http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Recent Posts en Sat, 12 Sep 2026 17:27:40 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16209&page=28#post-385824 Sat, 12 Sep 2026 17:41:15 +0000 Frenchy 385824@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>In case I wasn't the only person who parsed "Corstorphine East and West Craigs" as "Corstorphine East, and West Craigs" and was confused...it's really "East Craigs and West Craigs".</p> <p>Boundary map is here: <a href="https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/35998/corstorphine-east-and-west-craigs-boundary-effective-28-march-2025" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/35998/corstorphine-east-and-west-craigs-boundary-effective-28-march-2025</a></p> <p>The boundaries on community councils changed (relatively) recently. It's quite possible that prior to that change, Mr Rees's Community Council covered the Manse Road area. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16209&page=28#post-385823 Sat, 12 Sep 2026 17:05:42 +0000 Stickman 385823@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Which community is Mr Rees representing? His last appearance was objecting to the Manse Road bus gate; now he’s objecting to West Craigs residents having a bus service. </p> <p><blockquote>“Due to community concerns, we the community council conducted a survey - we polled 972 members of the community and 70 per cent were against the bus gate, and those in favour would prefer it to be peak times only.</blockquote></p> <p>I’m sure this poll was conducted properly and in no way was self-selecting. </p> <p>No surprise to see the Lib Dems supporting their core demographic (angry middle class drivers)</p> <p><blockquote>“I am sympathetic with the fact Lothian Buses say they will not put a service in here unless there’s bus prioritisation. I just think there are other, better ways of doing that will mean we are not shutting off road safety projects.”</blockquote></p> <p>So will Kevin Lang state what these “other, better ways” are? And will he explain how they will allow buses to magically skip past the queues of traffic on Turnhouse Road? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=20766&page=88#post-385822 Sat, 12 Sep 2026 16:49:52 +0000 chdot 385822@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/12/subsidence-uk-insurers-double-surge-claims-hot-summers" rel="nofollow">https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/sep/12/subsidence-uk-insurers-double-surge-claims-hot-summers</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=16209&page=28#post-385821 Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:31:40 +0000 chdot 385821@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p> ‘Everything is being done to accommodate Lothian Buses, but nothing is being done to accommodate the community’ - Norman Rees </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-roads-controversial-bus-gate-to-go-ahead-despite-claim-it-could-leave-residents-with-only-one-road-out-of-west-craigs-9023902" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-roads-controversial-bus-gate-to-go-ahead-despite-claim-it-could-leave-residents-with-only-one-road-out-of-west-craigs-9023902</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=1587&page=91#post-385820 Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:31:26 +0000 Greenroofer 385820@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I planned to go to Lowther Hill on Thursday and spent Wednesday evening prepping the bike, but woke up feeling a bit bleurgh and decided against making the trip. It was good decision: the weather was pretty grim.</p> <p>On Friday I was full of beans and decided to go for it, but had an appointment mid-morning, so didn't leave the house until noon. The weather forecast suggested a breeze in my face on the way there and a good tailwind for the return. I got as far as Colinton before realising that the 'prepped' bike didn't have any water bottles on it...</p> <p>I left the house for the second time (this time <em>with </em>water bottles) just before 1pm.</p> <p>I trundled to Lowther Hill on the usual route: A70 to Carnwath, Libberton, Quothquan, Thankerton, A73 to Abington, Leadhills, Wanlockhead. There was a headwind much of the way, but nothing too onerous. Coming into Thankerton, I caught up with a chap who opened the conversation by asking if he could get a tow off me (which was surprising as I wasn't going quickly enough for a tow to be worth having, and I definitely wasn't going quicker than him). We had a brief chat about my bike and where I was headed, and he turned right and I turned left.</p> <p>By now it was 4pm, and the A73 was less busy than I'd expected so the leg from Thankerton to Abington village, which I always find a bit stressful due to number and speed of passing trucks, wasn't too bad and passed unexpectedly pleasantly. I noted some very chunky bulls in a field.</p> <p>Through Abington it was a steady grind up to Leadhills and Wanlockhead and then a stiff climb up to the golf ball at the top of Lowther Hill. I took it as gently as I could, conscious that the top was only halfway through the ride.</p> <p>The view from the summit was the best I have seen there: the Southern Uplands faded off into the distant haze and lowering sun in shades of grey. As usual, I had the place to myself.