Good news for Dunkeld paths
Hugh McAninch awarded MBE in King's New Year's Honours
You can read more about Hugh and the work of The Compassionate Friends charity by scrolling down the following section.
Disppointment as Police Scotland reject National Dashcam Portal
Jim Densham, Cycling UK’s campaigns and policy manager for Scotland, said:
“We are extremely disappointed that Police Scotland has gone back on its commitment to develop and roll out the National Dashcam Safety Portal across Scotland as a vital road safety tool.
“The technology is there, so it’s hard to understand why Police Scotland has refused to adopt it, when the case for its introduction is overwhelming: it will save them time and money, is widely supported by the public and road user groups and is used successfully everywhere else in Great Britain.
“Cancelling the NDSP and delaying until at least 2025, with a lesser replacement, puts responsible drivers, cyclists and pedestrians in Scotland at risk.
“Cycling UK is happy to work with the police to ensure that the people of Scotland receive the system that they were promised.”
You can read the whole page HERE
August Special Ride hailed a 'resounding success'
Most of the 79 people who had registered took part in ByCycle’s Special Ride from Callander to Perth. On a near perfect weather day, riders gathered in Perth’s South Inch car park to check-in then load their bikes onto Abbey Removals’ van before hopping aboard Docherty’s coaches for the journey to Callander. After a quick trip to the excellently maintained public toilets in Callander, or in the case of many, a swift cup of coffee, riders set off on the return journey to Perth by skirting the Meadows and picking up Sustrans Route 7 to Lochearnhead.
This outstanding route takes riders on a largely car-free cycle-path towards Lochearnhead, passing along the way the Falls of Leny and Loch Lubnaig before descending for a short section on A94. Riders then turned into the road running along the south bank of Loch Earn. This largely traffic free road provided wonderful views of Loch Earn, some very close up, and the friendly fisher folk and campers along the way. Soon they reached St Fillans, where many topped up their caffeine intake at the Village Store while others went straight for the zig-zigs to join another cycle-path towards Comrie.
Many riders stopped for lunch at the half-way point of Comrie, some even visiting the historic Earthquake House. After lunch the adventure continued along the quiet and largely flat road to Crieff where there were many parked cars and people as the Highland Games were in full swing. On to familiar territory now for many ByCycle members as they wheeled along the final stretch to Perth with a gentle south-westly breeze behind them to the post ride celebrations in Bells Sports centre, ably organised by Fiona and her team of helpers.
Many thanks are due to Abbey Removals for their efficient carriage of bikes yet again (over ten times now), Docherty’s for their luxury coaches, Bell’s Sports Centre for their excellent hospitality, Pitlochry Co-op for nutriments and Kevin who provided reassuring technical support throughout the whole ride. Finally, special thanks are due to Katharine, Fiona and their teams without whom this ride would not have been possible. Particular mention should be made of the very efficient and helpful signage which guided many along the route.
A wonderful bike ride that will be fondly remembered by many in the years ahead.
Notes for Your Diary
Rob Gunn's bike stolen Thursday 26th January 2023
We are very pleased to say that Rob’s bike has been found safe and well in a garage in Fife. Thanks due to all who helped but mainly the Police. A salutary warning to make sure your valuable bike is secure.
Rob Gunn has informed us that his Giant Trance E1 Pro electric bike, green and yellow, was stolen today 26th January 2023 between 09.45 and 12.30 from his house near Pitlochry.
He tells us it is quite a distinctive colour so should be easily spotted if it is in the area. Rob has the frame number to uniquely identify it.
If you can help please contact Rob on rbgunn15@gmail.com
Strathmore Cycle Hub in Coupar Angus
ByCycle has received the following update on the Hub in Coupar Angus.
