🚲 edi.bike | issue 111 | 22nd Sep ‘25
your weekly edinburgh cycling digest
📰 News this Week
🅿️ Huge Demand for Secure ‘Cycle Hangar’ On-Street Storage Across Edinburgh
Over on the website, guest author Edward Tissiman lays out the incredible demand for spaces in on-street ‘cycle hangar’ storage, provided by the Council through their supplier Cyclehoop. The programme has been beyond successful, but is clearly proving to be difficult to scale in a timely manner.
🌳 Greenbank to Meadows Quiet Route ‘Confusion’
Are you confused about the Greenbank to Meadows Quiet Route? The Edinburgh Evening News seem to think so, publishing a high-quality thinkpiece this week that hits all the right beats:
🤔 A quote from a Councillor saying “Everyone seems to be confused” — the same Councillor who was present at both key decision-making meetings of the Transport Committee and took an active part in the debate, qualifying them pretty well to be able to explain it to said confused residents…
🚫 A complete lack of voice for anyone in favour of filters being retained in the Braid Estate, even though many residents in the area are vocal in their support;
🫥 Extensively platforming a local complainant seemingly on behalf of “many people, including cycle campaigners”; but tellingly, no quotes from anybody who disagrees with them;
🎙️ A pretty straightforward explanation by the Transport Convener that is the only thing of substance in the whole article — also mentioning that changes on the ground are now delayed (again!) into January.
Stay tuned to edi.bike for further developments — because the rest is, apparently enough, dross.
🏰 Local Bits
✊ This Saturday 27th: Critical Mass Edinburgh, Family-friendly mass protest / group ride, 2pm, 📍 Middle Meadow Walk - route published to their social channels a few days before;
📆 Save the date: Cycling UK's annual Scottish gathering, featuring speakers including ultra-endurance rider Emily Chappell and MTB powerhouse Aneela McKenna — Saturday, 1st November from 10:30am - 4pm at 📍 Augustine United Church, 41 George IV Bridge
(with a led ride from Haymarket starting at 9.30am). Details and Tickets here »
✍🏽 After a recent letter from MSP Paul McLennan, a second MSP has written to the Council leader in East Lothian adding pressure on behalf of the decades-long campaign to build a safe walking, wheeling and cycling link between Drem and Gullane;
⚡️ The team from Porty Community Energy took to their cargo bikes to lead the procession for Stop Climate Chaos Scotland’s march on the Scottish Parliament this week, and shared some excellent photos and videos to Instagram »
📰 A conversation with Karen Gee from brilliant family cycling web resource Cycle Sprog over at BikeBiz — via CityCyclingEdinburgh »
❓ Ongoing works on Quiet Route 8 (map, PDF) at Edinburgh Park questioned by Spokes this week - no signage, no diversion, no communication from the Council;
🦺 Cycle Law Scotland will be hosting their Cycle Road Safety Roadshow in Edinburgh on the 17th November - more details on Facebook »
⚓️ Leith Feeder ride shared news of more development green-lit along the route of Leith Connections Phase 3 — known as ‘Hawthornvale to Seafield’ — which will also extend the currently-under-construction ‘Foot of the Walk to Dock Street’ route with Ocean Terminal;
📅 Lots of events going on at Wee Spoke Hub - see below for this week’s, and book here »
⏳ In Brief
📦 Cargo bike and trailer transport goodness from SW20 stocking up their Southwest branch of Edinburgh Tool Library »
🗺️ Charlie shared a photo of Porty Community Energy’s new cycle route map at the Porty Active Travel Hub »
🏴 National
📘 Transform Scotland - the national ‘alliance for sustainable transport’ - has published its annual report (PDF, viewer) - see their blog post for more »
🛣 Route Closures and Issues
ℹ️ Encountered unexpected road issues? Find out how to report them with this guide from Spokes. The team at Edinburgh Travel News are also keen to hear about cycle path alerts and can be contacted on Threads or Facebook.
🦋 On Bluesky? Follow the #EdTravCyc feed - anyone can use the #EdTravCyc hashtag to share route issues they encounter;
📪 The week’s road closure info - many thanks to regular contributor Robbie for collating and preparing these:
🚧 London Road: Segregated cycle lane citybound at Leopold Place temporarily removed for resurfacing works from today, Monday 22nd September, for estimated 2 weeks. Note road closed citybound from 7pm with diversion on Regent Rd around Calton Hill.
⚡ Leith Walk: Southbound cycleway obstructed at Crown Pl near Foot of Walk for unexpected Scottish Power works until further notice.
🏞️ Water of Leith Path: Closure of Pansy Walk by Balgreen from today, Monday 22nd September, until March 2026 for Scottish Water upgrades. The great folks at the WOL Conservation Trust have provided 2 diversions, though they may not be signed.
