Tag: cycling

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launches 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships ticket sales

  • 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.
  • Tickets from as little as £8 and registration for free events available at  www.cyclingworldchamps.com/visit/tickets/ 

Cycling fans from around the world can now secure their tickets for the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships with general tickets officially on sale from 10.00am 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. 

Tickets can be purchased for as little as £8 or fans can register for various free events at www.cyclingworldchamps.com/visit/tickets/

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.

On Yer Bike! Book onto the new Ageing Well Bike Course

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.

Walking, wheeling and cycling to be offered on prescription in England

  • 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:

  • NHS England
  • Office for Health Improvement and Disparities
  • Sport England
  • National Academy for Social Prescribing
  • Defra
  • Department for Health and Social Care

Critical Mass bike ride this Saturday

Our next ride is on Saturday 30th July, starting at 2pm on Middle Meadow Walk!

Join us for a spin around the city centre, followed by a unique performance from @FolliesFuture.

#CriticalMass

#Edinburgh

Council consults on sustainable transport connections across city

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:

Walk Wheel Cycle Burdiehouse 
Queensferry – walking, wheeling and cycling improvements 
Lochend and Easter Road – walking, wheeling and cycling improvements 
Leith Connections: Phase 3 west – east proposals.

On your feet! New WHO report shows health and environmental benefits of active travel

Scottish Government welcomes study, co-authored by Edinburgh Napier University academic, that highlights the societal advantages of walking and cycling

A new report from the World Health Organisation (WHO) shows that swapping driving for cycling just one day a week saves the equivalent emissions of a flight from London to New York – about half a tonne of carbon dioxide.

The report, co-authored by Dr Adrian Davis, Professor of Transport and Health at Edinburgh Napier University, provides the latest evidence on the benefits and risks of active travel. It clearly shows that for individuals and societies, promoting active travel is good for population health and the environment.

For example, if just one in five urban residents can be convinced to permanently swap the driving seat for the saddle one day a week, it would cut emissions from all car travel in Europe by about 8%.

The health benefits of active travel are also laid bare with the report showing that active travellers have as much as a 40% lower risk of dying from cancer and a 52% lower risk of dying from heart disease compared to those commuting by car or public transport. They also have a 46% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 45% lower risk of developing cancer at all. This means a poorer quality of life.

The report also contains the latest evidence on the benefits of e-bikes which are bringing more people to cycling, including older adults for whom there is a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.

The report has been warmly welcomed by the Scottish Government. Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie said: “I’m pleased to welcome this new report from the World Health Organisation on the many benefits of active travel.

“This peer-reviewed publication – co-authored by Dr Davis from Edinburgh Napier University – provides the latest evidence base for policy makers across the globe on why investment in walking, wheeling and cycling is so important for our health, our cities and our environment.

“The vital role active travel can play in building healthier and happier lives is well recognised in Scotland. That’s why I’m proud the Scottish Government has committed to spend at least 10% of the transport budget on active travel by 2024/25, enabling a transformational investment in communities across the country. This report sets out all the benefits that we will see as we make that shift.”

Professor Adrian Davis outside the Scottish Parliament with his Transport Policy Paper. Neil Hanna Photography www.neilhannaphotography.co.uk 07702 246823

Co-author Dr Adrian Davis said: “This report clearly shows that for individuals and societies active travel is good for health and that we can all play our part in tackling climate change. As Individuals, we can take actions which benefits our own health and that of others.

“People who walk or cycle as well as use cars have lower carbon footprints from all daily travel. More people switching some of their journeys to active travel would lower carbon emissions from transport on a daily basis.

“The report provides timely evidence to support policy makers and practitioners, coming as it does shortly after the Scottish local government elections.”

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Walking, wheeling, and cycling boost to Capital’s environment and economy

New research from Sustrans and the city council

Every year walking, wheeling and cycling in Edinburgh helps generate more than £186.2 million in economic benefits while saving 38,000 tonnes in greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of 49,000 flights from Edinburgh to New York – according to a major new report.

The Walking and Cycling Index, formerly known as Bike Life, is the biggest assessment of walking, wheeling and cycling in cities across the UK and Ireland, carried out by Sustrans. Results from Edinburgh show 66% of residents walk at least five days a week – more than any other mode of transport and above the national average of 50%. Twenty-six per cent of residents cycle at least once a week.

Annually, people choosing to travel by foot, wheel or bike help take up to 150,000 cars off the road and save the NHS more than £8.2 million through the associated health benefits. However, the Walking and Cycling Index also found that 70.7 million journeys up to three miles are still driven in Edinburgh each year.

Most respondents – 78% – said more shops and everyday services close to home would encourage them to walk and wheel more, while the same number supported the creation of more 20-minute neighbourhoods.

