🚲 edi.bike | issue 120 | 24th Nov ‘25
your weekly edinburgh cycling digest
📰 News this Week
💸 The Bike Station launch crowdfunder - “#EverydayHeroes: Help us get more people on bikes”
From their new crowdfunding campaign, looking to raise £15,000 in the next couple of months:
At The Bike Station, we believe every person who rides a bike is an everyday hero — for themselves, their community, and the planet.
We’ve been a cornerstone of Scotland’s charity sector for over 20 years, helping people discover the freedom, joy, and connection that cycling brings. From children learning to ride for the first time, to families finding affordable bikes, to communities building confidence on two wheels — we’re here to make cycling accessible for everyone.
What makes us different? Every bike we sell helps fund our community work. We refurbish pre-loved bikes, giving them a new lease of life and helping people access affordable, sustainable transport. Every purchase and every donation supports projects that empower children, young people, and families — creating real, lasting change in our communities.
As well as supporting The Bike Station’s excellent work, donors are also entered into a prize draw for cycling goodies and experiences, with winners announced on their Instagram »
⚒️ Build it and they will come; then what?
A new piece this week covering seasonal maintenance, safety failings, closures on Quiet Route 8 and St. Mark’s path, and an absolute debacle out at Ferry Rd getting quickly sorted out by Spokes:
🔒 Keeping Edinburgh's Cycle Parking Free of Hire Bikes
Continuing with our current campaign around hire bike parking, we have seven new photos from readers showing cycle parking spaces blocked by Voi hire e-bikes across the city, and have also plotted the photo submissions received thus far on a new Google map.
🏰 Local Bits
☔ Spokes’ biannual traffic count ran into some pretty bad luck with the amount of rain they encountered, but nonetheless the write-up provides some interesting data;
✊ The last Edinburgh Critical Mass of the year is this Saturday 29th, 2pm from 📍 Middle Meadow Walk: a short city centre ride finishing up at The Causey for their Community Activation Day: partnering with Wee Spoke Hub, who will be doing free roadside repair. There will be coffee, tea and biscuits, and Markus Stitz will be there as a special guest.
🤔 If, like many of us, you believe that induced demand means major road building in a climate crisis is not the answer to congestion, you might consider signing this petition: Stop the £55 Million A701 Relief Road »
💪 Edinburgh Leisure: “Craiglockhart Leisure & Tennis Centre Launches State-of-the-Art Cycle Studio” /via The Edinburgh Minute »
🚋 “Edinburgh should pay all the costs to extend its tram network into Midlothian because the city benefits ‘hugely’ from the expansion of the neighbouring county”, says neighbouring county whose expansion is primarily driven by its proximity to Edinburgh — article at Edinburgh Evening News »
📸 The City of Edinburgh Council are looking for cycling folk to shoot some promotional photos on a new route “which improves access between Muirhouse and Granton Waterfront” - the provisional date is 10:30 this Wednesday 26th November at the location on West Shore Rd, at the southern end of Forthquarter Park. However, this is still to be confirmed - if you would like to take part, please call Sara McGuire on 07795801272 or email sara.mcguire@edinburgh.gov.uk
🎄 The Cycling Gardeners yard is back selling Christmas trees under the name Tollcross Tree Works. We offer high-quality, locally sourced trees from your friendly local gardening company. Call by our yard on Tarvit Street, Tollcross, to check them out and reserve your tree now, or order online for delivery.
Including local bike delivery options - lovely!
🥱 Edinburgh Princes Street: Summit called to draw up vision after council strategy rejected as 'dull' — Edinburgh Evening News »
🫶 From SCOREScotland on Facebook:
🔥 Winter Wheels Ready?
Let #scorescotland SEStran Dr. Bike Keep You Rolling! ❄️🚴♂️
Don’t let winter slow you down!
Join us for FREE bike repairs and servicing at our Dr. Bike Winter Cycling Event. Make sure your bike is safe, smooth, and ready for those crisp winter rides.
📅 Date: Friday, 28 November
📍 Venue: Gate 55, 55 Sighthill Road, Edinburgh EH11 4PB
🕙 Time: 10:00 am – 3:30 pm
✅ Our expert bike mechanic will check your bike and fix minor issues for FREE!
✅ Perfect opportunity to get winter-ready and stay safe on the roads.
Booking is essential!
📲 Text on 07496 190752 to reserve your spot.