</p> <p>Heading back down, having taken the obligatory photo and added a layer or two, I was surprised to hear a voice beside me. A Wanlockhead resident called Clive was on his way off the hill too, and we completed the descent together, while he talked how he'd been to a concert with songs in Cornish and Welsh. At the bottom he shook my hand and wished me luck for the return to Edinburgh.</p> <p>The 10-mile descent to Abington village wasn't as good as I remembered: I didn't need to use the brakes and had to pedal more than I expected, so there wasn’t much opportunity to recover from the hill climb. A sandwich stop in a bus shelter in the village came to an abrupt end when the midges found me.</p> <p>Heading out of Abington, I saw a rider coming towards me and prepared a conventional and courteous wave, but as they approached I realised it was @bill, on a mission (it later transpired) to review motorway service stations. (It also later transpired that @bill stopped to chat with me, but I didn't stop to chat with them. Sorry!).</p> <p>The rest of the ride home was very lovely. There was no headwind (and perhaps a gentle tailwind, but not the promised stiff breeze). The sun was setting and the traffic had died away. By the time I was back on the familiar A70 it was properly dark, but the passing traffic was all well-behaved and the bike (slowly) ate up the miles homeward and I pondered the infinite in a pleasant bubble aboard it.</p> <p>I was back home just before 10pm, tiptoeing in to a slumbering household after a very pleasant day out. Just over 100 miles, 6,000ft of ascent and Scotland's highest paved road.</p> <p>Great Dun Fell awaits... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=165&page=20#post-385819 Sat, 12 Sep 2026 09:38:35 +0000 chdot 385819@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/12/ebikes-seized-london-blocked-paths-lime-forest-voi" rel="nofollow">https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/12/ebikes-seized-london-blocked-paths-lime-forest-voi</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21898&page=3#post-385818 Sat, 12 Sep 2026 07:47:03 +0000 chdot 385818@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Saturday column - </p> <p>What type of Princes Street do we want? </p> <p>EDITOR </p> <p>SEP 12, 2026 </p> <p>THERE is still much to play for, as to what Princes Street might, in the future, look like.</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.buildedinburgh.com/p/saturday-column-what-type-of-princes?publication_id=3659842&amp;post_id=215023608" rel="nofollow">https://www.buildedinburgh.com/p/saturday-column-what-type-of-princes?publication_id=3659842&amp;post_id=215023608</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3748&page=386#post-385817 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:38:51 +0000 wingpig 385817@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>A pillock in a nippy wee red car with an unmuffled exhaust going well over thirty in the middle of the road heading east under the bridge just before the Abbey Lane junction seemed an ideal candidate to have "SLOW DOWN" bellowed through his window as he whooshed past. Despite his speed, he couldn't have been in a rush as he found time to turn round, pursue me back along Abbeyhill and ask me if I'd shouted at him ("Yes, I shouted that you should slow down, as you were driving really dangerously") as he pulled abreast just before Croft-an-Righ. As I was on a VOI and therefore limited in agility and speed, I escaped down Croft-an-Righ as I didn't think he'd want to risk his wheels on the lumpy surface and knew there was a bollard where it joins the parade ground, but he didn't follow. Hopefully he scraped his side skirts' paint on some of the speed humps when he headed back eastwards as it looked like he'd been planning on going along Spring Gardens rather than up Abbey Lane. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=3748&page=386#post-385816 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:24:57 +0000 Morningsider 385816@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ambling on foot down Newbattle Terrace earlier with Mrs Morningsider when a scaffodling wagon passes so close, and at such speed, with horn blazing that an unbidden stream of rule 2s slipped out. The guy continued to barrel down the road, continually honking the horn - all followed by a huge gust of dope smoke (although classic coked up behaviour).</p> <p>Possibly the worst driving I have seen in years - the driver was clearly off his nut. Didn't get the reg number, as I got such a fright that he was away before I thought to look. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21993#post-385815 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 20:18:15 +0000 chdot 385815@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><img src="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/webimg/b25lY21zOmY5NzM0MjIzLTI1NGYtNDc5MS04ZGQ4LWQwNGFhNmMxZjA5ZDo2NTkxOTU3ZS0yNmMyLTQzYWUtOWQ3OS0xZmNjMDU1OGFiYjI=.jpg"></p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/retro/33-nostalgic-edinburgh-photos-show-how-different-the-citys-streets-used-to-look-8936620" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/heritage-and-retro/retro/33-nostalgic-edinburgh-photos-show-how-different-the-citys-streets-used-to-look-8936620</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=746&page=489#post-385814 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 18:04:26 +0000 Frenchy 385814@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I did wonder if that was you, but wasn't sure enough to say hello.