Ride around Moncrieffe Hill and Pitkeithly Wells
Nine of us set off on what was a better weather day than had been forecast for November. Roads were quieter than usual as we awaited another rider at the Rhynd turn-off. We travelled along at a goodish pace and were rewarded by spectacular views over the flooded Tay as we descended the hill then through Bridge of Earn to the road to Dron where we stopped to swap stories about the waters of Pitkeithly Wells. Unfortunately, on the way up the hill to Dron, one rider’s derailleur cable snapped which, after much consideration, it was concluded it couldn’t be fixed so the ride back to Perth had to be in top gear!
Although early, we called in at the Earn Coffee Shop at which we enjoyed a mix of scones, coffee and soup before heading back to Perth. An excellent short ride for the time of year.
Cycling UK concerned over future of Dashcam Safety Portal
We have had an update from Jim Densham, Campaigns and Policy Manager, Cycling UK in Scotland on 28th July 2023 saying that the National Dashcam Safety Portal is still a live agenda item and that developmental talks continue between the Scottish Government and Police Scotland. Watch this space for more updates as they occur.
Cycling UK is concerned that Scotland’s dashcam safety portal may be under threat even before it starts to operate. They are aware that Police Scotland is under financial pressures and is reviewing its spending which, they think, may include cancelling the dashcam portal. See their blog HERE.
They urge all those interested to email the Chief Constable with support for the scheme.
You can either use Cycling UK’s editable email or compose your own and send directly to CC.Office@scotland.police.uk
ByCycle forms new Rides Group
ByCycle has established a new group to plan, organise and lead our rides. This group will bring all our rides, e.g. Wednesday Evening, Third Sunday and Special Ride, under one group for the first time. This will allow us a greater degree of co-ordination and control of rides and will help ensure that rides continue safely and successfully in future.
Currently there are four members of this group led by Craigie-Lee. They are soon to meet to discuss the overall structure of the group and its modus operandi. Look out for further news as it develops.
Bikes on ScotRail Intercity
Tom's search for Red Telephone Boxes
This is a request for help from Tom Lamb regarding redundant red telephone boxes now used as book swaps.
“I wonder if you can help me with some research into your local area?
I have ridden and mapped two rides (each 30-40 miles long) in my immediate local area based around disused Red Telephone Boxes now used as Community Book Swaps. I am now getting a small card designed with the two routes for ByCycle members to record their completed Red Telephone Community Book Swap cycle rides (bit of a mouthful!).
However, I am aware that not everyone wants to start a cycle ride in Blairgowrie and that there are many more such Red Telephone Community Book Swap throughout ByCycle’s geographical remit area.
If we could identify and map as many of these as possible I can create a number of rides of variable length for ByCycle members – with a card for each ride (or maybe 2 – using verso). And after stamping the card or recording the particular Telephone Community Book Swap in another way – a certificate of the ride and accumulations thereof could be offered.
So can anyone who knows of such a Telephone Community Book Swap local to you advise me of the location (by identifying the most local place and also the OS map reference).
If you are unsure of how to give a map reference – then use this guide – this is a link to Ordnance Survey and is safe.
If you have any questions or suggestions, or to help me in any way then please get in touch. I need help not only with identifying the locations of the Red Telephone Box Community Book swaps but also with creating the rides (researching, riding and recording them as GPX files after discussion) and particularly if you have experience of creating art work or printing guides or making small self inking stamps then contact me over the next weeks as I aim to launch for ByCycle these self guided routes in Spring.
Best wishes
Tom Lamb
Garthlamb@icloud.com
07547 616226 – text or phone
PS – can anyone think of a less clumsy phrase than Red Telephone Box Community Book Swap?”
Another New Third Sunday Route for ByCycle
ByCycle’s latest Third Sunday (Sunday 18th September) ride was slightly out of the ordinary. It started in Kinross and took in Cleish, Dollar, Rumbling Bridge and Crook of Devon, using many of the Walking and Cycling Friendly roads in the area and passed through the three local authority areas of Fife, Clackmannan and Perth and Kinross. Some of the riders are shown (below) at the gates of The Japanese Garden at Cowan Castle near Dollar.
Thanks go to Gordon McFarlane who designed and so ably led the ride.