Let’s make winter cycling fun, safe, and unstoppable! 🌟
🚌 Recent weeks have seen the Cockburn Association weigh in on Floating Bus Stops; quite the balanced article, though it does suffer slightly from referring to ‘the design’, where Floating Bus Stops can take a number of forms. Referencing implementations on Leith Walk is unfortunate too, when — with their at-grade cycleway and many design compromises — they are more like a case study in what not to do in future. However, the tone of compromise rings true, as do the acknowledgements that we’re fairly new to these as a city.
📋 Local campaigner Craig Robertson has started a petition to remove VAT from bike sales - which is very timely given the tax benefit cuts to the Cycle to Work scheme planned by Chancellor Rachel Reeves) - sign at Change.org »
📷 In Pictures and Video
🛹 The new space at Coalie Pk on the Water of Leith Walkway is now open — Instagram »
🚵 The team from Bridge 8 Hub shared some great photos from a mountain biking ride for some high school kids on Facebook »
📷 Lovely album from Porty Community Energy looking back as they turn five years old, on Facebook »
🍂 Spotted the Water of Leith Conservation Trust cargo bike in action in these photos on Bluesky »
⛈️ National
🪨 We’re buzzing to launch a brand-new ticket option designed to help more women step confidently into the world of cycling events. Say hello to our Discover Gravel ticket - a supportive, affordable pathway for any female participant who has never taken part in a cycling event or race before.
For just £15, Discover Gravel riders can choose any ride option at this year’s festival… Or even make a weekend of it with our full festival ticket! Whether you’re dipping your toe in or ready for the full Muck n’ Mac experience, you’re welcome here.
At Outsider Events, our trail running events consistently welcome a 52% female / 48% male split - and we want to bring that same inclusivity to cycling. This ticket is all about offering a safe, inspiring, and pressure-free space to try something new, build confidence, and enjoy the incredible vibes of the festival community.
Don’t have a bike? No problem. We’ll have bike hire available on-site so you can just show up and ride.
We've ringfenced 50 spaces for Discover Gravel - so if you’re a woman who’s been curious about entering your first cycling event, this is your moment. — more at Muck n’ Mac Fest on Instagram »
🚘 A new paper by Professor Adrian Davis warns that the surge in SUV ownership is making Scotland’s streets more dangerous, congested, and polluting. Transform is publishing this paper during this year’s Road Safety Week, 16th-22nd November. — Transform Scotland »
New data shows that since @mayoroflondon.bsky.social launched the Direct Vision Standard lorry safety scheme in London we've seen:
📉a 50% fall in people killed & seriously injured by HGVs
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️six fewer fatalities every year — Bluesky »
Was really struck by the accompanying graphic showing the improvements this standard offers:
🎁 E-cargo bikes as a personal transport mode in the UK: Insights from surveys and suburban trials — more at Science Direct, /via Edinburgh Festival of Cycling »
🛣 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:
🏞️ Ferry Road Path: Closed between Leonardo and Morrisons to extend the security fence along the path. The path is due to be re-opened imminently and works reorganised, following intervention from local councillors and Spokes.
🎄⚠️ Christmas Markets: New temporary arrangements for cycles on George St and Waverley Bridge. Exercise caution around vehicles loading in the morning and crowds in the evening, especially by the queuing area in the Waverley Bridge Pedestrian and Cycle Zone.
🏗️ St Marks Path: Section of Quietroute 20 between McDonald Road and Warriston Path closed for CEC Powderhall redevelopment works until 12th January 2026. A pedestrian diversion will be signed only. NCR75 by Tesco may offer an alternate route. Further closures may take place in 2026.
🚧 Forrest Road: Closures affecting NCR1 northbound between Middle Meadow Walk and George IV Bridge. Works may require a dismount in centre of the road. Update 23rd Nov: Daily works continue 9:30am – 3:30pm weekdays and are hoped to finish this week.
🚧 Rodney Street: Closed citybound including uphill segregated cycle lane due to gas leak at Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative. Eyre Pl and George V Park may offer alternate route, or a short dismount to pass. Update: Road remains closed 23.11.25.
🟠 Valleyfield St: Section of NCR 75 between Meadows and Union Canal closed from 1st December for 10 days for Scottish Water works, however cycle access is expected to be maintained!
🚦 Bankhead Drive: Quietroute 8 along the tramline obstructed at junction with S Gyle Access from 3rd December until Summer 2026 for construction of West Edinburgh Link.
Longer Term Closures:
🏗️ East Barnton Gardens: Closed for utility connections for new care home until January 2026. If you’re travelling between Davidson’s Mains Park and the Blackhall Path, it may be better to connect to NCR1 at Barnton Avenue.