🛒 Gilmerton Road: Segregated cycle lanes closed around Morrisons for Telefonica phone mast works until this Wednesday 24th September. Further works expected 4th October.
🌲 Lanark Road: Segregated cycle lane closed citybound before the Slateford Aquaduct junction for Amey tree removal works 9:30am to 3:30pm until this Wednesday 24th September.
🚧 Gilmore Place: Closed in sections for resurfacing from this week, 22nd September, into 2026. If you’re travelling between Union Canal and The Meadows, Lochrin Place may be an alternative.
🕳️ Telfer Subway: Orwell Terrace closed at Dalry Rd this Thursday, 25th September, for 2 days for City Fibre manhole repairs. The next street over, Orwell Pl, may provide alternate access to the Telfer Subway.
☎️ Lasswade Road: Segregated cycle lanes closed around Gracemount High School for BT fibre works until this weekend, 27th-28th September
🚧 Albion Road: Obstruction of Quietroute 20 due to burst sewer. At time of writing, cycle access is possible. However, the Crawford Bridge may offer an alternate route. Update 1st Sep: Investigations revealed further issues and road likely to be closed long-term.
🏗️ Morrison Street: Closed at Port Hamilton cyclepath for tower crane installation from Friday 3rd October for 3 days, between Gardener’s Cres and Semple St.
Longer Term Closures:
🔥 Holyrood Park: Closure of High Road until further notice amid concern that the recent gorse fire has damaged the rockface. Full closure of footway and road past Dunsapie Loch. Update 21st September: HES await the final report and recommendations of independent specialist geo-engineers following their surveys of the damage to the park. The closure is expected to extend to at least 5th October.
🏗️ London Road: Eastbound cycle lane closed at Jocks Lodge until end 2027 for building works.
🏗️ Edinburgh Park Station: Quietroute 8 cycle path between Hermiston Gait and the Gyle Centre closed for works in preparation of the Edinburgh Arena development. It’s only possible to go around by carrying your bike up roughly 20 steps. It’s been queried whether the cycle path will reopen or remain closed long term.
🌉 Harrison Road: two bridges closed due to structural concerns with micro-cracking in the original cast iron beams. Access to cycles is being restricted:
The north-west bridge over a small path is having its deck rebuilt and will be closed to pedestrians and cycles for rebuilding until November. Update 2nd August: Work delayed and paths remain open for now.
The south-east bridge over the Union Canal has been closed for investigations, with fencing placed across the bridge and a gap for cycles. Update 18th August: Beware of trial pits dug on bridge to ascertain weight-limit ahead of reopening.
🌉 South Gyle Road: Bridge between modal filter and Quiet Route 9 expected to close for repairs until April 2026. When asked about cycle access, a spokesperson for Network Rail Scotland said: "Plans for South Gyle station bridge are still at an early stage, with work expected to begin late summer. We understand the importance of this route for cyclists and are developing proposals for a temporary bridge to maintain access throughout the work. Further details will be shared with the community as planning progresses". It is expected to be required to dismount and use a temporary bridge during the works.
🏗️ Port Hamilton Cyclepath: Shared use path between Union Canal and West End closed until 2026/27 for building works. A diversion is advised via Gardeners Crescent and Semple Street.
🏗️ Craighall Road: Closed until May 2028 for the Refurbishment of Trinity Academy. Access to the Victoria Path is expected to be maintained. A diversion will be signed along Newhaven Road, however the removal of parking for improved traffic flow may lead to this being a wider and faster road, less suitable for cycles.
⚡ Ongoing: The questionable Network Rail ban on ebike parking at Waverley Station - best to make alternative parking plans if travelling from this station at present;
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🎉 Events and Happenings
📆 Upcoming / Ongoing
⚡️ From Porty Community Energy:
🚲 Never got round to learning to cycle, but would love to try? Cycled when you were younger, but feeling too nervous to ride on the roads? We had just the thing! Free lessons for adults running every Friday morning at our bike library. Lessons for complete beginners, to competent riders who want to ride safely on the roads.
Every Friday until the end of October. Book your place here »
🎥 Coming to Summerhall Cinema this Wednesday and Friday 24th & 26th September (7pm), and again on October 5th (5pm): ‘BIG BIKE FILM NIGHT: SCOTLAND’ sees a curated evening of cycling short films (teased on their website) to inspire and move. Tickets and more information on their website »
💬 From @towpathtalks on Instagram:
🚨 We're back! The first Towpath Talk of our new series is happening on September 26th, 18:30! 🚨
Come on down to our new venue, 📍 Gamma Transport Division, to hear from some incredible guests: Steven Shand from Willow, Rachael Hadjitofi of @swimmingwithscars [IG] from the Firth of Forth, and the amazing Iza Murtagh [IG].