Scotland's Cycle Repair Scheme - £50 of Help
We have just been informed by another cycling group that the Scottish government’s cycle repair scheme is still open. Essentially, this is a subsidy of up to £50 per bike towards the cost of any essential maintenance or repairs. Anyone can take advantage of it, and there are almost no formalities. You can find full details, including a list of participating bike shops, on this web page:
Over 80 riders successfully completed ByCycle’s Drumochter Drop IV Challenge ride on Sunday 21st August 2022. Unlike on previous occasions, the weather was very kind to us with a gentle wind and no rain.
Check-in on the South Inch Car Park was achieved as efficiently as in the past with the coaches and furniture van all arriving on time and riders helped on their journey by a liberal supply of bananas.
Snack Shack in Dalwhinnie ably catered for the late breakfast needs of some riders while others set off on their journey down the superbly resurfaced Pass of Drumochter path. House of Bruar was very busy as was Pitlochry. Then onwards and slightly upwards to Dunkeld and Bankfoot before joining the new cycle path near the A9, Luncarty and home. There were no reported incidents and all riders managed to get to the post-ride celebrations before the cut-off time of 6 pm and welcomed the refreshing tea and cakes while collecting their certificates.
Messages have flowed in to congratulate Katharine and her team for their planning, organisation and signage of the ride. Particular thanks to Fiona and her team at South Inch and Bell’s, Kevan for his technical support and the other organisations such as Elizabeth Yule coaches, Abbey Removals, Snack Shack and Bell’s Sport Centre who helped make the event such a success. And thanks are due to all those who took part for their friendship and companionship during the ride.
Finally, should you wish to reconnect with friends and enjoy our splendid countryside, if not always the weather, our Third Sunday rides continue and our Wednesday Evening rides will recommence in the Spring. As ever, we are looking for more support in organising our rides so should you be able to devote a few hours occasionally to helping us plan and lead rides you would be very welcome.
Apologies to those who missed out on this year’s Challenge ride and were on the waiting list; perhaps we will be able to welcome you to next year’s event.
Taking your bike on the West Coast Railway Line 2022
Read of Katharine Melville’s latest adventures by train and bike including the ‘new’ facilities on the West Coast line. Check out the full article HERE.
Bike carriage rollout on ScotRail over the summer
This BBC News article describes the increase in bike carrying capacity that ScotRail intends making. This is really good news if it actually happens.
April's Third Sunday Ride to Little Glen Shee
It being Easter Sunday the turnout for our regular Third Sunday ride was less than normal due to others having commitments elsewhere so only seven of us set off from Perth for Little Glen Shee and one leaving just after Methven for his Sunday lunch appointment. A very good ride with good spots en route of an oyster catcher nesting and a red squirrel trying to outpace us up a hill! It was busy as expected at the ford but we found a good spot for lunch. Obviously it was difficult to smile with a mouth full of sandwiches! Four of us slightly altered the return route, enjoying the near 7 mile downhill run to the new cycle path on the A9.
National Dashcam Safety Portal launched
Cycling UK is delighted that it has been officially announced in Parliament that Police Scotland will be introducing the National Dashcam Safety Portal. Minister Patrick Harvie announced that the government is ‘allocating over £300,000 in road safety framework funding to develop a National Dashcam Safety Portal with Police Scotland – making it easier to report crimes that put other road users, particularly cyclists and pedestrians, in danger.’
You can read Cycling UK’s press release HERE.
Perth cyclists ‘gutted’ after council chiefs ‘lose’ £6m earmarked for city cycle lane revolution
See how Katharine responded to Sustran’s apparent reversal of funding for key Perth cycling developments.
Check out the Courier article HERE.
Highway Code - January 2022 Changes
The Government has set out eight major changes to the Highway Code that you should be aware and implement from 29th January 2022.
You can find the Government’s summary HERE.
John Shackley to ride 2022 Etape
John Shackley, who is one of our regular Third Sunday riders, is planning to tackle the gruelling Etape Caledonian on 15th May 2022. He will be raising funds for Marie Curie. He would welcome any contribution, however small, on his JustGiving page to help support this very worthy charity.
