www.macmillan.org.uk/cyclettascotland to register.

The entry fee isn’t included in fundraising so remember to say “yes” to join Team Macmillan when you register to receive your Cycletta fundraising pack and training guide so that you can help change the lives of people affected by cancer.

Edinburgh gets set for Festival of Cycling

City to host third Festival of Cycling from 11 – 21 June

The third Edinburgh Festival of Cycling will be held from 11 to 21 June, and Scotland’s greatest cycling celebration promises to be a real showcase of all aspects of bicycle culture.

The jam-packed 10-day programme features not only bike rides and races, but talks, films, drama, art & photography exhibitions, family events, and workshops. Among the rides there are several new rides, including the inauguration of the Capital Trail a long distance mountain biking challenge, and two new Audax rides aimed at beginners and families. There will also be rides and events for children and families.

The festival will feature inspiring speakers such as: Shannon Galpin, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, talking about her work in Afghanistan using the bicycle as a vehicle for social justice. Juliana Buhring (the fastest woman to cycle round the world) will be giving a Q&A after the Scottish première of ‘Inspired to Ride’ the new film about the 4,233 mile Trans America race, in which was the first woman to finish (and fifth overall). Also, new at the Festival is the powerful new drama ‘The White Bike’ by Tamara von Werthern, who was inspired to write the play by the death of Eilidh Cairns who was killed as she cycled to work.

This years Festival of Cycling will see the return of the Original Edinburgh Night Ride, for its third year: this is a supported ride which has been described as a magical mystery tour from Edinburgh to East Lothian and back through the mid-summer night – this ride sold out for the last two years.

Then there’s the Bike Curious Family workshop – showing families how bikes can be the perfect transport solution for children of all ages. Also, returning this year is Women’s Cycle forum, an evening of discussion, inspiration and networking on how to build a better world.

In addition to all this there will be plenty more to do including a literary tour, rides and tours for all-abilities, novice riders, children and the elite, workshops, exhibitions of art & photography, various workshops, including one where you can build a bicycle from scratch using bamboo to make the frame, and public meetings.

Throughout June, ‘Pedalling past: Edinburgh’s Cycling Heritage’, explores Edinburgh’s cycling heritage in a free exhibition at the Central Library, through historic photographs and other material from the collections of Edinburgh Libraries and Museums and Galleries.

The Festival also caters to the increasing amount of people commuting in Edinburgh. The Spokes’ Bike Breakfast will be free to all who arrive by bike and features a range of stalls, speeches, security marking and servicing for bikes at the Edinburgh City Chambers. The Brompton Fold-Fest will have prizes for the quickest in town to fold a Brompton bicycle at Biketrax and at the SEStran Commuter Challenge participants will set off from Ferrytoll, Ingliston, Straiton and Newcraighall by car, bus, train, tram, bicycle, or jogging/walking and head for St Andrew Square, to see which mode is the fastest and causes the least environmental damage.

Louise Haston, Commonwealth Games double Silver medallist said: “Over the past few years cycling in Scotland has gone from strength to strength and it’s great to see events such as the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling taking place,
especially for the 3rd year running.

“Events like this are key to getting people of all ages and abilities involved in cycling whether it be for sport, leisure, to stay fit or have fun! There are some fantastic events on this year’s calendar – I can’t wait to be involved!”

Director of the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling, Kim Harding, says “This year we are bringing you our strongest programme yet: more rides, including the new Capital Trail and two new Audax rides. More films, including the première of ‘Inspired to Ride’ with a Q&A with one of the stars. Great talks, such as ‘Pedalling a Revolution’ by Shannon Galpin, founder of the nonprofit organisation Mountain2Mountain, on her social justice work in Afghanistan, a country where there is a cultural taboo against women and girls riding bicycles.

“Also, Emily Chappell a cycle courier taking on the world, and Swiss mountain biker Gian Liesch. The powerful new drama ‘The White Bike’ by Tamara von Werthern, plus books, photographs, workshops, rides and more. Did I mention the rides?”

Held across different venues around Edinburgh, more information on all events of the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling and tickets are available online at www.edfoc.org.uk.