🌳 From Edinburgh Road Club:
Edinburgh Road Club is running its (by now) traditional season starter cyclo-cross races for juniors & women at Inch Park on Saturday 27th of Sept.
For those not familiar, these are fun, non-technical, races that you can do on a mountain bike or a gravel bike (or even a cyclo-cross one if you have it). They are fairly short, in traffic free environments, and a fun option to try a race or simply use it as a fitness workout. If you look-up cyclo-cross videos you'll tend to see intimidating footage of experts ploughing through mud - this is not what you'll get at Inch Park; it’s much more like a cycling equivalent of Park Run.
🚺 Women’s race: more details here »
🚸 U16 races: more details here »
🧘 More upcoming rides and movement / yoga sessions from Detour [IG]:
28th September - Yoga by Bike, East Linton - 🎟️ Details and Tickets »
⛰️ Bikepacking event Dirt Dash’s 2025 return wraps up in September - check out the gorgeous video they put out previously [IG] too:
Dirt Dash’s summer programme concludes with the Lezyne Dunoon Dirt Dash on 27 & 28 September. Organised by round the world cyclist Markus Stitz, these self-supported rides are designed for cyclists who love off-road riding and are seeking new experiences on their bikes, whether for seasoned gravel riders or anyone new to bikepacking.
⏩ Come and Try Tandem Cycling at Musselburgh Communities Day: Seeking New Team Pilots and Stokers — Saturday 4th October 2025 from 11:00 - 15:00:
We’re an inclusive tandem cycling club based at Queen Margaret University, welcoming adults (18+) who need support to enjoy the health and wellbeing benefits of cycling in a safe and social setting.
Are you an experienced cyclist, looking for a new challenge, ready to share your skills and support others on group rides? Could you be part of our team as a 'pilot?'
Are you an individual living with a disability, keen to enjoy the benefits of cycling on a tandem and willing to provide some pedal power? Could you be part of our team as a 'stoker?'
Join us for a taster session at the Musselburgh Communities Day where you can experience tandem cycling as:
✨ A pilot – riding at the front, perfect for confident solo cyclists (no tandem experience needed)
✨ A stoker – riding on the back, ideal for people living with a disability who find solo cycling difficultThis is a great chance to meet the team, find out more about what we do, and give tandem cycling a go with support from experienced club members. Training will be provided for anyone interested in continuing with cycling with the club on group rides. — More details on Facebook »
🚶🏻♀️ Wester Hailes Walk, Pedal and Thrive Project June to October Events at ScoreScotland - mainly based at 📍 Gate 55, 55 Sighthill Rd, and booking required - call / text Madhavi on 07496 190 752 or email madhavi@scorescotland.org.uk.
🚸 Play Together on Pedals (3 to 6 year olds): Fridays from 2pm to 4pm;
🧭 Led Cycle Rides: Saturdays from 9:45am to 1pm;
🚲 Adult Beginners / Family Cycle Training: text for an appointment.
🚌 Every Sunday until 26th October: “Inner Forth Bike Bus - the route, between Alloa and the Forth Bridges, encourages cyclists to travel more sustainably within the Inner Forth. See this video on Instagram for more. The concept of the Inner Forth Bike Bus was developed to enable local people, and visitors, to help them cycle (or walk) part of the 'Round the Inner Forth' route, hop off at fascinating heritage sites, and return home or to a bus stop / train station for their onward travels.” Read more from Markus Stitz at The Times - or see Info and Timetable »
🎟️ ‘True tales of the Tour De France’ talk by Carlton Kirby at Ghillie Dhu, 12th November;
🖼️ The ‘Pedal Power’ exhibition about cycle campaigning in Edinburgh has finished its run at Norton Park. It’ll be taking a short break before opening again later in the year at North Edinburgh Arts;
💯 Edinburgh RC celebrating its hundredth year in 2025 and have an ongoing challenge encouraging 100 women of all cycling abilities to ride 100km - offering help to anyone who needs it along the way;
🔁 Weekly Events
🍃 Mon, 12-2.30pm: Free, fun group ride on paths from Bridgend Farmhouse;
🌅 Tues, ⏰ 5.40am: Edinburgh Dawn Patrol - Meet St. Andrew Square, same route each time - more info on their Instagram;
☕️ Tues, 5pm: [National] Active Travel Cafe on Zoom
🛠️ Weds, 3pm: Bike Kitchen at Edinburgh Tool Library
🌅 Thurs, ⏰ 5.40am: Edinburgh Dawn Patrol (same as Tues, details above);
🪨 Thurs Evenings: Edinburgh Gravel Cycling Club social group rides;
✴️ Thurs, 5-8pm: Bike DIY Session at The Wee Spoke Hub
⚙️ Sat, 2-4pm: ‘Bike Cleaning and Oiling’ drop-in session at The Wee Spoke Hub
🟰 Edinburgh & Lothians Regional Equality Council’s Edinburgh Cycling Club run weekly group rides and introductory classes;
🔁 Monthly Events
🚲 First Friday of the month: Inclusive social bike rides with A Wee Pedal from Bridgend Farmhouse - every Friday 2-4pm between April and Hallowe’en, 1-3pm on the 1st Friday of each month November to March.