</p> <p>I will leave the mystery of the location open just to annoy anyone reading. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=20337&page=27#post-385812 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:53:22 +0000 bakky 385812@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>...so let's go ahead and stick a modal filter at its westernmost gate when that's happening. The last thing the Royal Blind School and Canaan Lane Primary need is hundreds of residential car journeys past their front doors.</p> <p>Have seen a very proactive and engaged 'friends of' type institution exists though, keep meaning to offer them some drone filming of the site. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=746&page=489#post-385811 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:41:13 +0000 wingpig 385811@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Frenchy, in an unspecified city centre location in case it's a secret. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=20766&page=88#post-385810 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:13:25 +0000 chdot 385810@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/11/nnorth-sea-gasfield-decision-likely-delayed-holborn-byelection-labour-greens" rel="nofollow">https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/11/nnorth-sea-gasfield-decision-likely-delayed-holborn-byelection-labour-greens</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=20337&page=27#post-385809 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:15:36 +0000 chdot 385809@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Relevant</p> <p><a href="https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/future-of-historic-edinburgh-hospital-site-takes-shape-with-plans-for-500-homes" rel="nofollow">https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/future-of-historic-edinburgh-hospital-site-takes-shape-with-plans-for-500-homes</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=5273#post-385808 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 16:12:42 +0000 chdot 385808@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/future-of-historic-edinburgh-hospital-site-takes-shape-with-plans-for-500-homes" rel="nofollow">https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/future-of-historic-edinburgh-hospital-site-takes-shape-with-plans-for-500-homes</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8710&page=77#post-385807 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 10:04:41 +0000 neddie 385807@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><blockquote>Most of Scotland's major trunk road structures are reaching the end of their design life of 60 years and need major upgrades or replacement - the Woodside viaducts are only the first of many. What do you reckon - will the Scottish Government choose to let the strategic road network fall into delapidation?</blockquote></p> <p>Time to demolish the lot of it and return to simpler and happier times. Car-dependency is 20thC folly. Think of all the nice 21stC "public luxury" things we could have with the money instead.</p> <p><blockquote>You have to be mindful of the political make-up of this council and what the art of the possible is’ - Cllr Stephen Jenkinson</blockquote></p> <p>Translation: We can't communicate and agree with other parties to make things happen </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8710&page=77#post-385806 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:48:26 +0000 chdot 385806@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ooh</p> <p>“</p> <p>‘You have to be mindful of the political make-up of this council and what the art of the possible is’ - Cllr Stephen Jenkinson </p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-north-south-tramline-councillors-agree-to-prioritise-southern-section-to-royal-infirmary-but-keep-northern-leg-to-granton-on-table-9012258" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-north-south-tramline-councillors-agree-to-prioritise-southern-section-to-royal-infirmary-but-keep-northern-leg-to-granton-on-table-9012258</a></p> <p>See two posts above </p> <p>It’s possible interpretations/implications are different…</p> <p>(And that’s without considering ‘where’s the money coming from’)</p> <p>To me ‘bigger picture’ is always about bad decisions for the wrong reasons</p> <p>And ways of changing or working around some of it </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8710&page=77#post-385805 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:35:43 +0000 chdot 385805@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/14488/next-phase-of-tram-network-expansion-agreed?ref=edinburghminute.com" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/14488/next-phase-of-tram-network-expansion-agreed?ref=edinburghminute.com</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8710&page=77#post-385804 Fri, 11 Sep 2026 08:35:30 +0000 chdot 385804@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“have I finally lost the plot?”