🚲 edi.bike | issue 121 | 1st Dec ‘25
your weekly edinburgh cycling digest
📰 News this Week
🏰 Local Bits
✊ A welcome dry (if chilly) spell on Saturday afternoon saw the last Edinburgh Critical Mass of the year take in a circuit the city centre calling for safer roads, and winding up at The Causey to hear about progress with their public realm project (and for the excellent hot drinks and biscuits!).
Edinburgh Critical Mass ride the last Saturday of the month at 2pm, though note there is no ride in December - see you again 31st January, and check out the poster below for other upcoming ride dates.
👭 Three Edinburgh-based, women-focused cycling groups — Infrasisters, Queens of Pain and School of Rocks [IG] — are joining forces on Sunday 14th December for a women-led ride in solidarity with trans women, in response to Cycling UK's decision to exclude trans women from their 100 Women in Cycling Award for the first time, following the Supreme Court decision. They add - “Allies welcome! This will be a 20-30km ride. Details to be finalised and will be posted on Infrasister's Bluesky and Instagram.”
🔒 Keeping Edinburgh's Cycle Parking Free of Hire Bikes
More in our current campaign around hire bike parking, with five new photos from readers this week showing cycle parking spaces blocked by Voi hire e-bikes across the city, also added to our Google photomap. We’re currently in the process of organising a discussion with the team at Voi.
🔌 The Edinburgh Reporter: “Thirteen e-bikes seized during police operation in Fountainbridge”. These of course are electric motorcycles / mopeds rather than e-bikes, but if the Polis themselves can’t seem to get it right…
⚙️ Beyond the Roseburn path issue; Spokes are quoted heavily in a good article in the mainstream press this week, Why cyclists fear dangers of new Edinburgh tram route - behind a paywall at The Herald »
🧑🎄 Christmas Corner
🎄 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 by bike!
&
🎁 Share Dalry Bicycle Depot’s Christmas Gift Guide post with family and friends who might be present buying for the cyclist in their life - ‘Gifts for a Bike Person’ »
✉️ In letters issued to residents and businesses in the area, the Council have recently been giving notification of public realm upgrades at Tarvit St and the area around the King’s Theatre refurbishment project, which has key integrations with the use of Tarvit St as a key part of the Meadows to Union Canal link project:
Improving public spaces around the King’s Theatre
We would like to make you aware of upcoming work to improve the area around the King’s Theatre, which includes changes to:
pavements
access to the King’s Theatre
crossings
public spaces
road resurfacing
This work is linked to the King’s Theatre redevelopment and the Council-led Meadows to Union Canal project. Work will begin on Monday 12 January 2026 and finish late April 2026. A map showing the project area of the work is overleaf (below).
We are also resurfacing Gilmore Place between Lochrin Buildings and Merchiston Park from early January 2026.
Ahead of the work starting, our contractors will be in touch with more information, including details of diversions, temporary parking changes, and access arrangements to properties and local businesses.
Road surfacing aside, this phase of the project does not deliver any tangible improvements to the experience of cycling through the area, but has been a notable blocker on progress to deliver the rest of the route which is scheduled for around eighteen months’ time - and what’s another year and a half on an eleven year wait?
The Bike Station is looking for three new volunteer trustees to help shape the future of cycling in Scotland. If you’re passionate about sustainability, social justice, or breaking down barriers to cycling, this could be the perfect fit.
We’re especially keen to hear from women, young people, BIPOC+, disabled people, and people in Perth & Kinross - we want our Board to better reflect our communities.
No previous Board experience needed - just your skills, commitment and passion. 💛
👉 Full details + how to apply on our website
💸 Reminder: The Bike Station are also currently running their #EverydayHeroes crowdfunding campaign »
♿ “Susie uses her electric tricycle as a mobility aid. Its particular size and set up allowed her to travel across the country and attend Fringe shows in ways that otherwise wouldn't have been possible” — brilliant thread from Wheels for Wellbeing on Susie’s festival visit to Edinburgh »
📚 Plugging a wee book promo video from Markus Stitz on Facebook - you can order books here; and with the first of the snow and ice upon us, Markus also recently shared some incredible photos [FB] from an outing to the Pentlands too.
👑 Speaking of Markus’ projects, Edinburgh Dawn Patrol [IG] goes from strength to strength, and some of the regulars will be riding Doddie's Triple Crown 2026 — an epic annual cycling challenge to raise funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, a Motor Neurone Disease charity. The challenge takes place from the 10th - 13th March 2026 with the team riding 800 miles. Mark Baker posted a video promoting the endeavour to Instagram and you can sponsor them via his Just Giving page here »
⛏️ Path Wrangling Continues
📰 Updates during the week on the closure of St. Marks path by Powderhall by Leith Central Community Council and subsequently by Cllr Jack Caldwell in The Spurtle;
🥳 Initial celebrations about the reopening of the Ferry Rd path along the side of ✨ friendly neighbourhood warmonger ✨ Leonardo’s anti-accountability fencing project were soon dampened by the reality of just how badly the space was still being impinged on, with mid-week photos from Spokes and Wingpig’s ride-through video - issues still being pressed for action from the Council to have the contractor better accommodate ongoing use of the path.