✊ Last Saturday of the month: Critical Mass Edinburgh, Family-friendly mass protest / group ride, 2pm, Middle Meadow Walk;
🫂 Help Needed
🏴 Cycling Scotland are hiring for a Head of Finance and Corporate Services - more details on their website, deadline 13th October;
💰 The Movement for Good Awards is an annual programme of giving by The Benefact Group donating over £1 million to charities and good causes, and you can nominate The Bike Station to receive £1,000 here »
🏡 Social Bite’s 100 Mile Challenge: Walk, run, or cycle 100 Miles from September 1st to World Homeless Day on October 10th to help end homelessness. Your fundraising has a tangible impact on helping break the cycle of homelessness across the UK by helping Social Bite provide meals, jobs, homes and support to people who are experiencing homelessness — More Information »
🚲 The Bike Station is recruiting new volunteers! 🚲
After the successful move into our new Tollcross shop, we are seeking the support of new volunteers to help us do the brilliant work of getting more people on bikes. The priority roles that we are seeking help with include:
🛒 Shop volunteers:
Helping with customer service and the smooth running of our Tollcross store.
📦 Cargo Bike Riders:
Independent and confident riders to help courier goods between our Edinburgh stores.
🛠️ Fix Your Own Bike:
Those experienced in bike maintenance to offer advice to those keen to fix their own bike.
✅ Benefits of volunteering:
Join a wide team of volunteers and staff passionate about cycling, discounts on parts, services and maintenance courses. Internal recruitment opportunities made available to volunteers as well as access to events and social rides to celebrate our work.
If you are interested in any of the above roles, or would like to know how else you may be able to get involved, please email jamie.henderson@thebikestation.org.uk
Ongoing: 🚌 Marshal for School Bike Buses | 🙋 Help with school programme ‘I Bike’ | 🗨️Join Spokes’ Planning or Resources group | 🆘 Donate money or bikes to Bikes for Refugees | 📦⚡️ Hire Community Cargobikes, E-bikes or Trailers from SW20, Porty Community Energy or Banzai | ♻️ Donate old bikes to The Bike Station, The Wee Spoke Hub or ‘Brake the Cycle’.
🌈 Infrastructure Progress & Consultations
✨Now a shorter, sectioned list - website updates for hosting consultation details and plans coming… in 2026? 😅 ✨
✏️ In the Works:
⭕️ Polwarth Gardens road layout consultation has just closed;
⚒️ Queensferry Connections project now open for comments until 10th October;
🚋 Major North-South Tramline Consultation | Spokes’ Summary | Officers A8 ‘Diversion’ Clarification
🤫 Greenbank to Meadows Quiet Route having detrimental changes made in September: Detailed Designs [PDF] | ETRO Published as TRO/25/17
⚒️ Road Resurfacing & early ‘Dalry Living Well Locally’ Outcomes
🧱 Vital path upgrade through Muir Wood park in Currie
🦦 Burdiehouse & Niddrie Burn Restoration - blue-green regeneration project including 3m wide ‘Pentlands to Portobello’ core path;
🔬 Trials & Programmes Underway:
✨ Improving Old Town Streets | Includes current ETRO for Lawnmarket & Johnston Terrace
📋 Consulted On:
⛏️ Marionville Rd and Smokey Brae improvements;
🧪 Edinburgh BioQuarter Active Travel Gaps - Sheriffhall Park & Ride to BioQuarter Campus Route;
🌞 Dalry Living Well Locally | Initial Feedback Report » [PDF]
⚓ Leith Connections Phase 3 - Hawthornvale to Seafield | Detailed Designs (PDF) »
🚴🏽♂️ Midlothian Council - A7 Sustainable Transport Corridor
East Lothian Council - Prestonpas to Levenhall | Combined plans » [Large PDF]
🚧 Under Construction:
⚓️ Foot of the Walk to Dock Street | Works leaflet » [PDF] | Progress photos »
🚋 Trams to Newhaven Snagging / Defects List »
🤬 Silverknowes Rd North being returned to cars | Spokes’ area history
Thanks for reading - ride safe 🚲
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