🚲 edi.bike | issue 112 | 29th Sep ‘25
your weekly edinburgh cycling digest
📰 News this Week
🏰 Local Bits
⚡️ A fantastic number of cargo bike demos from Porty Community Energy for Doors Open Day over the weekend, published to their Facebook page:
“We had a great day at Lothian Buses Open Doors day yesterday. It was massive. We had 103 folks on our ecargo bikes in a couple of hours. Folks were amazed they could just jump on and carry a passenger after just a short induction and surprised by how easy it was to carry a passenger!. Lots of people hadn't yet heard of our Bike Library on Porty Prom so please do share the word. Our ebikes and ecargo bikes can be borrowed here” »
☀️ Great, sunny video on Bluesky from Blackford Safe Routes, showing kids enjoying the pump track at the 📍 SKELF bike park at St Leonard’s »
🍂 Some great video and photos on Bluesky of Saturday’s Edinburgh Critical Mass ride out to the Roseburn Path, part of which is under consultation for the North-South tram extension planned by the Council;
🦋 By Blackford Safe Routes on Bluesky:
Journalists call for language that recognises human agency, avoids speculation, & refrains from calling collisions “accidents” ... They remind journalists not to present vehicles as if they act independently, but to identify drivers.
This matters because language influences how we think about prevention. If crashes are reported as random, inevitable events, then all that remains is condolences.
But if they are reported as the outcome of choices — by drivers, by engineers who design unsafe junctions, and by policymakers who fail to reduce speed limits — then accountability becomes possible. Prevention becomes possible too.
A great thread in response to the Irish Examiner article “We must stop victim blaming after road deaths” »
🍵 Mint tea delivered by bike? Look no further than reader and supporter Tracy’s ‘Pure Leith’ offering:
It was through serving mint tea in the studio, and the subsequent demand for it, that we launched Pure Leith mint tea - grown organically and produced locally, in Leith. Tracy grows all the mint, then dries whole stems in the drying room (a Council-registered food packing area) adjacent to the fitness studio. When completely dried, the whole leaves are then hand-picked from the stems and packaged.
📦 Workers’ Observatory and ROOM (Riders Observatory and Organising Movement) are hosting “We Deserve Fair Work - Workshop for Delivery Riders” in Edinburgh this Thursday October 2nd. The workshop runs from 10:00 - 17:00 and offers paid hours to delivery riders able to take part. More info and tickets here »
📍 Voi hire e-bikes are now showing up under Google Maps cycling directions in the city, including walking directions to the nearest bike. Sadly, they don’t also include guidance on the closest approved parking location to your destination (along with the appropriate onward walking directions);
🔧 The Bike Station shared new opening hours on Facebook for their hub at Tollcross, from this Wednesday 1st October:
Wednesday: 8:30am – 8:00pm (Fix Your Own Bike: 5–8pm)
Thursday: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Friday: 8:30am – 6:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am – 5:00pm (Fix Your Own Bike: 1–4pm)
📋 If you’re a customer, they’re also currently running an Autumn customer survey »
🇬🇧 National
🚲 No room for your bike? Here are 13 clever, space-saving storage ideas for indoors and out — Laura Laker for The Guardian »
🌈 Sustrans has launched its rebrand, with the charity now known as the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust going forward.
⚡️ They’ve also released a new ebike report on ‘Reducing Carbon Emissions; the potential for e-bikes in Scotland’ — more here »
👩🏻🦽 Wheels for Wellbeing are celebrating the 5th edition of their Inclusive cycling guide:
Our updated 5th Edition Guide to Inclusive Cycling aims to support campaigners, policy makers, decision makers and designers to understand the fundamentals of inclusive active travel, so that all Disabled people can have the option to make the walking/wheeling, cycling and multi-modal journeys that we want and need to — Wheels for Wellbeing »
🌍 ELSEWHERE
✊🏼 NYC Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani On E-Bike Safety: Regulate App Algorithms, Not Workers — ”The presumptive mayor is joining the war against e-bikes ... on the side of the e-bikes” at Streetsblog NYC »
🗯️ A great quote from Parisian Mayor Anne Hidalgo in this piece also from Streetsblog NYC:
And the same question could be asked of Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo after she missed the first 20 minutes of a Clean Cities Campaign forum because she, too, was stuck in traffic, according to organizers. Kevin Duggan and I were there, and it was stunning to watch a crowd of 100 people, virtually all of whom arrived by subway, bus, bike or foot, waiting and waiting for the Cossette of the livable streets movement.
