Would be nice if they pedestrianised North Berwick High St, right enough
Petition:
https://www.change.org/p/east-lothian-council-pedestrianise-north-berwick-high-street
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Cycling News
“Active Nation Commissioner”
(129 posts)-
Posted 4 years ago #
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@neddie, where is the consultation on that? And the anti-petition?
Posted 4 years ago # -
And Alex Cole-Hamilton in a gas mask/driving a coal-powered steam engine.
Posted 4 years ago # -
All good Commissioners have a "bat signal" - Lee Craigie simply needs to flick the switch and the Cabinet Secretary will swing into action. Unfortunately, her signal illuminates a 2017 Vauxhall Insignia with dual cup holders, heated leather seats and metallic paint. Every time it has been used another 10 miles of trunk road has been dualled.
For safety, she is reduced to using online petitions.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Right, well, I think we can safely archive CCE and get on with other stuff, aye?
Posted 4 years ago # -
@IWRATS, we can still keep it going for diehard enthusiasts who think nothing of pedalling down mile after mile of A roads and dual carriageways after dark in driving rain, sleet and howling gales.
This is what will remain of Edinburgh's cycling community after the less brave have retreated to the safety of their motor vehicles, like everyone else.
Posted 4 years ago # -
Posted 3 years ago #
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I don’t say Lee Craigie should greet Sturgeon’s targets, commitments, visions etc with the same eye-rolling cynicism that I do, but does she have to gush over her? A measured response showing that she has some knowledge of her and her party’s actual record in delivering these targets, commitments, visions etc would give our Active Nation Commissioner a little more credibility.
Posted 3 years ago # -
“but does she have to gush over her?..”
That’s not my reading of the actual Tweet.
Lee Craigie has a level of enthusiasm about things generally which is her style.
I agree she can have a degree of optimism about SG that doesn’t relate to its track record!
However
This is some ‘commitment’ -
“
An SNP government will seek to ensure every town in Scotland has a “high quality and separated walking and cycling network,” she will pledge.
“
SO
It’s up to Lee (and everyone else) to pin down details on cash, timescale, who is responsible for delivery AND failure to deliver...
Posted 3 years ago # -
I don't think it is a great idea for a Government appointee to be publicly praising a manifesto commitment during the pre-election period. I'm not sure of the status of the Active Nation Commissioner, but this could potentially be a breach of purdah rules.
I'm sure it was done with the best of intentions - but probably better that she didn't.
Posted 3 years ago # -
“I'm not sure of the status of the Active Nation Commissioner“
Presume not a civil servant(?)
“probably better that she didn't“
Yes
Posted 3 years ago # -
Though -
“
Nomadic storyteller and bike adventurer. Director of
@adventuresynd Active Nation Commissioner for Scotland activenationcommissioner@gov.scot“
Posted 3 years ago # -
@Morningsider - yes - especially as there will presumably be even more stellar promises in the Greens' manifesto. Come one, come all.
Posted 3 years ago # -
The Active Nation Commissioner’s Final Report has been published.
I'm in a cynical mood after last night's vigil, so I will wait a few days before reading this.
Posted 2 years ago # -
@Frenchy - I won't spoil it for you, but the most noticeable thing is the two different voices. Clearly, a few snippets of Lee's passionate advocacy for active travel have made the final cut. Unfortunately, these are swamped by the leaden, jargon filled, pro-Government tripe written by Transport Scotland officials.
Okay - can I just let one thing slip? There is a recommendation that the Commissioner be joined by an "Ambassador".
Posted 2 years ago # -
“joined“
U mean it’s an ongoing project??
Posted 2 years ago # -
@chdot - not entirely clear from the report that there will be a second Commissioner, although Lee Craigie clearly thinks it should continue. Whether the new "active travel" Minister wants to share the limelight, or have some semi-official criticism (however mild) is open to question.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Finally read it all.
Was expecting something bland and, perhaps, weasily.
However
I think it’s a very IMPORTANT document.
Lee clearly has a strong understanding of how ‘cycling’ is involved across many areas of daily life and particularly MANY areas of government policy that too often get considered in ‘silos’.
