Had a weekend of compare and contrast.
Event One on Saturday
Greater Grassmarket aka European Car Free Day Event
- - Many pedestrians squeezing into the usual market side of Grassmarket.
- Very few people cycle to this part of city as main road was still open and solid with cars.
- Cycle Rickshaws were free but couldn't get much business as nowhere to go in the gridlock
- At least six cars drove down the car free area and there were parked vehicles there most of the time.
- One car hit a bollard. Too many pedestrians distracted them.
- The Penny Farthing Experience seemed to amuse the crowds.
- Laid Back Bikes trike was considered 'dangerous' by some, even though it was on rollers.
- European Cargo Bike of the year the Urban Arrow was looked at but sadly there was nowhere to cycle.
- EBC / Hula Juice Bar bike powered smoothie maker was popular
- Grease Monkey / Sustrans didn't get that much interest.
Event Two on Sunday
NMS Museum of Flight Wheels and Wings Show, East Fortune
- - Many vehicles on display and most people drove out as plenty of space to park
- Plenty of space to test ride bikes and trikes
- Most 'test riders' though under 15
- Foxlake Segways were the two wheeled draw here (bit like a Penny Farthing / ordinary Bicycle
- There was also a pump track which was good activity
In both events cycling is seen as a marginal activity I think by the public. Possibly something to do between driving there and back. Adults seem less interested in trying out bikes unless they are in 'the trade'. In the Grassmarket event the rickshaw drivers all had a go of the ICE trike.
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