Work will soon begin on a scheme to create safer, more welcoming places to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time in Leith, the city council has announced.
The first phase of Leith Connections will introduce measures to limit through traffic and enhance streets for pedestrians and people cycling in areas around Constitution Street, Leith Links and the Shore.
Construction will begin in the week commencing 10 April and is expected to last until late June. Amongst the changes are improved pedestrian crossings, planting and seating in newly created pedestrian spaces, community-inspired artwork and pavement decluttering.
This is alongside new traffic layouts in several of the streets to prioritise people travelling by foot, wheel or bike. These include the closure of Sandport Place Bridge to motor traffic, bus gates at the Shore and Links Place and modal filters to prevent through traffic in some areas.
All residential and business properties will still be accessible by motor vehicle, while blue badge parking will be unaffected. Full details are available on the Leith Connections website.
Leith Connections designs draw from two years of engagement with the community and local stakeholders, encompassing online co-design workshops, public drop-in sessions and focused meetings. Some of the measures, those to the east of the Shore, will be implemented on a trial basis under an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO).
The project is being funded through Places for Everyone, an active travel infrastructure programme funded by the Scottish Government and administered by Sustrans.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Leith Connections is a really exciting opportunity to create safer, more welcoming spaces to walk, wheel and cycle in Leith, as well as for spending time with friends or visiting local businesses.
“These changes have drawn on feedback from the community, as well as the Council’s own monitoring. They will also provide better connections to popular walking and cycling routes nearby, like the north Edinburgh path network and the Water of Leith walkway and soon, protected cycle lanes on Leith Walk, delivered as part of the Trams to Newhaven project.
“The team has drawn up a robust monitoring and evaluation plan so that once it’s in place, they can understand the benefits and impacts of Leith Connections. I look forward to hearing what the community thinks too, as part of the ETRO process. I shall be watching this installation closely as I am keen to see more schemes like this in Edinburgh.
Michael Melton, Grant Manager at Sustrans, said: “We are pleased to be working with City of Edinburgh Council to make Leith a safer and more accessible place to walk, wheel, cycle and spend time. The Leith Connections project has been shaped by the local community, with changes including new traffic layouts, improved pedestrian crossings and community-inspired artwork.
Officers will closely monitor the impact of the project through automatic traffic counts, air quality monitoring, market research and focus groups. Information gathered will feed into recommendations for the future of the project.
Further phases of Leith Connections will deliver protected cycle lanes running from the Foot of the Walk to Ocean Terminal (delivered in parallel to the Trams to Newhaven project) and from the Hawthornvale path to Seafield.
These plans are still under development and will include additional improvements to the public spaces in the area.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, alongside partners and key stakeholders, have signed up to the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Pledge to show a tangible commitment to creating an inclusive, diverse, and accessible world-class event in Glasgow and across Scotland between 3rd – 13th August 2023.
The Pledge will support the key principles of the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Framework, using the platform of a global event as a catalyst for change, in addition to delivering an event that has inclusion at its core.
Under the Pledge, partners and key stakeholders have signed up to five key commitments:
Promoting inclusion through the power of the bike, improving wellbeing, and building a fairer, more inclusive society for all
Committing to the growth and sustainability of women and girls cycling in Scotland.
Remaining authentic to each of the 13 UCI Championships by embedding inclusivity and accessibility into event planning
Building partnerships, initiating conversations, and seeking out opportunities to activate programmes in support of EDI
Using the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships to raise awareness about EDI.
The signatories of the Pledge are:
Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI)
Scottish Government
Glasgow Life
UK Sport
British Cycling
Scottish Cycling
Event delivery partners
Partners and key stakeholders of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships who sign the Pledge agree to abide by its five commitments.
By joining the Pledge, participants will be challenged to actively make a positive difference to the lives of others by harnessing the power of the bike to build a more inclusive Scotland. This entails building a foundation of trust and confidence with people at a local, national, and global level.
The EDI framework also ensures that those who are most vulnerable in society, impacted by stigma and discrimination and excluded from sport and public life are included in this narrative.