It’s also clear that she has been doing a lot of good work behind the scenes.
This report needs to be read and not forgotten about. Politicians need to be sent extracts to reinforce arguments for ‘better’.
Whatever happens next needs to be soon!
“
In retrospect, it is widely agreed that the role of Active Nation Commissioner should have been more transparent and defined from the beginning. An independent commissioner with the narrow focus of increasing levels of Active Travel alone would have been a challenging enough role. However the title of Active Nation Commissioner always suggested to me the necessity of a Whole Systems Approach to tackling a public health issue, with transport leading the conversation but only as part of the solution.
Public Health Scotland is currently leading the development of a Whole Systems Approach to physical activity of which there are eight investments:
1. Whole-of-School Programmes
2. Active Transport
3. Active Urban Design
4. Healthcare
5. Public Education (including mass media)
6. Sport and Recreation for All
7. Workplaces
8. Community-Wide Programmes…
My recommendations for a more active Scotland wholeheartedly supports the adoption of this systems based approach and the appointment of a specific independent Active Travel Commissioner to help achieve investments 2 and 3 is of utmost priority. This new ATC should have the experience and vision to be able to practically support and current local and national measures prioritising active travel, public transport and placemaking. They should also have creative, innovative ideas to help drive change further and faster and the authority and support to trial them.
…
It is often said that people don’t like change, but actually it is uncertainty that people find anxiety inducing. Co- creating healthy, affordable and fair travel solutions with the communities these solutions serve, makes change feel less scary. To assist with the re-writing of historic, car-centric narratives that negatively impact our personal and planetary health10, I recommend an additional advocacy role be created.
…
Sustrans, the UK’s walking, wheeling and cycling charity, has worked tirelessly to ensure a financial and strategic commitment is made by government to improve the National Cycle Network for the benefit of all active users. I added my advocacy to their appeal that the network be included in Transport Scotland’s Strategic Transport Projects Review (STPR2) so that it might have the same legal standing and financial investment as the trunk road network.
…
If 20 mph speed limits in built up areas are not to be the default that Local Authorities either accept or apply for exceptions from, then we run the risk of large geographical areas across Scotland having few or no 20 mph limits. Furthermore, this approach limits our opportunity to develop road networks strategically and with uniformity which would offer drivers greater consistency of messaging.
…
If 20 mph speed limits in built up areas are not to be the default that Local Authorities either accept or apply for exceptions from, then we run the risk of large geographical areas across Scotland having few or no 20 mph limits. Furthermore, this approach limits our opportunity to develop road networks strategically and with uniformity which would offer drivers greater consistency of messaging.
…
As a result, new ETRO regulations progressed through the Scottish Parliament unopposed and came into force on the 26th November 2022. This now gives Transport Scotland and Local Authorities the authority to put experimental traffic schemes in place with a minimum of 7 days’ notice. Also, it offers the public an enhanced consultation period of at least 6 months while the project is still on the ground. This allows local authorities to hear and manage objections while the scheme is in place and lets people see what any permanent change will mean for them.
…
The UCI Cycling Worlds Championships will take place in Scotland in 2023. Cycling is a diverse activity and cuts across a number of government policy portfolios, including transport, sport, the environment, tourism and social justice. Historically, plans and strategies for change sit within individual policy portfolios, but collaborative working across government portfolios needs a joint focus if it is to be truly productive. Hosting an international event can provides the joint focus required to make meaningful change.
…
Increasing active travel to school leads to health and wellbeing benefits for young people and their family which can help create healthy active travel habits for life. Furthermore, car journeys to school continue to be a major contributor to traffic levels. Rates of walking to school in Scotland have been steadily declining over the past decade, only partly offset by increases in scooting and cycling. Research indicates that safer routes and slower traffic speeds are the main improvements that would encourage more walking, wheeling and cycling to school.
However local authorities face real challenges in promoting alternatives to children being driven to school from parents, local businesses and some residents who are reluctant to restrict their private car usage.
