1. CYCLING Cycling Scotland
Cycling Scotland
SCOTLAND
NEWS
ISSUE 08 AUTUMN 2008
10 th ANN
iv e r S A ry
Find out m
ore on page 4
New Action Plan to Boost Cycling in Scotland
Key dates for the first stages of the Cycling Action Plan (CAPS) for Scotland have been
announced, with a host of events taking place over the next few months.
The new action plan will be one of the most to make cycling an easier and more realistic representative from COSLA, CAPS Chairman
exciting developments in cycling in Scotland option for them. These events will give the Erl Wilkie and several breakout sessions and
in decades, as it seeks to draw together all public the chance to complete a survey giving workshops. The workshops will focus on giving
agencies working in cycling to pool their their views on what CAPS should be trying to stakeholders the chance to shape the action
efforts to achieve real and lasting change. achieve, and also leave a video message in plan in a range of areas with their own views.
the ‘Big Brother’ style diary room chair.
The purpose of CAPS is to bring together the Following the consultation events, it is
work of the various organisations working The public consultation work will be backed anticipated that the information and input
in cycling to create a more joined-up and up by focus groups, which will take place will be shaped into a draft action plan to
cohesive approach to making cycling an in both rural and urban parts of Scotland, be published for consultation in early 2009.
accessible and practical option for all. The and telephone surveys, to ensure the widest You can register to reserve a place at the
key aims of the plan will be formed via various range of views are taken into account. conference at www.holyrood.com/CAPS
public and stakeholder consultation events,
ensuring that future cycling promotion and Stakeholders will then get to give their input
provision is directly tailored to the needs of into the action plan, as the slot traditionally held Dates and venues for public events:
users throughout Scotland. by the annual Cycling Scotland Conference is
this year given over to the CAPS Stakeholder Thurs 04.09.08 Buchanan Galleries, Glasgow
The upcoming events include public Engagement Conference. The conference will
consultations in Glasgow, Edinburgh, take place on 7 October at the Perth Concert Sat 06.09.08 The Mall, Aberdeen
Inverness and Aberdeen, where members of Hall, and will be free to attend. The event will Thurs 11.09.08 Eastgate Centre, Inverness
the CAPS team will be talking to the public consist of presentations from Communities
to get their views on what needs to be done and Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell MSP, a Sat 13.09.08 St James Centre, Edinburgh
1

2. Cycling Scotland Cycling Scotland
Another
successful year
A g g ie M a
c ke n z ie
for Bike Week
Bike Week took place 14–22
June, and was the most
successful in recent years.
Bike Week appeared refreshed and updated
this year, with a new logo and brand style, a
new agency looking after the organisation, a
high profile sponsor in the shape of Nokia and
a charity partnership with Sport Relief. These
new changes did wonders for Bike Week’s
visibility, and the number of events and amount a c ti o n
M S P s in
of media coverage went up accordingly.
Over 230 events were staged in Scotland
this year, up from just over 200 in 2007, and
as usual there were all kinds of different
activities to get involved with. Large bike rides
included perennials such as the Edinburgh to
St Andrews ride and another successful year
for the Kingussie Bikeathon. New events
included the First Mini Monster in Glasgow’s
Pollok Park and a second Bike Film Festival
in Aberdeen, following in the footsteps of its
successful Edinburgh counterpart.
Scottish world record-breaking cyclist Mark
Beaumont launched the week’s event with
w c y c lis ts
a photoshoot on the Clyde cycleway in umon t a n d fe llo
M a rk B e a
Glasgow.
Cycling Scotland’s own MSP Bike Ride also
scaled new heights this year with some of
the highest profile MSPs in Scottish politics
getting involved. Deputy First Minister
Nicola Sturgeon, then-Labour leader Wendy
Alexander, Tory leader Annabel Goldie and
Green leader Robin Harper all saddled up for
a spot of cycle training outside the parliament.
The event received a slew of media coverage
with features in The Sun, Daily Record, The
Herald, The Daily Express and the Metro,
plus a 4 minute special on BBC2’s Holyrood
Today, spreading the message far and wide
that Scotland’s politicians support cycling.
Media coverage overall saw a significant
increase, nearly doubling from last year’s
figure of £250,000 to just under £500,000. As
a result of all this extra publicity, participation
figures soared 28% to 43,000 people taking
part in events in Scotland.