A 'memorable' ride around the Dundee Green Circular - December 2021
A ‘memorable’ ride was how Shelagh described our outing on Sunday 19th December 2021. How true!!
Six of us set out from Camperdown House on a misty day and were delighted at the newly (since our last ride of 2019) tarmacked route. However, near the top of the climb through the woods in Camperdown Park, we encountered the first obstacle to our progress, a fallen tree. Safely negotiated, we continued on to Templeton Woods only to be greeted by scenes of utter devastation.
Many huge trees were down, some of which blocked our path, meaning we had to take to walking deviations through the underground and across very wide, wet and dirty ditches. It got worse as we neared the top and the safety of nearby roads; an unbelievable sight of ravished woodlands. Every 100 yards or so we met enormous fallen trees which, apart from blocking the path, extended beyond the ditches so, in many cases, the only way through was to go over them and pass the bikes hand over hand. Eventually, houses were seen and we were out and free! Our ‘memorable’ journey continued only for us to meet what was possibly our most formidable obstacle near Drumgeith Park where two immense trees were down over the path and parallel. However, with a human chain, we overcame that one and carried on, spotting a rig/castle in the same shot near the Tay, and completed, after a picnic lunch near Discovery Point, an unforgettable ride.
None of our brave ‘explorers’ (David, Hugh, Shelagh, Andy, Sara and Mike) suffered any ill-effects, apart from the mud splattering and dampness, and amazingly we had no punctures or other bike troubles which, given the pushing through undergrowth and being carried over trees, was quite remarkable.
Cycling Scotland Conference 2021
On 4th November 2021 Katharine Melville attended the Cycling Scotland 2021 conference via Zoom. You can find Cycling Scotland’s summary of the Conference HERE. If you want further information Katharine should be able to help you.
Hugh highlights 'Bikes on Trains' issues
Scotland is a wonderful place in which to cycle but as any cyclist will tell you. What you have to keep in mind is, no matter where you want to cycle to, you have to cycle back. You may laugh, it’s so obvious …so if, for example, you live in Perth and decide to cycle to Pitlochry, a distance of 32 miles, then you have to cycle back home another 32 miles and so it becomes for some a daunting thought to face a total of 64 miles cycling in one day.
That is what I was faced with when I decided to join a fellow cyclist from my charity The Compassionate Friends UK who was cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats. To give some moral support and extra publicity for his fund raising event I thought I would join him at Perth to represent the charity in Scotland and cycle as far as Pitlochry returning home by train.
I looked up the train times and noted the ideal train to coincide with my return journey would be the early afternoon train but the Scotrail web site advised only two places allowed and booking was compulsory. I phoned the customer booking number provided but was told there were no cycle places available but the later train in two hours time would have so I booked my place and received a reservation number. I noted this train also only allowed two cycles spaces.
I met up with my fellow cyclist in Perth that morning and had a lovely cycle to Pitlochry where we had lunch then I left him to continue north and went to Pitlochry railway station to await my later afternoon train. As I stood on the platform, however, two more cyclist arrived then a third. What immediately crossed my mind was how we were all going to get on this train if booking was compulsory and there were only two places available.
However there was no rail staff to checked as we boarded if we did, in fact, have reservations and so we all crammed into the limited cycle space provided which already had two cycles in place plus a wheelchair. I was first on the train so three more bikes were now piled behind mine. On the 30 minute train journey no checks were made by rail staff regards the cycling compartment or if I had a reservation.
As my train drew into Perth I became increasingly concerned whether I was going to be able to safely retrieve my bike in time to get off the train. However one cyclist was also getting off so we manage between us, just in time, to get our bikes free and off the train before it departed.
We both could just have easily been trapped on the train and next stop was Stirling.
My experience apparently is not new and it’s interesting to note that on the West Highland route to Fort William provision is made for multiple cyclist up to eleven places. Clearly more provision is needed on the Inverness/Wick/Kyle lines and other similar tourist routes but, in the meantime, interim arrangements are surely needed to be considered by Scotrail to provide a more organised and safer system, especially as we wish to encourage more cycling in Scotland and use of the train to do so.