…
The Child MPH report explores the wider data and evidence base around active travel for children in Scotland, as well as best practice from Scotland and Europe. A set of identified measures, including the use of Child MPH speed limits, were explored with
four participating local authorities. The report raises a number of key recommendations to be explored further. Firstly, national data shows clearly how important walking infrastructure is for children particularly where younger children walk, wheel and cycle to school. Beyond making the case for investment in good quality walking infrastructure, the report identifies the potential to improve data practices around both walking and cycling to support better decision making and ensure there is a baseline to measure impact against.…
Finally, the report highlights the strong historical context for play streets in Scotland. The evidence for outdoor street play supports that they are great places for children to be active and feel happy, and also to learn to ride a bike. Play streets can be attractive places to walk too and could form a cornerstone of 20 minute neighbourhoods and the delivery of a ban on pavement parking.
…
A participatory report by Children in Scotland helped inform the Bikeability Trust of the ways in which this national programme could more effectively encourage people to cycle for transport. The report which identified young people’s desire for Bikeability training to be more fun and skills-based has been shared with members
of the Active Travel and Young People Group. A pilot to promote an extension of school cycling activity as a potential pathway to clubs is being developed with schools already identified.…
Businesses and workplaces should consider the ways they support their staff to travel actively and distribute their products. Employers should incentivise their staff to continue travelling to work as actively as they did during lockdown.
…
During our first period of lockdown, I was involved in the redistribution of supermarket food waste around Edinburgh on my cargo bike. A small group of us who had access to cargo bikes ensured supermarket surplus was redirected to the emergency homeless shelters set up around the city. Using motorised transport was an option, but the streets were so quiet and outdoor exercise so therapeutic that we were motivated by more than our environmental responsibility to complete these tasks in carbon neutral ways. As restrictions lifted, the roads became busier than ever as people favoured their own cars over public transport to avoid transmitting the virus.
…
Compared to vans, cargo bikes offer a more efficient and cleaner way to move goods around our cities. Subsidising bold, grassroots initiatives such as Edinburgh’s Farr Out Deliveries would help this type of delivery access a sceptical market and increase the prevalence of cargo bikes across our cities.
…
Many people do not own or have access to a bike. Only one-third of Scottish households own one or more cycles. Although the cost of a bike and associated accessories – such as lights, locks and helmets – can be inexpensive it is still a significant cost for many people, especially families or people who need more specialist cycles. Furthermore, the environmental cost of producing and selling new bikes for private ownership is not a sustainable. Yet there have been some setbacks in the increase of bike hire across cities in Scotland, for example, the removal of the NextBike scheme in Edinburgh.
…
As evaluation of the effectiveness of the Free Bikes for Every Child pilot projects commences, this learning might be best shared with a range of independent experts, including those with an understanding of the circular economy and the bike industry. A robust and critical learning phase that includes the views of young people and their families will be essential to its continued success across the whole of Scotland.
…
Since July 2020, monthly meetings have taken place between ScotRail, Transport Scotland and myself. I now have a direct relationship with the Cycle Project Manager and together we regularly review and discuss progress on ScotRail’s Cycle Projects and general service programme.
ScotRail concedes that the importance and benefits of active travel have increased in recognition over the last two years, as a result of wider social and environmental issues, events, and policy influences such as COP26, NTS2 and the impact of COVID19. As a result, a specific policy requirement of ScotRail will be the delivery of a Cycling & Active Travel Strategy which will (a) set out how rail services will increase the use of walking, wheeling, and cycling as part of a passenger’s journey (b) explore opportunities to enhance the offering in respect of cycling and other active travel modes. It is anticipated that the new Active Travel Commissioner and Cycle Forum will play a major role in influencing, directing, shaping and communicating the objectives and targets of this strategy
As a key consultee, I have provided both user and expert knowledge into the initial feasibility studies on increased cycle spaces on ScotRail’s Intercity fleet (excluding Glasgow-Edinburgh). Funding has been secured and detailed final options and procurement completed. Improvements on the central belt to highland line are due to be completed by Spring 2022, with 6 six cycle spaces being made available in saloon cars.
…
Working in partnership with Sustrans, Scotrail has created a welcome landing page on it’s website to guide customers through all aspects of travelling with their bikes on trains.
ScotRail has developed a more strategic approach to cycling and wider active travel ambitions based on the three strands of “On-Train, At Station and First/Final Mile”. ScotRail has undertaken a full risk assessment on all ten classes of unit for stowage of cycles, scooters, and tandems to fully understand restrictions and any areas where cycle storage could be increased.
…
An External Cycle Space Livery project will see the installation of new external ‘Cycle Space’ livery throughout the entire ScotRail fleet. This will assist customers and staff to identify the location of cycle storage and reduce delays caused by customers boarding with bikes. Initial design option/feasibility has started. This has included the provision of cycle hire facilities such as the recent Hi-Bike initiative for E-Bike sharing - initial statistics on usage are very encouraging.
In February 2021, the Caledonia Sleeper service banned E-bikes from travelling on their service. With help from Transport Scotland, local journalists and campaigning groups, we had this decision reversed in less than ten days.
…
Scotrail’s cycle booking procedure is not as advanced as other train operating companies and should continue to be revised to make the process easier.
…
The disconnect between childhood experiences and adult behaviours is prevalent everywhere, but is particularly obvious in transport and placemaking policy. Money and resource are often granted to schemes or initiatives designed to move people from point-t0- point by active means but a different policy area is responsible for encouraging people to be active where they live.
..
The busy people in national and local government responsible for making Scotland a healthier, happier, fairer society have very busy diaries. Many of them struggle to leave their desks even for a few minutes to step outside, let alone have the time to walk between meetings. The most powerful and influential people in our societies can also be the busiest and most stressed. If our political, statutory and business leaders cannot or will not make the time to look after[quote] by their own physical and mental health, this will have repercussions for the transformation of inactive behaviours across society.
“
https://www.transport.gov.scot/media/51666/active-nation-report-2022-screen.pdf
Posted 2 years ago # -
Furthermore, the environmental cost of producing and selling new bikes for private ownership is not a sustainable. Yet there have been some setbacks in the increase of bike hire across cities in Scotland, for example, the removal of the NextBike scheme in Edinburgh.
JustEat probably got more people of all ages cycling. Council need to reinstate a new scheme asap. Every day I would see lots of young people heading over canal bridge. Often on pavement of course as probably advised by their car owning parents!
Looking at Manchester they have both solo bikes to hire and Cargaroo bikes.Environmental cost is a factor. Eventually bikes could be made '!ocally' but cargo bike market has international brands so complex. Biggest European market is in Germany. Much of the bike industry is owned by Accel Group (Raleigh/Babboe/Batavus) and Pon (UA / Gazelle). Both HQd in NL.
Lee makes lots of good points. As @HartsCyclery says... when are we going to see Jenny Gilruth open a bike lane?! Today she was at airport for launch of direct flights from Toronto to Edinburgh.
Posted 2 years ago # -
Hmm a bit of proof reading perhaps as Nextbike has never had the Edinburgh concession - it was Serco, using bought in system from Bixi & Pasheley bikes.
From my experience of public bike hire schemes, going back to 1995 (Copenhagen), Serco hadn't grasped the appropriate business model, which I suspect didn't fit their corporate culture. Most successful schemes use a local contractor to manage & maintain, a branding deal that buys 40 branded bikes for the cost of a single bus stop poster, and have deals that feed bikes to large institutional operations to reduce demand for car parking & inter-site minibus services, along with breaking transport poverty and the ways that lack of transport blocks access to employment and services
She's missed the early & very promising results from Inverness's small EAPC hire scheme with 40% of hires for the 3.5Km ride between Railway Station and Main Hospital, and the addition of a pop-up virtual hire point when demand appeared for trips to the Forestry College
I've prompted the Network Rail planners to include provision for EAPC charging in early stages of station upgrade planning, and look at a reprise of Inverness for Ninewells in Dundee, which could be just 1.5Km via an improved (more direct) link from Invergowrie Station. This could also be delivered for Edinburgh (12-15 min ride from Shawfair or Newcraighall) and Borders Hospital 1.8Km - mainly using cycle routes from Tweedbank
We also pressed for the 5 tip up seats on the Class 380, and the 385, with cut-back draught screens, and the detail has been included in the Class 334 upgrade, effectively giving spaces 2.4 m long, which many will realise is big enough for a tandem. On the table right now are the specifications for the new hybrid fleet to run electric to Dalmeny (or Dunblane) and onwards to Fife or Perth on batteries or (?)