2 3

3. Cycling Scotland Cycling Scotland
Pedal for Community Cycling innovation Fund to be launched
Scotland and Cycling Scotland is soon to launch a new community fund providing grants to help organisations
set up cycling projects to improve life in their local area.
tour of Britain The aim of the Community Cycling Applications for grants will be considered Priority will be given to projects targeting
form weekend Innovation Fund is to increase the wellbeing
of communities across Scotland, enabling
against a set of criteria that include
• Increasing access to cycling across the
excluded groups, operating in areas of
disadvantage or working with people with
cycling festival more people to have more opportunities to
cycle by helping local projects to achieve
these outcomes in their own areas. Cycling
whole community
• Promoting cycling as a healthy physical
activity and as a sustainable and
the greatest health inequalities. Applications
will also be assessed on how they plan to
involve the local community in the planning
The biggest bike ride in
Scotland’s immediate goal is to provide efficient mode of transport and a viable and running of local projects.
Scotland celebrates its tenth grants for a small number of schemes that alternative to the private car
anniversary this year and demonstrate innovative ways of using cycling • Generating and encouraging innovative For more details on this project and the criteria
cyclists are already signing up to deliver community level outcomes. These ideas to increase the uptake of cycling contact Alasdair Marshall on 0141 229 5350
in their thousands to be part
schemes will provide a series of case studies • Promoting and encouraging the or alasdairmarshall@cyclingscotland.org
for evaluation and serve as examples of good personal development of participants
of Pedal for Scotland 2008. practice for other projects to follow in future • Providing health gain for the local
The annual cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh years. community
is back on Sunday 14 September, starting at
Glasgow Green. The ride really does promise
to be the best yet, as the detailed feedback
we received from the 2007 survey has
allowed us to fine tune the route and facilities. P u p ils F ro
m ???? S
Linlithgow Palace will host the midway stop chool
this year, giving the most scenic and historic
feed station in the event’s history. Sponsored
by Sustrans, the Linlithgow Fuel Stop will
give Pedal for Scotland riders the chance to
take a well earned rest and free lunch on the
beautiful grassy Peel, with stunning views of
Linlithgow Loch, all under the shadow of the
well preserved ruins of the former home of
Mary Queen of Scots. Other route revisions
include the replacement of the unpopular
steep hill out of South Queensferry, which
has been substituted with a much more
gradual climb. Changing facilities will also
be provided at the end stop at Victoria
Park, meaning that those who have worked
up a sweat or caught a shower of rain can
get changed into dry clothes. With around Cycle Friendly Schools
5000 riders expected to take part, Pedal for The Cycle Friendly Schools Award Scheme was launched in April this year, and looks
Scotland’s tenth anniversary promises to be
set to present its first awards to schools at the start of the new term in September.
one of the healthiest and most enjoyable
days out of the year – sign up now at www. The award aims to promote cycling as part has so far trained members of staff from Several schools hoping to gain the award
pedalforscotland.org, or if you’re signed up of the whole school culture and contribute organisations including Sustrans, Edinburgh will be assessed in the new school term,
already, get out cycling! Organiser Ian Aitken to increasing the number of children cycling and Highland School Travel Co-ordinators and the first schools to become Cycle
commented: “Pedal for Scotland has gone to and at school by helping to breakdown and Grampian Road Safety Unit. The Friendly Schools will be presented with their
from strength to strength over the last ten barriers and provide encouragement. Since Highland Council Active Schools Team have awards in September. If you would like to
years, so help us celebrate the ride’s tenth sending out packs to all Scottish Primary training booked for September. Any Road find out more about the scheme, Cycling
anniversary by joining us on September 14 Schools back in April, the scheme has Safety Officers, School Travel Coordinators Scotland will be showcasing the award at the
to make it the biggest and best ever.” The received a strong response, with around and Active Schools Coordinators who would Scottish Learning Festival at the Glasgow
Tour of Britain will also be back in Glasgow 100 schools registering their involvement like to attend an assessor workshop should SECC in September, or you can visit our
this year, giving you the chance to see the via the online assessment form. Cycling contact Lindsay Brunton on 0141 229 5350 website at www.cyclingscotland.org/
world’s best riders battle it out to be the first Scotland has provided training to create or lindsaybrunton@cyclingscotland.org cyclefriendlyschools
n ts
to Castle Douglas in Dumfries– catch all the p a rt ic ip a a network of assessors for the award, and
S c o tl a n d
action on Saturday 13 September as the P e d a l fo r
riders leave from Glasgow Green.