Attending the launch were two young people from Glasgow who embody the ambitions of the framework. Farrah Gillespie and Ryan Campbell are two 10-year-olds who discovered cycling through the inspiring work of local social initiative the Urban Fox Programme.
This initiative provides cycling opportunities, led rides and bike repair schemes to young people in areas of need. Both Farrah and Ryan have received donated bikes through their involvement with the Urban Fox Programme.
While the UCI Cycling World Championships remains at the core of everything that the event aims to deliver, the event also strives to act as a catalyst for change across Scotland through the power of the bike.
The power of the bike aims at being a tool to improve lives, wellbeing (physical and mental) as well as bringing a sense of freedom and connection to people in their everyday lives.
Equalities Minister Christina McKelvie, MSP, Scottish Government said:“Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything we do within the Scottish Government. The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is an exciting opportunity for partners across Scotland to get involved and embed these ideals throughout this innovative event, which importantly includes Para Road and Track Cycling Championships.
“We want the Championships to inspire people from all backgrounds to help build a fairer, more active and healthier Scotland through the power of the bike. The Scottish Government is proud to be supporting the Championships and the Ride Together Pledge.”
Amina Lanaya, Director General, UCI said:“The beauty of our sport is its ability to unite populations regardless of their gender, religion, race or political beliefs. I am therefore delighted by this Ride Together Pledge.
“It will contribute to an accessible UCI Cycling World Championships where everyone feels welcome and will be encouraged to continue benefitting from the bike even after the event.
“Equality, diversity and inclusion are interwoven into the UCI’s policies and documents, and this Pledge is perfectly in line with our work to ensure everyone can enjoy the wonderful sport of cycling.”
Trudy Lindblade, Chief Executive Officer, 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said:“I would like to thank the UCI, our partners and key stakeholders who have joined us in signing up to our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Ride Together Pledge.
“We are committed to making a difference through the power of the bike using the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships as the platform to not only generate discussion but to enable us to ‘ride together’ to achieve long lasting change with the belief that the power of the bike can mean something to everyone, regardless of who you are.
“We will be using the Championships to amplify the benefits of cycling with a focus on a younger and more diverse audience with women, children and young people at the heart of our activity. It is our aim that everyone who attends the Championships enjoys it at all levels and most importantly feels welcomed and inspired to create their own power of the bike story”
Esther Britten, Head of Major Events at UK Sport, said:“The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships are an excellent opportunity to harness the platform of major events to promote the importance of diversity and inclusion in sport and wider society. UK Sport backs the Ride Together Pledge and are committed to ensuring the major events we host are welcoming to all.
“Along the journey through our ‘Greatest Decade’, we are not only aspiring to unite the nation through extraordinary sporting moments, but also aim reflect the incredible diversity of communities across the UK.
“Our ambition to host world-class, accessible events would not be possible without the ongoing support from The National Lottery and we are truly grateful for their continued contribution to British sport.”
Danielle Every, British Cycling Acting CEO, said:“As we look ahead to this summer’s UCI Cycling World Championships in Glasgow and across Scotland, we’re proud to join others in signing the #RideTogether Pledge.
“As set out in our 2021 Our Ride diversity and inclusion strategy, we’re wholeheartedly committed to ensuring that our sport and events are inclusive and welcoming for all, and forming purposeful partnerships is a key pillar of this work.
“By bringing together more than 8,000 riders and many more fans from across the breadth of the cycling disciplines, and investing £8 million to benefit cycling facilities, the event is set to be a great example of the power of major sporting events to inspire communities and bring about real change.”
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life, said: “Our vision for Glasgow is to create a vibrant cycling city where cycling is accessible, safe and attractive to all, whether that be for leisure, transport, tourism or sport.
“Part of achieving that vision is to overcome barriers to participation and make cycling more appealing to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. That is why we have pledged to work with partners towards achieving the five commitments through our delivery of the UCI Cycling World Championships and beyond.
“We are already undertaking EDI projects such as our successful cycling participation programme for secondary school girls that takes groups of 10, many of whom have never learned to ride a bike, through an intensive 10-week programme of BMX, mountain and road biking and track sessions.
