http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: "Transport Minister has designs on continental cycling projects" en Mon, 18 May 2026 09:45:31 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207294 Sat, 26 Dec 2015 14:11:58 +0000 crowriver 207294@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"They are raised, I think its fair to say, on a daily basis. So much so that they are increasing less debated and increasing ignored.</p> <p>If you want something to be taken seriously and debated it has to have substance. It also helps if those raising the debate have any credibility themselves."</p> <p>I think there is something else at work here. What you call 'credibility' seems much more of an emotional commitment on the part of the SNP core vote, at least: rather as Labour voters used to behave in 'the old days' of Labour's hegemony in Scotland. </p> <p>Simply put, if they don't like the people conveying the message, they are not prepared to give it credence. Tories, clearly, not trusted by the majority in Scotland, therefore their criticisms are, as you put it ignored, whether they have substance or not. Labour now seem to be in a similar position to the Tories in Scotland, electoral support having been reduced to their core vote. Lib Dems have the northern isles. Any criticism from these parties has been 'tarnished' or is apparently not to trusted in the eyes of many 'floating voters' given various political shenanigans over the past 12 years. </p> <p>You may say, but other more credible sources have been making criticisms (e.g.. my and your own party the Greens), but all too often these sources do not get widespread media exposure. The media prefer to see the political divide in terms of the post-indyref polarisation between nationalist and unionist, with the Greens in the nationalist camp, therefore criticism from Greens either does not fit with this simplistic binary (some say tribal) view, or the media prefer to report the opposition from the unionist angle to up the unionist ante. As we know, for the sake of the Cause no dissent is allowed from within the SNP itself. The SNP as the party of government naturally have a lot of access to media through official announcements, etc. which are nearly always reported.</p> <p>"Take recent events re the bridge. All that effort by opposition politicians.activists (and their media pals) to try and slaughter the SNP failed because it had little or no substance."</p> <p>I could not disagree more. The failure of the bridge is a direct consequence of decisions taken under the watch of this government. The criticism that I have heard was based on the facts, that the bridge's current state is a result of delays to recommended maintenance, issues which have been known about for years.</p> <p>So it was not the message, but from whose mouths the message came (or rather whose mouths the media chose to report) that seems to been the problem. That's the 'credibility' gap you were referring to, which in my view is a product both of political polarisation/tribalism and inherent media bias.</p> <p>So we arrive at the incredulous situation where the SNP are now trumpeting the 'early' reopening of the bridge as a great triumph, despite being caused by their own government's negligence of their duty of care to maintain the structure. I've even seen various 'Yes' group postings circulating on social media with a group photo of the Amey workers on the bridge as heroes. Okay, they did a great job but the SNP sanctioned message ignores that this maintenance was recommended nearly a decade ago!</p> <p>Of course the SNP narrative on the bridge suits them. It suits the government for people to see it as a structure falling apart, "just one of those things", can't be helped, all the more reason why they're spending so much and working so hard building than big new bridge right next to it. Except of course the bridge's deterioration could very much have been helped: abolishment of tolls, delays to maintenance, privatisation of maintenance, have all contributed to greater damage and the recent closure.</p> <p>Which we can all hear about in the media, but because it's coming from the mouths of unionists, the SNP don't want to hear it, will not admit they might have some culpability. Neither, it seems do its supporters. Why should they admit they might be wrong about anything? They're popular, they're in charge, they can portray opponents and critics as "traitors" to Scotland. Because, after all, the SNP are Stronger For Scotland. Even when they're not, enough people will vote for them anyway. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207253 Thu, 24 Dec 2015 17:14:20 +0000 Stickman 207253@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@gembo Agreed: the upcoming resurfacing/lighting of the WoL path beside Murrayfield will make it better and I've still got a fantasy plan that Baird Drive could be made one-way with a segregated path to get to the Balgreen path, but it is fairly pleasant. When/if the segregated path along Roseburn Terace/West Coates is built then you can get all the way from Haymarket to the canal without having to deal with traffic. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207252 Thu, 24 Dec 2015 17:06:15 +0000 gembo 207252@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@sallyhinch the pinkhill backstreet route in middle of day travelling west east is one of my favourite routes through Edinburgh. It flows nicely cutting across the direction of car travel for the most part. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207251 Thu, 24 Dec 2015 17:02:45 +0000 sallyhinch 207251@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I had a look at what I think was the E-W route at the Cycling Scotland conference. It was a wee bit wiggly but it did involve taking space from cars to create contraflow tracks. The main thing is not the wiggliness on the map, it's whether you're having to stop start all the time - if there's decent signalling to allow you to cross the major roads then a back streets route can be an improvement on an arterial route and certainly more pleasant and with nicer air.