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4. Cycling Scotland Cycling Scotland
tP&e in the saddle for South Lanarkshire Cycle review Making Cycling
Cycling Scotland’s engineering consultancy Transport Planning and Engineering has Mainstream -
been making the most of the summer weather by getting in the saddle for a new job
with South Lanarkshire Council. proposed Free
Engineering Manager Peter Leslie has would make it easier for cyclists to use. with South Lanarkshire Council. The cycle courses in Aviemore,
been out riding the cycle routes of South
Lanarkshire as part of a comprehensive cycle
review of 15 cycle paths in the area. Ahead of
GPS Tracking is being used to map the
routes, so cyclists can download these ahead
review will provide essential information for
the council to make sure these routes are
as enjoyable as possible for the residents
Perth and Glasgow C o u rs e s
w ill b e o ff
e re d F r e
e
a planned publication featuring all 15 of the of their journey to get a feel for the paths and and visitors of South Lanarkshire, and it has New dates are being finalised for Cycling
routes, the council have employed TP&E to find out where areas of interest are. been a pleasure to be out of the office and Scotland’s series of professional development
carry out a cycle review. A Cycle Review is exploring the routes as part of the assessment
courses. A string of dates for Making Cycling
a process of assessing how cycle-friendly a
route is, and suggesting improvements that
Peter Leslie commented: “I’m delighted to
be entering into a new working partnership
process.”
Mainstream workshops are currently being Free Courses for
put together in Glasgow, Perth and the instructors! New
Cairngorms National Park. For the first time
Cycling Scotland has secured funding and
conversion course and
Fort William will be offering places free of charge on these instructor training
Mountain Bike workshops to appropriate staff. Cycling Scotland has announced a new
The courses are designed to provide professional training in specific training course to allow Trail Cycle Leaders
World Cup areas for those with a remit for developing cycling. The workshops
planned for delivery this autumn include Planning and Designing for (TCLs) to complement their existing
The world’s finest mountain Cyclists, aimed at giving engineers and transport planners a detailed qualification through a conversion course
understanding of how to cater for cyclists when designing infrastructure.
bikers were in Fort William to become qualified as Cycle Trainers.
The Monitoring and Targets Workshop explains why cycling levels should
from 6 – 8 June for the UCI be measured, how to set targets and how to establish a monitoring The two day conversion course was introduced as a way to build
Mountain Bike World Cup, strategy. The Stakeholder Engagement workshop will also be delivered, capacity in the cycle training field. There are over 3000 people
with thousands of people and looks at the importance of getting the views and buy-in of local registered with the Scottish Mountain Bike Leaders Association and
users of cycle facilities, creating an effective cycle forum and managing a real need for more Cycle Trainers. Cycling Scotland have looked at
present across three days to
the stakeholder engagement process. Finally, the Marketing and the existing competencies of TCLs and mapped these to the national
support the 500 professional Promotion of Cycling workshop covers key skills in making sure routes, standard for cycle training and developed this new 2 day conversion
riders taking part. infrastructure and events are well used via effective PR and marketing. course.
Cycling Scotland attended the Mountain Bike
World Cup with a stand in the Visit Scotland Cycling Scotland is able to offer these courses free of charge, so Qualified Trail Cycle Leaders are already competent in leading groups
marquee to distribute information on cycling early booking is advisable. Whilst some of the dates and venues are of riders on mountain biking activities and off-road journeys, and
and encourage participation in Bike Week still being finalised, you can register your interest now by emailing possess key skills such as bike set-up, group management and
and Pedal for Scotland. jimriach@cyclingscotland.org teaching. The TCL to CT course builds on these skills by orienting
Trail Cycle Leaders on the three key levels of the National Standard
The 3 days of exciting competition culminated “Venues for these workshops are MacDonald Highland Resort, for Cycle Training, essentially broadening their abilities from off-road
in the popular downhill race. The women’s Aviemore, Perth Council, Kinnoull House, Perth and Scottish leadership to teaching on-road cycling skills.
downhill was won by British Cyclist Tracey Government Europa Building, Glasgow.