“Through this work we will continue to improve our policies, services and facilities to allow everyone fair and equal access to the breadth of events, projects and services that Glasgow Life provides.”
Nick Rennie, CEO at Scottish Cycling said:“We’re delighted to support the Pledge, which not only connects the partners of this event towards a common Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) goal, but provides us with an opportunity to highlight both the breadth and depth of our work that is contributing towards making cycling a sport for all.
“Our refreshed organisational strategy, which we’ll be launching in a few weeks’ time, reaffirms our commitment to provide targeted interventions to increase the number of women, girls and young people cycling, and ensure that EDI is a golden thread throughout everything we do.”
Debbie Dean, Project Manager at the Urban Fox Programme said:“Cycling provides so many benefits to the young people in Glasgow and across Scotland including physical and mental health.
“The Urban Fox Programme is delighted to support the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships and the EDI framework that will support cycling, especially in areas of greatest need.”
The general sale for the first-of-its-kind cycling event is now open with tickets having a range of prices suitable for all fans’ budgets.
Tickets can be purchased for as little as £8 with ticket information to be found here:
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson and former BMX Racing UCI World Champion Shanaze Reade visited the Glasgow BMX Centre as 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds tickets go on sale to the general public.
Cycling fans from around the world can now secure their tickets for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships with general tickets officially on sale from10.00am today – Thursday 23 February 2023.
As Scotland prepares to welcome the biggest celebration of cycling in history, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, Cabinet Secretary Angus Robertson and former BMX Racing UCI World Champion Shanaze Reade, the event’s ambassador for Children and Young People, visited the Glasgow BMX Centre in Knightswood to kick off ticket sales and meet with young cyclists from local schools as well as BMX groups the Western Titans and the Cumbernauld Centurions.
The BMX Centre is home to Scotland’s only World and Olympic standard BMX Racing track and was opened in 2018 to host the European Championships. It has since hosted the 2022 UCI BMX Racing World Cup and will welcome the best riders to compete in exhilarating races in August.
Earlier this month, some of Scotland’s most iconic and stunning landmarks were illuminated in the rainbow stripes of the UCI, signifying the locations where the upcoming 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will take place in Glasgow and across Scotland, 3 to 13 August 2023.
With something for everyone to enjoy, the 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds will feature 13 high-adrenaline, exciting UCI World Championships including Track and Para-cycling Track at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, BMX Racing at Glasgow BMX Centre, BMX Freestyle (Park and Flatland) and Trials at Glasgow Green, Indoor Cycling (artistic cycling and cycle-ball) at the Emirates Arena, Mountain Bike Cross-Country, and Marathon in Glentress Forest, Tweed Valley. Mountain Bike Downhill in Fort William and Road and Para-cycling Road across Scotland (a full list of the UCI World Championships is included in the Notes to Editors).
The general sale for the first-of-its-kind cycling event opens Thursday 23 February 2023 at 10:00am offering tickets at a range of prices suitable for all fans’ budgets.
Nicola Sturgeon, First Minister, Scottish Government said:“Hosting the first ever UCI Cycling World Championships is an excellent opportunity to showcase Scotland to the world, promote cycling and the many benefits it can bring.
“This global event will also deliver important economic benefits for communities throughout the country.
“While Glasgow is rightly recognised as an excellent and experienced host city, it’s fantastic to see these UCI World Championships taking place from Fort William to Dumfries and Galloway – and a variety of locations in between. This is a great opportunity for Scotland to build on our global reputation of hosting world class events.
“Tickets going on general sale is one way for people to get involved. However, we want members of the public to not only enjoy watching the many different types of events on offer but be inspired by the power of the bike to give cycling a try for themselves – for exercise, sport, transport or even just for fun.”
David Lappartient, UCI President, said: “Fans attending the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be part of an important chapter of our sport’s history.
“We are less than six months away from a momentous 11 days of racing and I would sincerely encourage people to get in quickly to be sure of witnessing some fantastic racing. I look forward to seeing the whole cycling family united in Scotland for this unprecedented event.”
