http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: "Sturgeon unveils cities growth plan" en Sun, 31 May 2026 18:15:06 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4737#post-50443 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 19:43:56 +0000 Smudge 50443@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I have to confess I view with intense suspicion anything announced by Ms Sturgeon. She is a "professional politician", imo. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4737#post-50440 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 17:49:14 +0000 LaidBack 50440@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes... agree there. </p> <p>We can't un-invent mobile tech but if it means people can move to working on public transport then it's one way to re-balance the obsession with upgrading 'killer' roads. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4737#post-50433 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:01:47 +0000 crowriver 50433@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Internet on trains does make sense, particularly if it helps to reduce this kind of mobile phone conversation:</p> <p>(Screamed at top of voice despite other passengers inches away)</p> <p>WHAT? I'M ON A TRAIN!</p> <p>WHAT? I CAN"T HEAR YOU!</p> <p>YES! I"M ON A TRAIN!</p> <p>WAIT! I THINK WE"RE IN A TUNNEL! CAN YOU STILL HEAR ME?</p> <p>HELLO? HELLO?</p> <p>OH HI AGAIN! YES, I"M ON A TRAIN!</p> <p>(End. Loop. Repeat.) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4737#post-50431 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:43:45 +0000 LaidBack 50431@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Even though I am not addicted to wi-fi totally...<br /> </em><br /> Does seem odd that trains between Scottish cities don't have (was missed out in First's spec). </p> <p>If I was a visitor to Scotland I'd expect to be able to use my time from (say) Edinburgh to Inverness productively. Particularly as the road once dualled will make the train seem even slower.</p> <p>Also... the modern traveller expects to watch the web in the car, bus or train as live scenery is boring (for some). I also hear that books without batteries are so last century... (but not for me)</p> <p><em>Lithium with everything (joking)<br /> </em> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4737#post-50430 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:35:09 +0000 SRD 50430@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"So, noses to the grindstone, academics, your ivory tower days are over. Industry needs you!"</p> <p>This was a mantra of the Blair govt too. </p> <p>I found it very refreshing recently to discover, when asked to review a grant proposal to a canadian government agency, to be asked only if it was good research. No need that it generate 'impact' or 'knowledge exchange' or that it power business or industry, or generate spinoffs for the university. Just, 'is it good research'. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4737#post-50426 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:16:18 +0000 Cyclingmollie 50426@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Weasle words, meant to allow wriggle room for politicians while causing endless frustration for anyone reading into them support for specifics. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4737#post-50425 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:13:56 +0000 crowriver 50425@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Early indicative priorities have been set out in the Agenda for Cities and include:</p> <p>Connectivity<br /> Improving rail and air connectivity to key national and international markets<br /> Delivering world class digital connectivity, capacity and usage across the cities and their regions and improved mobile coverage along our main transport links"</p> <p>Okay... Haven't you just spent all the money on trunk roads though? Doh!<br /> Still, nice to know that train passengers will be annoyed even more by loud, boring and largely unnecessary phone calls made by their neighbours. And that drivers will have no barriers to distracting SMS, phone calls, Facebooking, etc. whilst traversing the new trunk roads.</p> <p>"Sustainability<br /> The transition to a low carbon economy offers an excellent opportunity to place Scotland in an advantageous position in the global economy and to secure new jobs and investment<br /> Potential collaborative propositions include opportunities to deliver combined heat and power energy systems and district heating networks across the cities"</p> <p>What exactly will this "transition to a low carbon economy" look like? Is that just the so-called "Saudi Arabia of renewables" strategy, or does it include the electric cars and (non-electric) busways you've raided the active travel budget to pay for? Combined heat and power: great, but where are the plans? Will the heat be produced by burning fossil fuels or something more sustainable?</p> <p>"Knowledge<br /> Exploiting competitive advantage in renewable energy, by identifying and developing complementary city region assets and strengths, including links to the cities' collective academic research expertise<br /> Maximising the economic impact of further and higher education institutions as drivers of city economies"</p> <p>So, noses to the grindstone, academics, your ivory tower days are over. Industry needs you! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=4737#post-50422 Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:32:10 +0000 chdot 50422@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<br /> The Agenda for Cities outlines the focus of collaborative action which has been developed jointly with the Cities. This includes activities directed at developing better connected cities, more sustainable cities, knowledge cities and vibrant and cultural cities. These are seen as the key characteristics of globally successful cities and will help support increased levels of investment, job creation and business.</p> <p>"</p> <p><a href="http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/16113842" rel="nofollow">http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2011/12/16113842</a></p> <p>"vibrant and cultural cities"</p> <p>Pavement cafés and bicycles perhaps(?) </p>