Molesley, and Britain also performed well A number of courses have already taken place, with several more
in the Men’s Downhill, with Gee Atherton booked for the near future. A programme of the four day Cycle Trainer
Aviemore
Glasgow
and Steve Peat taking 2nd and 3rd place WorKShoPS course will also be held during the autumn and spring terms for those
Perth
respectively, behind Russian Greg Minnaar with no previous cycling qualifications.
who took first place.
6th Nov
Designing for Cyclists (1 day) 14th Nov Both the TCL to CT conversion and the Cycle Trainer Courses will be
(full day)
offered free of charge and are particularly suited to local authority staff
5th Nov 11th Nov and in particular school travel coordinators, active school coordinators
Stakeholder Engagement (1/2 day)
(morning) (morning)
and outdoor education staff responsible for cycling programmes.
rt W ill ia m 5th Nov
to rs a t F o Promotion and Marketing (1/2 day)
C o m p e ti (afternoon)
To book a place on a course, organise a course in your local authority
7th Nov 11th Nov or get further information simply contact Alasdair Marshall at
Targets and Monitoring (1/2 day)
(morning) (afternoon)
alasdairmarshall@cyclingscotland.org
6 7

5. Cycling Scotland Cycling Scotland
Scottish cycling organisations look at streamlining M in is te r
S te w a rt S
te v e n s o n
training schemes tra n s p o rt
A range of Scottish organisations across all disciplines of cycling held discussions
recently to look at streamlining the various types of schemes supporting the development
of cyclists into a clear progression pathway.
The range of instruction in cycling varies Members of Cycling Scotland, CTC, discussed a number of options for taking the
from basic cycle skills right through to elite Scottish Cycling, Scottish Mountain Bike idea forward. These included starting a whole
performance training for top level athletes. Leaders Award, Scottish Government and new awards structure, using models that have
The range of programmes are currently carried Road Safety Scotland came together to worked elsewhere, setting up a new body to
out by a number of different organisations discuss the proposals. Now that the three handle all cycle awards, or using a franchise
with different schemes and there are a limited stages of cycle training in schools has been system to create an overall brand for cycle
number of links between them. established, (Ready Steady Bike, Scottish awards or schemes in Scotland with strong
Cycle Training Scheme and Go By Cycle) the links between the different organisations
Cycling Scotland arranged a meeting topic of discussion centred on how to make delivering it. The latter idea was deemed to
between all stakeholders to discuss the idea sure that this effectively fed into to the key be the preferred option.
of bringing all the different schemes into one areas of cycle-sport, on-road journeys and
simple structure, so that people who want off-road journeys. Cycling Scotland will now draft an outline
to take part in the training can be easily
directed on to the programme which suits The partners agreed that a more co-ordinated
action plan for taking the idea forward. For
further developments on this project, check Second National Assessment of local authorities
their abilities best. approach would be a good thing, and the next edition of this newsletter.
shows improvements across the country
The results of the second National Assessment of Cycling Provision in Scotland were
Active travel Partnership with published in May, and showed real improvements for communities all across Scotland. The
edinburgh and Stirling Universities assessment, which examines cycling provisions across all 32 Scottish local authorities, found
successes across the country, with particular strides being made in tackling the school run.
Staff and students at the Universities of Edinburgh and Stirling are
to be offered a helping hand to be more active. The Universities - The assessment found improved cycle Local successes include West post was developed. On-road cycle training
in partnership with Sustrans, Paths to health and Cycling Scotland training, more cycle paths, better facilities Dunbartonshire, which is the most improved is being piloted at two primary schools in
– are launching several initiatives this year aimed at improving and initiatives such as Sustrans’ Safe Routes council in the country, scoring 35% higher Falkirk and will now be rolled out further in
to School initiative are just some of the steps than 2005. The successes include the the area. Argyll and Bute also scored well,
opportunities for walking and cycling to, from and between
being taken get more children out of cars and implementation of a Travel Plan, delivery thanks in part to an extensive roll out of cycle
University sites. cycling to school. of routes and incorporating measures into training, with approximately 93% of primary
development control procedures. Cycling is schools delivering training.