Paul Bush, OBE, Chair of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said:“The 2023 UCI Cycling Worlds will be a must-see moment enabling both athletes and spectators to experience a world first – something which has never been seen, nor cycled before.
“With over 8000 elite and amateur cyclists participating, bringing their bikes from more than 120 countries – the size and scale of what’s on offer in one mega event means there will be something for everyone to enjoy.
“With the world’s greatest cyclists competing in the ultimate tests of talent, tenacity and toughness across eleven days – this is an incredible opportunity to witness history in the making.
“Having events of this size and scale in our calendar further strengthens Scotland’s position as a world-leading events destination and we look forward to welcoming everyone in August.”
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair Glasgow Life, said: ““The inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be one of the biggest sporting events ever staged in Glasgow, or indeed Scotland. We can’t wait to welcome the world back to Glasgow and showcase our city again, on the global stage.
“I’m particularly pleased that there are tickets to suit a variety of budgets, as well as free events such as the road races Glasgow is hosting. And the event can be a catalyst for local cycling activation programmes for people of all backgrounds and abilities to get involved and celebrate the power of the bike.”
Shanaze Reade, Ambassador for Children and Young People at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, said:“For me, a bike represents freedom. It can open up so many possibilities and teach you so many vital life skills.
“With the UCI Cycling World Championships coming to Glasgow and Scotland this year, we’ve got an enormous opportunity to encourage young people into riding and feel part of this once in a lifetime event.
“Seeing the top cyclists in the world take to the streets and arenas around our own country will not only create a great buzz in August, but hopefully inspire young riders – perhaps even the next generation of champions, to experience the fun and freedom a bike can bring to their lives.”
While successful delivery of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships is a key focus for the Scottish Government, they are also working with various partners to use the event as a catalyst for positive change and encourage more people to participate in cycling.
These projects include delivering accessible, inclusive and inspiring facilities through an £8 million Cycling Facilities Fund and engaging every Local Authority area through the £1 million Community Cycling Fund to provide opportunities and inspiration to cycle.
For those older adults looking to get back in the saddle again, Ageing Well, will be starting a new 11-week cycling course, where participants can develop those dormant skills in a relaxed and social atmosphere with like-minded companions.
Ryan Dignan, Edinburgh Leisure’s Community Development 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.”
The initial level 1 course, based on Cycling Scotland’s Bikeability material is an 11-week course, which will get participants comfortable again on a bike, developing skills, at a pace that suits them, in a dedicated area at Saughton. This part of the course will begin on Monday, 27th February at 10am-12noon.
Level 2 lasts 8-weeks and gives participants the opportunity to explore Edinburgh’s extensive cycle path network, from the leisure centres at Ainslie Park and Meggetland.
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 or 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.
trials in 11 areas across England to help people’s mental and physical health
GPs will issue social prescriptions such as walking, wheeling and cycling, backed by £12.7 million
schemes will include cycling and walking groups, cycle training and free bike loans
Social prescriptions, including walking, wheeling and cycling, will be offered by GPs as part of a new trial to improve mental and physical health and reduce disparities across England, the government has announced today (22 August 2022).
The government has awarded £12.7 million in multi-year funding to 11 local authority areas in England. The funding will go towards several pilot projects in each location, including:
adult cycle training
free bike loans
walking groups
Other schemes include all-ability cycling taster days where people who may not have cycled before can try to in a friendly environment, or walking and cycling mental health groups where people can connect with their communities as they get active.
The pilots must be delivered alongside improved infrastructure so people feel safe to cycle and walk.
The 11 local authority areas that will trial social prescriptions are:
Bath and North East Somerset
Bradford
Cornwall
Cumbria
Doncaster
Gateshead
Leeds
Nottingham
Plymouth
Suffolk
Staffordshire
The pilots, a commitment in the government’s Gear Change plan published in 2020, aim to evaluate the impact of cycling and walking on an individual’s health, such as reduced GP appointments and reliance on medication due to more physical activity. For the first time, transport, active travel and health officials will work together towards a whole systems approach to health improvement and tackling health disparities.