</p> <p>POP view <a href="http://pedalonparliament.org/christmas-comes-but-once-a-year/" rel="nofollow">http://pedalonparliament.org/christmas-comes-but-once-a-year/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207249 Thu, 24 Dec 2015 16:01:36 +0000 gembo 207249@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>All,politicians need to cycle more for sure. We could become the cycle nats rather than the cyber nats? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207246 Thu, 24 Dec 2015 12:14:44 +0000 I were right about that saddle 207246@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@gembo</p> <p>Surely you are making the case for militant entryism by bicyclists? If so I am with you.</p> <p>The poor SNP are revelling in being popular after sixty years of being regarded as smelly cranks. Maybe we cyclists can understand this as no one else?</p> <p>A plurality of coherent parties would be wonderful. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207245 Thu, 24 Dec 2015 11:45:36 +0000 gembo 207245@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Fair number of arterial routes from west Edinburgh to near the city centre exist already. WoL path best when dry, canal towpath, stenhouse path, pink hill route from corstorphine through to murrayfield. Range of off and on road options. So if it is to be more than some signs there will need to be a will to remove cars from the city centre? I do not see that happening. The SNP love cars (I am sure labour and tories do too). SNP will achieve big majorities in any first past the post election with 37per cent of the electoral roll. I have had thoughtful discussion with former colleague who works for them now about the need for the SNP to be more pluralistic. I mean if they are ever to achieve the one objective of independence. The SNP could in fact canvass for labour. They could say Scotland is a country with at least two left of centre parties yu can choose from (maybe even four or five) whereas England has none (or maybe one or two). This pluralism would encourage the 63 per Cent of the electoral roll wh do not vote for them to consider doing so? But this is not what the SNP is doing. They are maintaining strict discipline ( might get harder if rumours of militant tendency style entryism are true) they are seeking to dominate without opposition. There will be a little at holyrood from the list MSPs but not much. I think Nicola sturgeon is sensible but like all other politicians she does not get everything right. This means it is important to have an opposition but this is unlikely any time soon. This in turn means cycling policy unlikely to be anything radical. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207242 Thu, 24 Dec 2015 10:51:51 +0000 acsimpson 207242@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>City Centre to West Edinburgh Urban Cycling Corridor</p> <p>City of Edinburgh Council</p> <p>This project is focussed on making cycling an attractive travel choice in one of the key urban corridors in Scotland. It is part of the Council’s strategy to accommodate Edinburgh’s future growth in a sustainable way while adding to the city’s quality of life. The project would deliver a joined-up cycle route from Edinburgh city centre to the western edge of the city, linking to some of Edinburgh’s biggest generators of local journeys and integrating with both tram and rail. New infrastructure would be focused on catering for people who are put off cycling by heavy and fast traffic. Routes would use protected on-street cycle tracks, quiet 20mph streets, or high quality cycleways/footpaths. Significant public realm enhancements and improvements in provision for pedestrians are integrated into the proposals. New infrastructure delivery would be reinforced by a supporting smarter choices programme."</em></p> <p>I wonder exactly what this will entail? The inclusion of quiet 20mph streets and cycleways suggests it isn't going to go directly along any of the arterial roads to the west. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207241 Thu, 24 Dec 2015 09:03:49 +0000 HankChief 207241@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://pedalonparliament.org/christmas-comes-but-once-a-year/">http://pedalonparliament.org/christmas-comes-but-once-a-year/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207184 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 18:44:31 +0000 Edinburgh Cycle Training 207184@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>patrick harvie is one of the main reasons I joined the green party a few years back. </p> <p>He speaks well, seems honest, which I doubt the vast majority of politicians are, and talks a lot of sense most of the time</p> <p>He has never ASAIK described Scotland as a one party state. Probably because he wouldn't then be taken seriously.</p> <p>"gone native" LOL! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207183 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 18:31:01 +0000 crowriver 207183@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"One problem with 'holding the Government to account' is that (I'm told) the original intention/expectation was that the Committee system would be stronger.</p> <p>If that's the case I don't know why - or what would need to be done to improve it, but presumably easier (and perhaps more palatable to the public) than a second chamber(?)"</p> <p>The Committee system at Holyrood lacks teeth, and this problem has worsened with the SNP majority, and the strong party discipline which means MSPs are toeing the party line instead of doing their job, which is to scrutinise legislation thoroughly.