The Universities are offering a number of destinations and on-street links, and new The Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson now a key policy area integrated into senior
initiatives to encourage and support staff and signs to dedicated facilities, shops, parks marked the launch of the document by joining level steering platforms. Erl Wilkie, Chief Executive of Cycling
student cyclists. These include a Cycle to and other key destinations to help people pupils from Denny Primary taking part in on- Scotland, commented: “I welcome the results
Work Scheme, free Dr Bike Sessions, a Bike navigate the areas by cycle. road cycle training, which is to be rolled out Fife is still the best performing local authority of the latest National Assessment, as they
Buddy Scheme, free cycle training and the to primary schools across Falkirk. Speaking in Scotland, achieving a score of 71%. There show some real improvements for cyclists
provision of secure cycle storage. Cycling at the launch, he said: “I’m delighted that the is strong support for cycling at all levels. across Scotland. The assessment shows
Scotland are delivering our commuter and overall outcome of the National Assessment Their participatory approach to developing local authorities have made significant strides
cycle ride leader courses to both Universities, is positive and I congratulate those local transport strategy has resulted in an outcome forward in key areas such as travel planning
more information on these courses is available authorities that are doing a good job. led cycling strategy supported by specific and tackling the school run. However, there
from the Cycling Scotland website. However, it is clear that more needs to be local SMART targets. It is highly prioritised is still work to do in addressing some of
done to encourage Scots to take up cycling. in budgeting and strategy and the cycle the barriers that remain, and I look forward
With the support of Sustrans and Cycling A Cycling Action Plan for Scotland will help network accommodates a wide variety of to further partnership working with local
Scotland the range of initiatives available us do that.” user needs. authorities, particularly on the Cycling Action
to support and encourage more staff and Plan.”
students to cycle will be expanded. These Headline results from the assessment include Falkirk has a dedicated full-time Cycling
will include the provision of handy cycling a huge step change in commitment from Officer who has responsibility for co- The assessment is available as a download
maps showing local paths, major area councils to planning for cycling – developing ordinating and delivering all actions on from Cycling Scotland’s website:
strategies, providing staff resources and cycling. The local authority has progressed www.cyclingscotland.org
expertise and developing Travel Plans. significantly in the past three years since this
8 9

6. Cycling Scotland Cycling Scotland
Smarter Choices Smarter Places
towns announced
Transport Minister Stewart Stevenson is making up to £15 million available
over the next three years to help create a series of ‘sustainable travel
the riderz – demonstration communities’ across Scotland under the title ‘Smarter
Choices Smarter Places’. The communities will be role models for others
Get into Cycling to follow, showcasing the very best methods available to encourage
residents to use more environmentally-friendly forms of transport.
Following on from Cycling Stewart Stevenson commented: “With this project being used as a template for other
Scotland’s recent campaign more cars on our roads, increasing levels of local authorities, showcasing the very best of
congestion and rising emissions, it is time for sustainable travel initiatives. It could result in a
to get more children cycling us all to look at our travel behaviour. We need catalyst for change right across Scotland.”
to school, an exciting new to look at new ways of persuading people out
of their cars and onto more sustainable forms Barrhead, Kirkwall, Dumfries, Dundee,
initiative was launched in of travel such as trains, buses, walking and Kirkintilloch/Lenzie, Larbert/Stenhousemuir
June to raise the profile of cycling. The proposals from local authorities and Glasgow East End will now use £15
and regional transport partnerships have million of funding to develop a wide range
cycling amongst youngsters been impressive and the seven communities of initiatives such as personalised travel
as one of the coolest selected now have the chance to improve planning, the building of more pedestrianised
travel options for thousands of residents. zones, free trial bus and rail passes and the
activities around. development of better walking and cycling
The Riderz are a team of stunt bikers who “Initiatives like the bike rental schemes, the routes to encourage their residents to use
have been visiting schools in Scotland development of park and choose sites, more greener forms of travel. Similar schemes
and captivating school children with their pedestrian-only areas, and free trial bus and train elsewhere have already led to impressive
amazing stunt shows and activities. The tickets will help us to meet our ambitious climate results. There are currently three ‘sustainable
team was created by Cycling Scotland change target - to reduce Scottish emissions by travel demonstration towns’ running in
and top creative agency The Union, pulling 80 per cent by 2050. These proposals will help to England - Darlington, Peterborough and
together the best stunt riders in Scotland and promote healthier travel choices too, providing Worcester. In Darlington, there has been a
adding an urban brand image, website and more opportunities for cycling and walking, 14 per cent increase in public transport trips,
unique personalities for each team member. allowing more people to enjoy the benefits of 29 per cent increase in walking, 79 per cent
The central idea is to create cycling role increased physical activity. “These schemes increase in cycling and car journeys down by
models for kids, to encourage them to take will make a real difference, making transport 11 per cent.