🚛 Kings Stables Rd: Closure between Lothian Rd and the Barrace Steps for Christmas market setup until 18th January. It should be possible to dismount for 200m, or West Port and Castle Ter may offer an alternate route.
🏞️ Water of Leith Path: Closure of Pansy Walk by Balgreen until March 2026 for Scottish Water upgrades. Pedestrian diversion to be signed via Westfield Ave. However, for cyclists, the Water of Leith Conservation Trust advise an alternate diversion via Baird Drive.
🚧 Saughton Crescent: Sections of QuietRoute 9 closed for resurfacing and Active Travel improvements by Balgreen from 20th October into 2026. Impact on cycling is expected to peak in December and January.
🏗️ Edinburgh Park Station: Quiet Route 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:
The north-west bridge over a small path requires a dismount and use of the footway. The bridge is expected to fully close to pedestrians and cycles for 3 months during rebuilding works, date tbc.
The south-east bridge over the Union Canal is closed to cars but not cycles, with fencing placed across the bridge as a temporary modal filter. The bridge is expected to reopen to cars with a 7.5T weight limit.
🌉 South Gyle Road: Bridge between modal filter and Quiet Route 9 closed for repairs until April 2026. It is required to dismount and use a temporary bridge.
🏗️ 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
🖼️ 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 talks and discussion on Zoom
☕ Weds, 8:15 - 9:45: Coffee Outside [IG]: Wednesday morning hangouts at 📍 Lochrin Basin - bring a mug, water, a way to boil water, and coffee ☕
🛠️ Weds, 3pm: Bike Kitchen at Edinburgh Tool Library
🔧 Weds, 5-8pm Fix Your Own Bike Sessions at The Bike Station, Tollcross
🌅 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, 1-4pm Fix Your Own Bike Sessions at The Bike Station, Tollcross
⚙️ 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.
✊ This week! Last Saturday of the month (except December): Critical Mass Edinburgh, Family-friendly mass protest / group ride, 2pm, Middle Meadow Walk;
🫂 Help Needed
💰 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 »
🚲 The Bike Station is recruiting new volunteers! 🚲
With us settling nicely into our new Tollcross shop, we've received a great deal of support from volunteers, both experienced and new - thank you. There are still a couple of roles that could aid us in furthering our mission:
🖥️ Online Sales Support:
Help manage our online sales to generate revenue from unique bike components. Taking pictures, creating and managing listings to arranging postage.
🛠️ 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 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? 😅 ✨
📋 Overviews: CEC’s Active travel improvements programme | Interactive Map from City Mobility Plan prioritisation exercise
✏️ In the Works:
🐚 The consultation on Station Road as part of the Musselburgh Active Toun project is currently open: respond online by mid December /via Cllr Shona McIntosh;
🚋 Recently closed: Major North-South Tramline Consultation until 17th November| Spokes’ brilliant, detailed response [PDF] | Officers A8 ‘Diversion’ Clarification
💬 Resistance in Silverknowes to new cycleways; comments from supportive users on ETRO/21/30C can be made here using the ‘Respond to Consultation’ button at the bottom of the map - open until 10th February.
🚲 Consultation: Barnton Connections; open for comments until January 26th;
📝 West Edinburgh Link, including Glasgow Rd, South Gyle, Bankhead, Sighthill, Wester Hailes and Clovenstone. “Around 5km of new segregated and improved cycleways, new crossings, path and pavement improvements”, with the first phasecommencing build at the start of December this year, with an initial focus primarily on links to Quiet Route 8 - Technical plans [PDF]
⛲️ Dundee Street Fountainbridge Active Travel Project consultation open until 12 January 2026 | 🗺️ Mapped illustrations (do zoom in!) — Image 1 and Image 2 | 📄 Technical drawings [PDF, 23.7mb]
🤔 The ‘Curriehill Active Travel Link’ reported by Spokes to have been delayed beyond its 2025 due date by ‘biodiversity concerns’.
🤫 Greenbank to Meadows Quiet Route having detrimental changes made, delayed to January ‘26: 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:
⭕️ Polwarth Gardens road layout consultation;
⛏️ 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 - Prestonpans to Levenhall | Combined plans » [Large PDF]
🚧 Under Construction:
⛏️ Burnside Path Repairs & Longstone Sinkhole
Contractors setting up on site w/c 3/11 for repairs required to the retaining wall/sinkhole. Hope to complete the in-river works by xmas, & reinstatement of sinkhole by end of Feb. Option to extend contract if required. — Longstone Community Council on Bluesky » (including site plan images)⛴️ Queensferry High Street Improvements | Technical drawings [PDF]
⚓️ 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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