</p> <p>Patrick Harvie has written on exactly this issue:</p> <p><a href="http://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/13208305.Scrutiny_at_Holyrood_amounts_to_no_more_than_a_government_marking_its_own_work/" rel="nofollow">http://www.heraldscotland.com/opinion/13208305.Scrutiny_at_Holyrood_amounts_to_no_more_than_a_government_marking_its_own_work/</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207182 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 18:27:18 +0000 crowriver 207182@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"It's simply not good enough to keep crying wolf (or in this case "SNP bad")"</p> <p>Hmm. I see you've gone native.<br /> Using the term that SNP evangelists utilise to deflect any criticism of their party. Decrying any critics as unionists.</p> <p>I have to disagree that criticisms of the SNP lack substance. Somehow the criticisms get ignored or dismissed by the SNP, and folk seem content to take that. there seems to be a complacency which sees the SNP as the least worst option, which is simply not true.<br /> Even if it were, why have they been handed such unprecedented political dominance by the electorate? Just on the basis of "they'll do"? No, there's more going on here.</p> <p>Politics has polarised since indyref, and positions seem to have hardened among the "45". Perhaps this explains the talismanic status of the SNP, and the willingness of voters to turn a blind eye to their faults. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207181 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 18:20:25 +0000 chdot 207181@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>One problem with 'holding the Government to account' is that (I'm told) the original intention/expectation was that the Committee system would be stronger. </p> <p>If that's the case I don't know why - or what would need to be done to improve it, but presumably easier (and perhaps more palatable to the public) than a second chamber(?) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207180 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 18:12:50 +0000 chdot 207180@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>OK</p> <p>So which of these is mostly true?</p> <p>'Most voters in Scotland are content with the SNP's way of doing things'</p> <p>'Most voters would like a party they would be happy to vote for instead of the SNP'</p> <p>If the first, that's democracy - however much you think the voters are deluded or complacent. </p> <p>If the second then it really is up to other parties to get their acts together OR for some mass movement to create a new party. </p> <p>Don't mind which, but until it happens (or the SNP implodes) the SNP is likely to be in charge at Holyrood for at least one more session and perhaps leading more LAs from 2017. </p> <p>Another alternative is for all parties not called the SNP to agree to put up a single joint candidate for constituency seats and something equally co-operative for the List. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747&page=2#post-207179 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 18:04:55 +0000 Edinburgh Cycle Training 207179@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"So you have no concerns at all that the SNP are becoming an overwhelmingly dominant political force in Scotland?"</p> <p>yes I do. The are a long long way off being "disturbing" though.</p> <p>"No anxieties over the relative lack of debate of the SNP's track record in government, policies for Holyrood, relationships with business interests?</p> <p>No, no anxieties. </p> <p>I wholeheartedly disagree that there is a relative lack of debate about all those things. </p> <p>They are raised, I think its fair to say, on a daily basis. So much so that they are increasing less debated and increasing ignored.</p> <p>If you want something to be taken seriously and debated it has to have substance. It also helps if those raising the debate have any credibility themselves.</p> <p>It's simply not good enough to keep crying wolf (or in this case "SNP bad") </p> <p>Take recent events re the bridge. All that effort by opposition politicians.activists (and their media pals) to try and slaughter the SNP failed because it had little or no substance.</p> <p>If simply hating the SNP and attacking them on a daily basis is now the raison d'etre of the labour party in scotland, why not stick to a real issue and hammer them over Police Scotland? </p> <p>Of course, if I were to voice the fact I am bored to death with labours single SNP BAD Manifesto, they'd retort by calling me a nationalist (with strong inferences I am an SNP voting nazi(neither of which has ever been true))</p> <p>Aye, the SNP are a boring as hell unadventurous government, but thats probably better than a petulant childish opposition </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207177 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 17:43:35 +0000 crowriver 207177@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So you have no concerns at all that the SNP are becoming an overwhelmingly dominant political force in Scotland? No anxieties over the relative lack of debate of the SNP's track record in government, policies for Holyrood, relationships with business interests?</p> <p>I really do worry that in the desire of many Scots to send an oppositional message to the Tories in London, we are ignoring the numerous flaws of the SNP as a party of government.</p> <p>The retort that there is no credible or competent alternative to SNP rule is so similar to the logic of those who voted the Tories into majority rule at Westminster it is, as I said before, disturbing, as much for its complacency as anything. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207175 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 17:29:25 +0000 Edinburgh Cycle Training 207175@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Again, I don't know nor have I met anyone who actualy believes or is "worried" we are or becoming a one party state. The truth is we are not one and no where near becoming one! </p> <p>The vast majority of comment about a one party state I see is from lazy journalists repeating the crass lies of the odd unionist politician. And of course, journalists who like to make things up of their own accord.</p> <p>Thankfully, the general public (at least in scotland) don't seem to be stupid enough to fall for it. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207169 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 16:23:41 +0000 crowriver 207169@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Is it true that SNP MPs/MSPs sign up to an agreement not to criticise the party, its policies or other SNP members in public?"</p> <p>I have no idea if that is literally true, but they may as well have, given the very strict discipline that seems to exist. Zero tolerance of dissent from the party leadership...</p> <p>I can see how that is useful in winning elections. As a party with a big majority, such rigidity is not healthy for democratic debate, nor scrutiny of legislation.</p> <p>"Perhaps, but given the electoral system that's - more or less - the view of the majority that bothers to vote."</p> <p>Is it really? I daresay many haven't even considered such concerns. They simply hear populist rhetoric they like the sound of. Also a bit of a cult of personality around Nicola Sturgeon methinks.</p> <p>Some have compared the SNP's rise to Latin American populist movements such as Peronism... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207165 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:45:10 +0000 chdot 207165@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"That's pretty much the one reliable constant in modern western democracies. ;-)"</p> <p>Seems so! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207163 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:42:45 +0000 PS 207163@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>So the voters are wrong...</em></p> <p>That's pretty much the one reliable constant in modern western democracies. ;-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207162 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:31:41 +0000 chdot 207162@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"the SNP will be able to ride roughshod over the objections of other parties, NGOs, local government, indeed anyone who disagrees with the party line"</p> <p>Perhaps, but given the electoral system that's - more or less - the view of the majority that bothers to vote. </p> <p>So the voters are wrong...</p> <p>To a large extent the Government at Holyrood (irrespective of party) is constrained by Westminster. </p> <p>It's <em>possible</em> that could change after the EU vote. </p> <p>I think it's a shame that JS didn't put up Income Tax as a matter of principle/difference, unlikely to have turned off many voters, and would have given him a small amount of cash to do something different/interesting with. </p> <p>But sometimes the SNP seems to lack<br /> imagination/boldness... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207161 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:27:59 +0000 Stickman 207161@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"...indeed anyone who disagrees with the party line."</p> <p>Is it true that SNP MPs/MSPs sign up to an agreement not to criticise the party, its policies or other SNP members in public? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207160 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 14:03:04 +0000 crowriver 207160@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I say disturbing because the SNP's popularity goes way beyond what any other party has enjoyed in recent political history. No other party has ever dominated so completely.</p> <p>When folk were expressing worries about a "one party state" back in May that could be explained away as due to voters' anger at perceived betrayal over the referendum result and "The Vow". To see the SNP further entrench their dominance at Holyrood seems to smack of a similar emotional populism, rather than voters coolly calculating who would best govern Scotland. The SNP's record in government is not spectacular: they've got some things right, but most of that is a continuation of Lab/Lib policies pre-2007. As "we" see, on transport for example they have got a lot wrong. There is also a distinctly authoritarian streak to the SNP.</p> <p>We can deceive ourselves all we want that Scottish voters are more sophisticated, progressive, etc. I don't see that. Rather than hard headed rational voters looking at policies, I see a rather primitive, reactionary even, desire for "strong government" and a politics that is defined in opposition to Westminster: that's the SNP agenda through and through, hence their ideas have become hegemonic within Scottish society.</p> <p>"The biggest surprise (for me at least) in that poll is how well the Greens appear to be doing. In the past "second vote Green" appealed to many voters who would vote for a different party in the constituency vote."</p> <p>Which is great, but facing a hugely dominant governing party with an even more thumping majority, any opposition parties will really struggle to make any impact or put the brakes on the SNP juggernaut. I cannot imagine this will be good for Scottish democracy. Yes, I find it disturbing because without a properly functioning check on executive power, in a unicameral parliament the SNP will be able to ride roughshod over the objections of other parties, NGOs, local government, indeed anyone who disagrees with the party line. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207159 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 13:18:11 +0000 Edinburgh Cycle Training 207159@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"It seems to point to a political monoculture in Scotland, i.e. a vast majority of folk all wanting one party to dominate affairs."</p> <p>I don't see that. I do see the vast majority wanting a similar thing, but that is entirely different from " wanting one party to dominate affairs." In fact, I don't think many people at all want that. I certainly don't know and have never met nor hear of any.</p> <p>Until recently, its only really been a two horse race, so one party dominating is hardly a surprise. Given Thatcherism, it was no surprise at all that Labour dominated from the 80's onwards.</p> <p>The current pedestal the SNP are enjoying the view from if probably as much down to Labour's incompetence than the SNP's<br /> manifesto. In any event, this is only the end of their first ever term as as an all conquering party!</p> <p>If folk were describing the SNP's popularity as disappointing or surprising, or anything vaguely negative, I could probably see where they were coming from. When its described as "disturbing", well that surprises and disappoints me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207158 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 12:55:04 +0000 chdot 207158@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Do we really have to wait another 15-20 years for their hegemony to crumble?"</p> <p>Who knows...</p> <p>Two (interrelated) possibilities -</p> <p>1) People <em>really</em> get disenchanted with the SNP. In the UK (Westminster) history this has usually been 'let's give the other lot a chance'.</p> <p>2) Another party becomes 'credible' and gets elected. </p> <p>In Scotland, not only is there an 'extra' party but the PR system was designed to reduce the chance of any single party getting an overall majority. </p> <p>Whatever the merits of the SNP they have 'broken' this by demonstrating a degree of competence. At the same time other parties (notably Labour - but also LibDems, for different reasons) have seriously fallen out of favour.</p> <p>And it's not even because 'most people' now want Independence.</p> <p>The biggest surprise (for me at least) in that poll is how well the Greens appear to be doing. In the past "second vote Green" appealed to many voters who would vote for a different party in the constituency vote. </p> <p>Next year I suspect many more will be inclined to vote for the same party twice.</p> <p>To overcome this the Greens will have to have a particularly good campaign - not easy when mainstream coverage is usually in proportion to the size of a party in Parliament(s). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207153 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 12:34:47 +0000 crowriver 207153@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I find that poll disturbing, frankly.</p> <p>It seems to point to a political monoculture in Scotland, i.e. a vast majority of folk all wanting one party to dominate affairs.</p> <p>In the 1950s, the Unionist party held sway. Then, from the 1980s onwards Labour became the dominant political power in Scotland. Since 2011 it has been the SNP. </p> <p>Do we really have to wait another 15-20 years for their hegemony to crumble? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207149 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 12:05:40 +0000 chdot 207149@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yeah but -</p> <p>There are LOTS of things that could be done to improve conditions for 'active travel' - for relatively little money - without disadvantaging driverists significantly. </p> <p><em>Not that </em>driverists are 'the majority' (perhaps of voters - but even then driving/parking where they like is not 'No1 priority' for most). </p> <p>There are lots of under 17s and plenty too old or poor (or disinclined) to own cars. </p> <p>There is plenty of evidence that cycle infrastructure is better value for money and all fits with the SNP's (alleged) policies of Greener, Smarter, Wiser (or whatever it is this week). </p> <p>Main problem (presumably) is the blinkered circle of politicians (most parties) and officials who imagine 'you cannae no do that'. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207134 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 11:11:36 +0000 PS 207134@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>They wouldn't want to lose that portion of the electorate who would prefer a car-based United Kingdom to a bicycle-favouring Scotland. Better to maintain that independent blank canvas upon which all voters can project their dreams. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207131 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 09:30:19 +0000 chdot 207131@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-parliament-poll-snp-increases-lead-over-labour-1-3981382" rel="nofollow">http://www.scotsman.com/news/scottish-parliament-poll-snp-increases-lead-over-labour-1-3981382</a></p> <p><em>Still</em> don't really understand why the SNP doesn't have better/more 'radical'/sensible policies on Health, Transport etc. </p> <p>Seems they could get away with almost anything without denting electoral popularity. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=15747#post-207130 Tue, 22 Dec 2015 00:51:27 +0000 crowriver 207130@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Aye, but why should the SNP care when they can tell their core voters they've improved the road they want to drive on, to get to that very marginally cheaper cheap flight they want to take for that wee holiday they promised themselves?</p> <p>The cyclists can go hang. </p>