up cycling too. choices cheaper, healthier, safer and greener.
We look forward to the lessons learned from
The Riderz made visits to ten schools
Smarter Ways Consortium
across Scotland during June, peforming a
spectacular stunt show, before launching
a series of activities to equip kids with key
Cycling Scotland has teamed up with key partners Paths for All,
cycling skills. To give pupils a taste of the
stunt riding skills of the team, the Riderz Sustrans and Living Streets to create a new consultancy to offer
guided kids along a timber trail stunt course, those Local Authorities who have been successful in the bid process
before teaching playground cycle control a very broad based consultancy to assist in developing a Smarter
skills and journey planning. The reaction at
Choices Smarter Places project which would cover sustainable
schools was phenomenal with the activity
generating huge excitement amongst pupils, transport and active travel.
and most schools visited had cycle racks Within each of the Smarter Choices Smarter
filled to bursting point. Post-event research e Places Bids there will be wide-ranging Erl Wilkie, Cycling Scotland:
ebsit
showed that the activity had a very positive
Rid erz w nd proposals, possibly covering areas beyond 0141 229 5350
effect on attitudes to cycling. 67% of the
t the m to
fi the scope of many individual consultants. Sandy Cook, Living Streets Scotland:
children surveyed after a visit from the Riderz ec k ou rz.co eam. The Smarter Ways Consortium can offer the 01259 219235
Ch e
herid t the t
ww.t
said it had made them want to do lots more expertise of the leading bodies across the Ian Findlay, Paths for All Partnership:
w ou
re ab
cycling, and 69% said they were either more t h e r id e board of sustainable travel. To find out more 01259 218888
rz a m a ze
likely or much more likely to cycle to school ou t mo th e k id s
about the Smarter Ways Consortium you can John Lauder, Sustrans Scotland:
having seen the show and taken part in the contact the chief executives of any of the 4 0131 539 8124
activities. organisations:
10 11

7. Cycling Scotland
C h ri s h o
y c e le b ra
te s in B e iji n g
Chris hoy leads huge medal haul for Great Britain
in Olympic Cycling
Edinburgh cyclist Chris hoy clinched a hat-trick of gold medals amidst a truly exceptional
team effort from the British Cycling team in the 2008 olympic Games in Beijing.
The 32-year-old became the first Briton in Henry Taylor did likewise in London in 1908.
100 years to win three golds at the same
Olympics.
Hoy has now won gold in four separate
Olympic events - he won the now-defunct
1km time trial at Athens in 2004.
Contact
Hoy won the gold medals in the keirin, team Contact Cycling Scotland at:
sprint and sprint events. “I cannot tell you However, Beijing 2008 will be remembered
how it feels - it is amazing,” Hoy said of the as a victory for the entire cycling team, as
24 Blythswood Square
result, after winning his third medal. “It’s an other highlights from Team GB’s amazing Glasgow
unbelievable feeling to achieve the absolute year included a new world record set in the G2 4BG
maximum you possibly can. When you want Men’s Team Pursuit, gold and silver in the
something that much and the hours you put in, Women’s Individual Persuit, gold and bronze or visit our website at
it is an amazing feeling when you achieve it.” in the Men’s Individual Pursuit, a gold for www.cyclingscotland.org
Victoria Pendleton in the Women’s Sprint
Hoy becomes only the second Briton to win and a gold for Nicole Cooke in the Women’s Newsletter written by Andrew Pankhurst
three golds at the same Games after swimmer Road Race. and Ian Aitken
12