Walking and Cycling Minister, Trudy Harrison, said: ”Walking and cycling has so many benefits – from improving air quality in our communities to reducing congestion on our busiest streets.
“It also has an enormous positive impact on physical and mental health, which is why we have funded these projects which will get people across the country moving and ease the burden on our NHS.”
National Active Travel Commissioner, Chris Boardman, said: “As a nation we need healthier, cheaper and more pleasant ways to get around for everyday trips. Active Travel England’s mission is to ensure millions of people nationwide can do just that – so it’s easier to leave the car at home and to enjoy the benefits that come with it.
“Moving more will lead to a healthier nation, a reduced burden on the NHS, less cancer, heart disease and diabetes, as well as huge cost savings. This trial aims to build on existing evidence to show how bringing transport, active travel and health together can make a positive impact on communities across England.”
The pilots will be delivered between 2022 and 2025 with on-going monitoring and evaluation to support continued learning.
The project is bringing together a range of government departments and agencies including:
Views are being sought on proposals to improve walking, wheeling and cycling, plus public transport links, parks and public spaces, around new and future residential developments across the city.
Plans have been developed for four neighbourhoods identified as significant areas of new residential development in Edinburgh’s Local Development Plan – Leith, Lochend and Easter Road, Queensferry and Burdiehouse.
Amongst the potential measures are walking, cycling and public realm upgrades complementing changes already proposed through the Leith Connections project, pavement widening, dropped kerbs and placemaking improvements around Lochend and Easter Road and segregated cycle lanes and enhanced crossings in the Burdiehouse area.
These have been drawn up in close collaboration with the Council’s public transport team and in discussion with bus operators – improving access to bus stops is an important component of the schemes.
In Queensferry, changes in the Echline Estate, the Builyeon Road development, Viewforth Road, Scotstoun Avenue and Queensferry High School would make it easier and more pleasant to travel by foot, wheel or bike, especially to Dalmeny station and a planned new primary school at Builyeon Road.
A new linear park would be introduced on part of the current Builyeon Road route as well as ‘pocket parks’ and tree-planting.
Proposals support Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan by encouraging people to make healthier, more sustainable transport choices, and align to our 20-minute neighbourhood strategy. This aims to help residents meet their daily needs within 20 minutes of their homes by walking, using public transport, wheeling or cycling.
Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said: “Over the coming years we’re going to see tens of thousands of new houses built in Edinburgh, and it’s essential that we support residents in these homes, and those living nearby, to make healthy, sustainable transport choices.
“These proposals target areas where new developments are planned or are already underway and look to make improvements or introduce new infrastructure – like cycle lanes, widened pavements and safer crossings – to help people move around their neighbourhood, and further afield, by foot, wheel or bike.
“It’s crucial that we support travel by bus, tram and train as well as active travel, which is why we’ve worked closely with our public transport team and with providers to develop these plans – for example they will significantly improve access to bus stops and will transform travel on foot and bike from the Builyeon Road area in Queensferry to Dalmeny rail station.
“Recent research has shown that most people would walk, wheel or cycle more if they could access local amenities more easily. We need to encourage this kind of behaviour change if we are to achieve net zero goals, healthier lifestyles and a more pleasant city for future generations.
“This is how things used to be, and it is a great way of supporting local jobs. People’s feedback and ideas will be really important as the Council develops these proposals, and I’ll also be working closely with local councillors to ensure your voice is heard.”
Four separate consultations will run until 17 July and feedback will help inform the design process in each of the areas.
Drop-in events, where people can view proposals and provide feedback, will take place over the period of the consultations. Proposals for Queensferry will be on show at Queensferry Community Centre on 30 June (3pm to 7pm) and for Burdiehouse at Valley Park Community Centre on 30 June (3.30pm to 7.15pm). Further drop-ins are being arranged and will be announced in the coming weeks and publicised on the Council’s consultation web pages.
In Leith, proposals form phase three of Leith Connections. Consultations have already been undertaken on recommendations for phase one, a high-quality cycle track between Foot of the Walk and Ocean Terminal, and phase two, a low traffic neighbourhood where through traffic is removed and new community spaces are created.
View the full proposals and take part in the consultations online:
