Spokes has monitored the number of bikes and vehicles in Forrest Road and Lothian Road for several years.
Previously the results have been announced with the next newsletter. This time it was on the day of the count (yesterday).
"Cyclist numbers rose only marginally compared to May 2009 but private cars fell substantially."
Spokes has always released the figures in terms of percentages, which is not entirely helpful.
Year on year comparisons are difficult to draw firm conclusions from. Both count points involve some trips that will include Princes Street. Tram works have significantly altered travel patterns.
Last year The Mound was closed in both directions this year it is closed southbound. Since last year tracks have been laid on Princes Street which is now being avoided by some cyclists.
Spokes also notes: "Despite the decline in private cars, the proportion of those which are single occupancy has risen, and at 75.7% is the highest in any of the 5 occasions when we have counted this."
IF the Council is to reach its target of 15% of journeys by bike by 2010 it will have to do a lot more. It will need more 'cycling' facilities' and discouragement of motor vehicles.
Easier said than done.
It would be useful to know how many cars are destined for private parking spaces at work - and if any Government is willing to propose taxing workplace parking - last proposed (I think) by Sarah Boyack when she was Transport Minister about 11 years ago. It didn't happen - wasn't popular with motorists=voters, fellow MSPs and the Daily Record.
http://www.spokes.org.uk/wordpress/2010/05/spokes-may-traffic-count
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