When she finally did arrive, she was begged by "War on Cars" co-host Sarah Goodyear to share the secret of how she tamed car culture in the City of Light and turned a car- and pollution-choked city into the best city west of Amsterdam.
Hidalgo offered little beyond the importance of "building coalitions" and working with other mayors around the world (huh?). But she did offer one piece of advice that could serve future Mayor Zohran Mamdani well: Make the fight against cars a battle for clean air, rather than safe streets or bike lanes.
After all, no one is pro-pollution, right?
Also, she begged today's leaders to "show courage."
"They all called me crazy," she said, looking back at her nearly 12-year campaign to make Paris great again. "But at the end of all of it, now they want 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: Resurfacing works complete and markings at bus lanes and segregated cycle lanes have been refreshed.
🏞️ Water of Leith Path: Closure of Pansy Walk by Balgreen until March 2026 for Scottish Water upgrades. Update 29th September: Pedestrian diversion to be signed via Westfield Ave to diagram below. However, for cyclists, the WOL Conservation Trust advise an alternate diversion via Baird Drive.
🚧 Leith Walk: Unexpected closure of northbound segregated cycle lane at Balfour Street for kerb replacement works on behalf of the council. The duration of these works has been queried but it looks like they are almost complete.
🚧 SilverKnowes Road: Closed from today 29th September for 1 week for resurfacing works. A lengthy 900m dismount is required along the works, however Marine Dr and Muirhouse Pkwy may offer an alternate route.
🏗️ George Street: Section of NCR1 closed this Sunday 5th October eastbound between Castle St and Fredrick St for a crane lift. Hill Street may offer any alternate route.
🏗️ Morrison Street: Closed at Port Hamilton cyclepath for tower crane installation from this Friday 3rd October for 3 days, between Gardener’s Cres and Semple St.
🛒 Gilmerton Road: Segregated cycle lanes closed around Morrisons for Telefonica phone mast works this weekend 4th-5th October.
🚧 Eyre Place: Road and contraflow cycle lane closed at Canonmills from next Monday 6th October for 1 week. It’s expected to be possible to dismount to pass. George V Park may also offer an alternate route.
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.
🚧 Albion Road: Obstruction of Quietroute 20 due to burst sewer. At time of writing, pedestrian and 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.
🚧 Gilmore Place: Closed in sections for resurfacing from this week, 22nd September, into 2026. If you’re travelling on NCR75 between Union Canal and The Meadows, Lochrin Place may be an alternative.
🏗️ 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 to have its deck rebuilt and will include a full closure to pedestrians and cycles for 3 months later in the works.
The south-east bridge over the Union Canal is closed, with fencing placed across the bridge and a gap for cycles. Update 29th September: Bridge expected to reopen to cars once a 7.5T weight limit is approved.
🌉 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 »
⏩ Come and Try Tandem Cycling at Musselburgh Communities Day: Seeking New Team Pilots and Stokers — this 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 »
🧘 More upcoming rides and movement / yoga sessions from Detour [IG]:
18th October - Yoga by Bike, Longniddry - 🎟️ Details and Tickets »
🚶🏻♀️ 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 »
📆 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 »
🎟️ ‘True tales of the Tour De France’ talk by Carlton Kirby at Ghillie Dhu, 12th November;
🦺 Cycle Law Scotland will be hosting their Cycle Road Safety Roadshow in Edinburgh on the 17th November - more details on Facebook »
🖼️ 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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