</p> <p>Unlikely as your rational/sensible/reliable contributions to CCE have always been valuable/valued</p> <p>On the other hand too much observation/involvement can lead to insanity…</p> <p>“Is there something I am not seeing?”</p> <p>Inevitably, but that doesn’t mean there is something there to be seen!</p> <p>Politics has often been regarded as ‘the <a href="https://politicaldictionary.com/words/art-of-the-possible/">art of the possible</a> but increasingly it might be just the preserve of artless low skilled wishful thinkers encouraged or restrained by officials </p> <p>Cynical moi?</p> <p>Additionally in the ‘modern world’ any ‘certainties’ or even ‘possibilities’ are harder to find/rely on </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8710&page=77#post-385803 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 22:45:55 +0000 Morningsider 385803@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>There was no cash to build any of this yesterday, there is no more cash today, there will be no more cash tomorrow. </p> <p>The Scottish public finances are in a parlous state, transport capital expenditure is being eaten by the A9 dualling project, which won't finish until 2035 (or later). Most of Scotland's major trunk road structures are reaching the end of their design life of 60 years and need major upgrades or replacement - the Woodside viaducts are only the first of many. What do you reckon - will the Scottish Government choose to let the strategic road network fall into delapidation?</p> <p>This whole situation seems bizarre to me - people fervently arguing over the respective merits of what are effectivelty fantasy transport projects. Every effort should be being invested in delivering low-cost interventions to support walking, cycling, and buses - things that can be delivered quickly with a bit of political will.</p> <p>Don't get me wrong. I would love to see the tram network extended - but Council funded multi-billion pound urban transport projects are simply not where we are at the moment.</p> <p>Or is it just me - have I finally lost the plot? Is there something I am not seeing? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8710&page=77#post-385802 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 19:25:38 +0000 chdot 385802@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-north-south-tramline-councillors-agree-to-prioritise-southern-section-to-royal-infirmary-but-keep-northern-leg-to-granton-on-table-9012258" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/news/edinburgh-north-south-tramline-councillors-agree-to-prioritise-southern-section-to-royal-infirmary-but-keep-northern-leg-to-granton-on-table-9012258</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8710&page=77#post-385801 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 17:19:37 +0000 wingpig 385801@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Also relating to the RailEngineer thing...<br /> <blockquote><em>"The challenge is no longer simply getting passengers onto a tram. It is ensuring they can easily reach the stop in the first place and complete their journey at the other end."</em></blockquote></p> <p>Were there to ever be tram-trains on the south sub, whose street-to-platform paradigm would win out? Would platforms be as quick to access as most of the tram stops (not counting the airport, or Hermiston Gait) where they're quick to get to as they're on the streets where people are allowed to be, or would they all have to have that extra barrier/bottleneck/ramp/gate move from public space to Network Rail DON'T LOOK THE TRACKS IN THE EYE space? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8710&page=77#post-385800 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:22:09 +0000 Greenroofer 385800@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was in that Bergen in Norway in the summer, where they have a light rail system connecting to the airport (which is even further from its city centre than Edinburgh airport). Apparently it was funded by road tolls (causing much upset from those north of Bergen, who had to pay the tolls to drive into the city, but didn't get a light rail connection as a result). Also, the council then zoned areas close to the stations to favour development, driving economic growth into those areas. All quite admirable (but then my main impression of Norway was that it was <strong>extremely civilised</strong>)</p> <p><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergen_Light_Rail">More here</a>.</p> <p>Oh and final fun fact from the article - the Norwegian power company had to pay to move power cables out of the way of the railway, and wasn't allowed to charge the costs to the rail project. (See, ThatIsNorway) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8710&page=77#post-385799 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 15:56:31 +0000 bakky 385799@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Vote seems to have gone well considering... (Spokes keeping a live Bluesky thread going)</p> <p><blockquote><br /> Conservatives oppose entirely</p> <p>Cllr Jenkinson accepts Green amendt &amp; part of SNP</p> <p>Vote<br /> 7 Lab/Green/SNP<br /> 2 LibDem<br /> 2 Con</p> <p>So..