There are thousands of people in Edinburgh keen to make more journeys by bike. We're not just talking about a handful of recreational club riders. Ordinary people of all ages and levels of cycling experience are enthusiastic to leave their cars at home and make their journey by bike instead.
Forecast
Census data indicates that for trips along the route corridor, the base number of one-way commuter cycle trips is 1,675. Based on the scheme improvements, the potential number of one-way commuter cycle trips is 3,142, an additional 1,467 (88% increase) one-way commuter trips on the route.
— Atkins consultants Preliminary Justification Report
Survey
A 2015 survey of 1100 Edinburgh residents shows the level of enthusiasm for cycling.
- 23% "Do not ride a bike but would like to."
- 72% "Things would be better if people in general rode bikes."
Local activities
The main barrier to increased cycle journeys is the lack of safe and direct routes. It's clear from the volume of calls for support that local people want better Cycle Routes and would use them.
- 4000+ cyclists gave up their time to Pedal on Parliament, who express their support with five reasons in five words and have made a great video.
- Local residents are showing substantial support with a petition.
- CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum is a busy website for cycling interest in Edinburgh.
- Spokes are campaigning actively in favour and have submitted detailed feedback to the consultation team.
- Spokes traffic counts carried out on busy commuter routes show that over the last ten years cycle traffic has increased, with cyclists making up 20-25% of traffic on several roads surveyed.
Personal stories
- Blog showing why many people in our city are enthusiastic about active travel and revealing some of the frustrations at present.
- Safer routes to schools blog by Eilidh Troup.
- Blog by Philip Wadler.