The Festival can also be followed on Twitter at @edfoc, on Facebook at EdinburghFestivalofCycling, on Instagram at @edfoc and on Flickr at edincyclefest. The hashtag for the event is #edfoc2015.

The Edinburgh Festival of Cycling is supported by Sustrans, Sestran, The City of Edinburgh Council, Spokes and the Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative. Booking information and contact details for all events can be found on www.edfoc.org.uk, the online brochure can be browsed at goo.gl/TYrM6z.

Sport in the sun at Spartans

More than 250 children from six local primary schools descended on Ainslie Park yesterday for Spartans School Sports Day.

Pupils from Blackhall, Craigroyston, Flora Stevenson’s, Forthview, Pirniehall and St David’s took the opportunity to take part in a range of sports – from triathlon, boxing and mountain bike relays to judo, fencing and football.

The sun shone, the day was a great success and the happy kids all left Spartans with a medal!

Spartans Community Football Academy youth worker Jamie Tomkinson, who organised the sporting festival, said: “It was good to see so many children enjoying the different activities and having fun. Many of them were trying out some of these sports for the first time and it was great to see their energy and enthusiasm.”

Big events like this take a lot of organising, and among those involved in making the Sports Day such a success were Edinburgh Leisure, Spartans CFA volunteers, Edinburgh Judo, Nike volunteers, FetLor, Granton Youth Centre, MY Adventure, Fencing Fun’s Keith Cook and Kabo.

Some pictures:

More pictures of the Sports Day on our Facebook Page

Talking walking (and cycling) in Inverleith

Walking, cycling and sustainable transport were the themes of Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership’s annual community conference held at Broughton High School last night.

Active travel, in particular encouraging walking and cycling to school, features high on the list of community priorities in Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership’s hot-off-the-press local community plan for 2014 – 2107, so the conference theme was well chosen.

Around fifty delegates attended the event which was hosted by Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership convener Councillor Nigel Bagshaw, who spoke enthusiastically of the considerable health and environmental benefits of choosing to walk or cycle rather than take the car.

Transport, Infrastructure and Environment Convener Cllr Lesley Hinds outlined the city council’s current transport systems, ongoing initiatives and future plans before delegates broke into workshop groups to discuss: ‘What are the challenges to making walking and cycling better in Inverleith?‘ and ‘What are potential solutions to improve and increase walking and cycling, including how can we make best use of local greenspace?’

A full conference report will follow, meanwhile here are some images taken during the event:

Inverleith Community Conference: still time to book your place

Inverleith’s annual community conference takes place on Thursday 30 October from 6 – 9pm in Broughton High School. The theme of this year’s event is ‘increasing walking and cycling in Inverleith‘ – and there’s still time to book your place …

Come join us on Thursday 30th October from 6-9pm at Broughton High School to find out about tips, advice and support available to help you get started, to share your thoughts on how we can get people in Inverleith walking and cycling more, and what the Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership can do to make this happen!

The evening will include marketplace where organisations and businesses will be on hand to showcase their work and services and offer tips and advice to take up or increase your walking and cycling. Then we will have a chance to share views, discuss issues and consider solutions to increasing physical activity in Inverleith. Teas, coffees and biscuits will be provided.

Email Anne Brown to book your place here

or book quickly and easily here through eventbrite

Email Elaine Lennon for more information.

Inverleith Community Conference

INP CONFERENCE

The theme for this year is ‘increasing walking and cycling in Inverleith’ and we’d like to invite everyone living, working or travelling in Inverleith to have a say on how we can make walking and cycling easier, safer and more welcoming for all

Please come along and share your thoughts on how we can get people in Inverleith walking and cycling more, to pick up tips, advice and support and also to help us identify what the Inverleith Neighbourhood Partnership can do to make it happen.

Come join us on Thursday 30 October

from 6-9pm at Broughton High School

We’d also welcome local organisations to come along and display information on how you can help us achieve this!

Contact elaine.lennon@edinburgh.gov.uk for more info. or to book your place, email anne.brown@ea.edin.sch.uk