Some big pressure needed to move Lothian buses (& Firstbus) on cycle carriage to catch up with other operators as well
Posted 2 years ago # -
“
Walking, cycling and wheeling are crucial because they bring so many benefits – reducing emissions as we attempt to avert a climate catastrophe, cutting congestion and enhancing safety on our roads, and improving our personal health, helping the economy and easing the burden on NHS spending.
The Scottish Government has underlined the importance of so-called “active travel” with a massive hike in its budget, which is due to top £230 million a year by 2024, compared to just £39m five years ago.
“
Posted 2 years ago # -
https://www.transport.gov.scot/news/ambassador-for-active-travel/
The Scottish Government has appointed Lee Craigie as the new Ambassador for Active Travel.
As part of a significant expansion of investment in walking, wheeling and cycling, the Scottish Government is currently reviewing how its programmes are planned and delivered. As an evolution of her previous role as Active Nation Commissioner, Lee has agreed to continue to support the transformation for the next 15 months, focusing on public engagement, access to bikes and providing an independent perspective on progress.
Posted 2 years ago # -
“
We're committed to our active travel vision of enabling walking, wheeling and cycling to be the most popular mode of travel for short, everyday journeys. We want to make Scotland's towns and cities friendlier, safer and more accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
“
https://www.transport.gov.scot/active-travel/developing-an-active-nation/
Posted 2 years ago # -
https://twitter.com/leecraigie_/status/1706694292247400565
As my term as Ambassador for Active Travel with
@scotgov comes to an end, I offer this open letter to
@patrickharvie in an effort to accelerate Scotland’s ambition to become a healthier, happier, fairer and more sustainable nation.Posted 1 year ago # -
Quotes from Lee Craigie's letter linked above.
I also need to highlight that the future approach to the increasingly urgent modal shift which we both want will have to address the frustrating and disappointing lack of collaboration and levels of bureaucracy that is halting this increasingly urgent modal shift.
I have witnessed comparatively large sums of money being spent ensuring bureaucratic process were addressed while inexpensive, person-centered, creative projects that value people and might have better engaged younger or harder to reach audiences were drowned in procurement processes or dumbed down to avoid any possibility of debate or controversy.Doing things the way they have always been done is a tried and tested way to ensure that everything stays the same ... continuing to make driving the most affordable option for those who can already afford car ownership.
(Emphasis mine.) That's a very good way of putting it.Unfortunately, it is still a well organised minority of people with the loudest voices who are given the broadest platform to express their views and this is undermining the individuals and institutions we know are in the majority...
Posted 1 year ago # -
Yep, same story over and over.
They say that India inherited its terrible bureaucracy from Britain and never really got over it. But I'm starting to think that we never got over it either...
Posted 1 year ago # -
The end of the letter really resonated with me.
this is undermining the individuals and institutions we know are in the majority and who wish to live by compassionate values. This, in turn, makes those people feel that they are instead in the minority and that upholding their compassionate values is pointless because everyone around them is simply out for themselves. This is why cultures of selfish values become self-actualising. It is the responsibility of our statutory services and political leaders to make bold, fair, health and environment centred decisions
Posted 1 year ago # -
Yes, it really eloquently describes the "don't be a mug" culture that seems to have gripped the UK over the last few years. You could try and do the right thing and get constantly screwed over, or you could just stop being a mug and (for example) drive everywhere like everyone else.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Yes, all very eloquent. However, as I said at the top of page one of this thread (five years ago!) - the role of the Active Nation Commissioner was to act as a human shield for politicians hell bent on pursuing pro-car, pro-development policies. An acceptable face to be rolled out to make it look like they care.
Tell me I was wrong.
Posted 1 year ago # -
“
Patrick Harvie criticised by his own ambassador for walking and cycling projects ‘drowning in bureaucracy’
“
Scotsman
Posted 1 year ago #
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