<br /> a. Support for entire route, priority South<br /> b. No more work till Autumn '27 after SEStransit report<br /> c. Strong Green amendt on (bike emoji) safety included<br /> </blockquote> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=20766&page=88#post-385798 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:36:49 +0000 chdot 385798@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="https://archive.ph/2026.09.09-175238/https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/net-zero-is-dying-wind-and-solar-farms-are-the-great-follies-of-our-time-8985643" rel="nofollow">https://archive.ph/2026.09.09-175238/https://www.scotsman.com/news/opinion/columnists/net-zero-is-dying-wind-and-solar-farms-are-the-great-follies-of-our-time-8985643</a></p> <p>“Paul Wilson is assistant editor of The Scotsman” </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8710&page=77#post-385797 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 14:19:55 +0000 chdot 385797@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“surprisingly Edinburgh-centric“</p> <p>…</p> <p>“Doesn't change the fact that because ThisIsEdinburgh and not ThisIsFrenchTown, costs will be hugely higher for no good reason.”</p> <p><em>This</em> may explain part of the problem in Ed - “understanding customer needs rather than selecting technology”…</p> <p>Though in Ed, not just the tech also the vanity of plush/heavy trams/track!</p> <p>“</p> <p>The passenger</p> <p>For Rob Thomas, head of sales at Siemens Mobility Rail Infrastructure UK, futureproofing begins with understanding customer needs rather than selecting technology.</p> <p>“The technology isn’t the starting point,” he explained. “The starting point is the passenger experience and understanding what outcomes customers actually want.”</p> <p>While safety, reliability, and operational performance remain fundamental requirements, technology should be viewed as an enabler rather than an objective in itself.</p> <p>Journey planning applications, integrated ticketing systems, passenger information platforms, and future digital services can all sit on top of a robust operational core.</p> <p>The key, Thomas argues, is avoiding the temptation to specify known solutions too early.</p> <p>“We should be focusing on the outcomes we want to achieve rather than simply repeating what was done on previous projects.”</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.railengineer.co.uk/building-tomorrows-tramway-today/" rel="nofollow">https://www.railengineer.co.uk/building-tomorrows-tramway-today/</a></p> <p>(Same article as previous post) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=8710&page=77#post-385796 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:59:36 +0000 Arellcat 385796@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Useful (and surprisingly Edinburgh-centric) article in RailEngineer:</p> <p><a href="https://www.railengineer.co.uk/building-tomorrows-tramway-today/" rel="nofollow">https://www.railengineer.co.uk/building-tomorrows-tramway-today/</a></p> <p><blockquote><strong>Beyond transport</strong></p> <p>For James Hammett, managing director of UKTram, the current political and industry environment presents a significant opportunity.</p> <p>“There’s never been a better time to be talking about light rail,” he explained. “Government and regional leaders increasingly recognise that tramways aren’t simply transport systems. They’re <strong>tools for placemaking, economic growth, regeneration, and decarbonisation</strong>.”</p> <p>That shift in thinking is important.</p> <p>Historically, transport schemes have often been assessed primarily on passenger numbers or journey time savings. Increasingly, however, authorities are taking a broader view, considering how fixed transport infrastructure can <strong>stimulate investment, improve connectivity, and transform entire urban areas</strong>.</p> <p>A tram network, Hammett argues, should be viewed as part of a city’s long-term development strategy rather than as a standalone transport intervention.</p> <p><strong>Affordability</strong></p> <p>A recurring challenge facing light rail remains cost.</p> <p>Questions around affordability continue to dominate transport discussions, with comparisons frequently made between UK schemes and those delivered elsewhere in Europe. However, Hammett believes those comparisons can sometimes be misleading.</p> <p>“What often gets included in tramway costs isn’t necessarily the tramway itself,” he explained.</p> <p>Major schemes frequently include extensive public realm improvements, utility diversions, streetscape enhancements, and wider regeneration work. These elements are often accounted for within the overall project budget, making direct comparisons difficult.</p> <p>In some cases, the infrastructure supporting urban regeneration can represent a substantial proportion of total project expenditure. This reinforces the <strong>need to evaluate schemes holistically, considering the regeneration and economic benefits they deliver</strong> rather than focusing solely on the transport infrastructure.</blockquote></p> <p>Doesn't change the fact that because ThisIsEdinburgh and not ThisIsFrenchTown, costs will be hugely higher for no good reason. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21898&page=3#post-385795 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 12:17:27 +0000 chdot 385795@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“<br /> Cllr @davidfkey.bsky.social asks what for bicycles in #GeorgeStreet if Option 1 approved</p> <p>A: "conversation is ongoing" [under-statement !] But there is unallocated (visitor levy?) money that councillors could decide to use</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/spokes.org.uk/post/3mv3rrdsm6k2p" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/spokes.org.uk/post/3mv3rrdsm6k2p</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21898&page=3#post-385794 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:44:52 +0000 bakky 385794@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Cllr <em>'which way is the wind blowing this week'</em> Lang</p> <p>Cannot keep up with him! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21898&page=3#post-385793 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:41:38 +0000 chdot 385793@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>LibDem Cllr @kevin-lang.bsky.social says Option 1 is not the ambitious strategy councillors has asked for. It's just a 'glorified resurfacing project'</p> <p>He asks why SNP changed its mind</p> <p>LibDem Cllr Osler Need a transformation now, not incremental 'resurfacing project'</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/spokes.org.uk/post/3mv3sisqedc2p" rel="nofollow">https://bsky.app/profile/spokes.org.uk/post/3mv3sisqedc2p</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=20766&page=88#post-385792 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 11:24:11 +0000 chdot 385792@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>A rapid global shift to clean electricity could trigger a “cascade” of progress towards repairing the damage to the planet by the climate crisis, according to a report identifying the environmental solutions most likely to bring about change.</p> <p>The analysis focuses on “positive tipping points” – thresholds beyond which a sustainable technology or practice becomes increasingly cheap, widespread or politically popular, allowing progress to become self-propelling.</p> <p>It identifies clean electricity as the “highest-leverage” transition, because cheaper solar and wind power can accelerate change far beyond the energy sector. Clean power improves the economics of electric vehicles, heat pumps and cleaner industrial processes, while reducing air pollution and stimulating further demand for renewable electricity.</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/10/climate-crisis-tipping-points-energy-environment-report" rel="nofollow">https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/10/climate-crisis-tipping-points-energy-environment-report</a></p> <p>Optimistic? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21898&page=3#post-385791 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 10:29:14 +0000 bakky 385791@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@neddie Spokes on Bsky:</p> <p><blockquote>Vote</p> <p>:( 7 SNP/Lab/Con - Option 1<br /> :) 2 LibDem - Option 2<br /> :| 2 Green - neither</p> <p>SNP drops their 2nd point, re need for (bike emoji) lanes on George Street. Convener says this will be discussed at TEC (? !)</p> <p>Spokes conclusion: </p> <p>Scotland's premier street remains dominated by roadspace</blockquote> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21898&page=3#post-385790 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 09:41:21 +0000 neddie 385790@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Does anyone know if the SNP got their amendment through?</p> <p><blockquote>Further to the above, a scoping out of options for segregated cycle lane(s) and removal of parking on George Street and a review of how to minimize non-essential traffic on Princes Street. This will provide an ambitious, exciting and deliverable strategy for Princes Street and Waverley Valley</blockquote> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=21898&page=3#post-385789 Thu, 10 Sep 2026 08:30:37 +0000 chdot 385789@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“</p> <p>Transport efficiency</p> <p>A new cycle hub at Waverley Station with safe cycle access and improved cycle parking along Princes Street</p> <p>Narrowing of the carriageway at the south side to make more space for walking and wheeling, maintaining it as two lanes in each travel direction for bus and tram services</p> <p>Potential introduction of a new bus gate at the east end of Princes Street as part of measures to reduce congestion and delay along the thoroughfare</p> <p>The design approach is based on the outcome of discussions at a workshop in June where Councillors, officers and representatives from partner organisations including Historic Environment Scotland, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce, Essential Edinburgh, Network Rail and Edinburgh Access Panel, among others, met to hear proposals and share feedback.</p> <p>“</p> <p><a href="https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/14485/step-forward-for-princes-street-and-waverley-valley-as-design-approach-is-agreed" rel="nofollow">https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/news/article/14485/step-forward-for-princes-street-and-waverley-valley-as-design-approach-is-agreed</a> </p>