More in our ‘Route Closures and Issues’ section below ⏬
🚊 Mass Rapid Transit in Edinburgh; Transport & Environment Committee Convener Cllr Stephen Jenkinson writes, “Edinburgh must be bold on tram as we face the future”.
Writing in The Herald On Sunday (November 23), Transport and Environment Convener Stephen Jenkinson sets out the importance of the tram for the Capital's future — full article at City of Edinburgh Council »
🤑 Currently there’s 10% off Cargo bike hire from Edinburgh Festival of Cycling until December 19th;
↖️ From the fine folks at North Edinburgh Arts:
We're running free bicycle maintenance workshops for the next three Friday afternoons at NEA. If you live in North Edinburgh and would like to learn how to care for and service your bike with help from our friendly team, come along!
Fridays 5 Dec, 12 Dec 1.30pm - 3.30pm
For more information & to register, contact us on: 07493 876130
📍 North Edinburgh Arts, 12C Macmillan Sq, EH4 4AB
📈 London: “Cycling journeys in the capital have increased by 43% over the past six years to 1.5 million a day, according to a new report.” — BBC News, this week.
Some great Edinburgh comparisons provided in this thread by SW20, highlighting where London were at in 2015, and how data from Edinburgh’s own recent infrastructure projects can highlight - if you build it, they will come.
📖 Last day this Wednesday, 3rd Dec: exhibition ‘Railway 200 – Celebrating the History of the Balerno Branch Railway’ at 📍 Currie library, open Mon & Weds 1pm – 8pm, Tuesday 10pm-5pm. /via Spokes
📸 Some gorgeous photos of the new public realm and skatepark on the Water of Leith linked to by Leith Links Activity Park on Bluesky »
🎤 Save the date for Towpath Talk #4 at Gamma Transport Division; 23rd January 2026 will see Tom Taylor speak on ‘Creating a Cycling Community’, along with a talk from adventure racer Rich Rothwell, hosted by Izabela Murtagh. 19:00 start - follow Towpath Talks on Instagram and listen to previous talks on Spotify »
📋 Local campaigner Craig Robertson started a petition to remove VAT from bike sales - sign at Change.org »
⛈️ National
👏 Labour ditched Cycle to Work cap two weeks before Budget after deciding it “wasn’t worth the revenue”, as bike shops hail “common sense prevailing” — article at road.cc »
🐉 “To support our vision of safe travel for all, I have approved the drafting of legislation to allow highway authorities in Wales to use side road zebra crossings on 20mph roads if they wish to do so” — Welsh Government begin work to introduce side road zebra crossings after successful trials.
🚨Pavement Parking: An unhappy fifth birthday. Five years and four prime ministers since the pavement parking consultation ended, and still no action.
What will it take to reclaim pavements?
A new podcast episode from the Streets Ahead team. An interesting listen given improvements in the capital following our own — somewhat pioneering — pavement parking ban, and the improvements it has yielded (Elm Row Parking Vortex excepted).
🌍 Elsewhere
🍂 A bike trailer that sweeps the cycle lane! Can we have a fleet of them? Video on Instagram »
🛣 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:
✔️ Rodney Street: Reopened following emergency gas leak repairs.
🚧 Saughton Crescent: Sections of QuietRoute 9 closed for resurfacing and Active Travel improvements by Balgreen from 20th October into 2026. Impact on cycling expected in phases 4-8, for which a signed cycle diversion is to be provided.
🏫 Belmont Rd: Side road between Juniper Green Primary and Currie High School closed for emergency BT repairs from today 1st December until Friday 5th December. If works prevent cycle access, Bloomiehall Park may be an alternative.
🏞️⚠️ Ferry Road Path: Obstructions of offroad path between Leonardo and Morrisons by works to extend the security fence. The path was reopened during the works, following intervention from local councillors and Spokes, but unfortunately construction kit was not moved out of the way. Exercise caution at pinch points 80cm wide.
🟠 Valleyfield St: Section of NCR 75 between Meadows and Union Canal closed from today 1st December for 10 days for Scottish Water works, however cycle access is expected to be maintained (hopefully)!
🏰 Dalmeny Estate: Private Roads within estate closed to walking and cycling every Saturday until 1st February for an undisclosed private event. NCR 76 on John Muir Way unaffected.
🎄⚠️ 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.
🚦 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:
🏗️ 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.
🏗️ 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.
🏗️ 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.
✊ No ride in December - see you Jan 31st! Last Saturday of the month: 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. We are still recruiting for volunteers for 🛠️ 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:
🛣️ Sign the petition to Stop the £55 Million A701 Relief Road »
🐚 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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