The Council is in the process of developing a model for a network of 20-minute neighbourhoods across the city, where public transport and active travel are the best options for getting around and streets are designed for people, allowing them to easily access and support their local businesses and services.

Twenty-three per cent of residents currently don’t cycle but would like to and 64% say more physically separated cycle lanes along roads would help them to cycle more, with access to secure cycle storage at or near home (57%) amongst other incentives to cycling.

Several major cycling infrastructure projects are already underway or in the pipeline in Edinburgh, including the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL) and the transformation of George Street. We’ve also rolled out 106 secure cycle parking hangars over the last two years, with a total of 180 hangars to be installed as part of the programme’s initial phase.

Walking and Cycling Index Edinburgh – key statistics

  • Health: Every year walking and cycling prevents 1,252 serious long-term health conditions. The physical activity benefits of walking and cycling prevent 316 and 28 early deaths respectively, valued at £1 billion (walking) and £92.4 million (cycling).
  • Environment: If 80% of the 70.7 million car journeys of up to three miles were walked and cycled it would save approximately 23,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Trips: Every day, 130,000 return walking trips and 16,000 return cycling trips are made by people that could have used a car. If these cars were all in a traffic jam it would tail back 435 miles – equivalent to the distance between Edinburgh and Southampton.
  • Quieter streets: Only 31% of residents think their streets aren’t dominated by vehicles. Sixty-one per cent support low traffic neighbourhoods and 59% said fewer motor vehicles on streets would be better for both walking and cycling.
  • Inequalities: Eighty-one per cent of non-disabled residents think the level of walking safety is good in their local area compared to 69% of disabled residents. Thirty-five per cent of men cycle at least once a week while only 17% of women do.
  • Funding: Half of residents (52%) want to see more government spending on both walking and cycling, and 57% would like more investment in public transport.

Daisy Narayanan, Head of Placemaking and Mobility at the City of Edinburgh Council, said: “As ever, this report provides a fascinating snapshot of people’s walking, wheeling, and cycling habits – and the immense benefits active travel can bring, not only to our own health but the environment, the economy and the quality of life here.

Transport currently accounts for just under a third of Edinburgh’s emissions and it’s clear that there’s an urgent need to aid and encourage more sustainable ways of travelling if we’re to meet our 2030 net zero target. Responses to the Walking and Cycling Index provide an excellent guide for the kind of changes we need to make – people are telling us what we need to do to help them to travel by foot, wheel or bike, particularly for shorter journeys.

There’s already a great deal of work underway to support this. Our strategy for 20-minute neighbourhoods will mean people across Edinburgh can live well locally, meeting most of their daily needs from within their own community. The approach is designed to improve access to services where it is most convenient and helps to support local businesses, creating thriving, vibrant town and local centres.

This is alongside investment of £108 million over the next few years to transform walking, wheeling and cycling infrastructure across the Capital, as outlined in our ambitious City Mobility Plan, including the transformation of George Street, the delivery of CCWEL linking Roseburn to Leith Walk and the Meadows to George Street route.

Dr Sam Gardner, Chair of Edinburgh’s Climate Commission, said: “Improving 2our streets to encourage more people to choose active ways of travelling is not only an essential part of tackling climate change but will also create a healthier, fairer city.

“A planned investment programme is already in place to support a step-change in the city’s cycling network and improve the safety of our streets for those walking and wheeling. It’s crucial that we not only deliver this programme but that we continue to build on its ambition at every opportunity.

“Edinburgh is a beautiful, compact and walkable city. We want to make sure all members of society can gain from this, and the Walking and Cycling Index is a key resource to help us to achieve that.”

Stewart Carruth, Interim 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. Walking and wheeling should be the most accessible and desirable form of transport. It is of huge importance to people, especially during the current cost of living crisis and the climate emergency.

“The evidence is clear – Edinburgh residents want the option to walk and wheel to where they need to get to, and don’t want outdated and unmaintained pavements, crossing points that make walking and wheeling unsafe or inaccessible, and vehicles parked on pavements getting in their way.

“The City of Edinburgh Council can rest assured that they have the backing of the public to build on the work they have already started to make it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle to get around.”

The Walking and Cycling Index Edinburgh is the fourth report of its kind produced by Sustrans in partnership with the City of Edinburgh Council and draws on local walking and cycling data, modelling and an independent survey of 1,346 residents carried out from June to August 2021, following the lifting of Covid travel restrictions. In total, 9,681 people were surveyed in Scotland.

As well as outlining residents’ walking, wheeling and cycling habits and the associated benefits, the report looks to future developments in the city. These include City Centre Transformation, the extension of 20mph streets and the dropped kerbs programme, following the vision set out in the City Mobility Plan.

Read the full Edinburgh Walking and Cycling Index 2021 report, and the UK Walking and Cycling Index report online.

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