You can read Transports Scotland’s response to Katharine’s ‘ passing on the word’ to them HERE.
Patrick Harvie MSP Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel and Tenants’ Rights launches updated 'Cycling by Design'
Patrick Harvie has launched the latest version of ‘Cycling by Design’ . It provides guidance for cycling infrastructure design on all roads, streets and paths in Scotland. It aims to ensure that cycling is a practical and attractive choice for the everyday and occasional journeys of all people, particularly new, returning or less confident users.
You can download a copy HERE.
Round the Tay Ride hailed as great success
Our Third Sunday Special ride on 15th August, Round the Tay, has been hailed as a huge success. For the first time in three Special Rides there was virtually no rain nor wind so riders where able to enjoy the wonderful flat lands of the huge plain from Errol to Dundee then the views of the Tay from the undulating Fife side when returning to Perth.
Many thanks go to Katharine and her team for organising it, our sponsors Co-op in Perth who donated bananas and Perth and Kinross Council for water bottles, lights and puncture repair kits. Plus special thanks to Guy and Katie who provided reassuring support throughout the route.
Look out later in the year to see what spectacular ride is being planned for 2022.
Gina highlights bridge issues
A couple of months ago a small group of us had an incident whilst crossing the Tay Bridge at Kinclaven; a traffic light controlled bridge. As this was my second incident on this bridge, I decided to try and get the problem resolved.
The problem was that the light change was not long enough to get over the bridge before the lights changed and cars etc were then coming onto the bridge too. On this occasion a driver stopped and asked why we had jumped the lights, she then caused a problem as the lights changed again and cars behind us entered the bridge, which the driver was now blocking.
I wrote to Councillor David Illingworth who asked his colleagues at PKC to look into the matter. So one wet and thundery morning I met up with Charlie Haggart, Urban Traffic Control Assistant and Gary a Siemens engineer at the problem lights.
I cycled back and forth for two and a half to three hours and we thought we had it sorted to a longer time, so I cycled off over the bridge to go home and I didn’t make it before the lights changed.
Back to the beginning, Gary the engineer eventually put in a new CPU and lengthened the time, hallelujah this time it worked.
Unfortunately three weeks later the light change had to be shortened due to complaints from the public and the police. Charlie wrote to me saying that the time is nearer to the original timing but there is an ‘all red’ extension function which means that there is more time to cross the bridge than previously. They intend this change to be temporary until an alternative solution can be found to meet all road users needs.
I have cycled over the bridge since the time change and managed it before the lights changed in the opposite direction.
Everyone that I dealt with were very helpful and keen to get this problem sorted.
July 2021
E Bike charging points in Highland Perthshire
Birnam Arts Centre cafe, Birnam
Escape Route cafe, Pitlochry
Highland Safaris, Dull near Aberfeldy
Comrie Croft, near Comrie
Highland Perthshire Cycling have installed Bosch E Bike charging points at the above locations, in Partnership with Bosch UK. The power is supplied free by the host venue, but it is to be hoped that users will thank the host with their custom.
Chargers are available during normal business hours.
More information at https://highlandperthshirecycling.com/ebikes
Ember Bus service between Dundee and Edinburgh
Dundee, Apollo Way
Pre-book only stop at Longforgan and St Madoes
For Perth the bus stop is on Junction 11 of the M90, just after the turn for Walnut Grove. The sign on the bus stop pole shows Ember buses.
Park and Ride Kinross
Rosyth
Edinburgh Haymarket and St Andrew Square (stop YD)
Ember claim to be the world’s first all electric intercity bus operator, based in Edinburgh with a local office in Dundee. Buses can go 200 miles on one charge, and will be fast-charged several times a day in Dundee.
Buses are comfortable and well equipped. People with a Scottish National Entitlement Card can travel free, including free online booking.
We love cycling. You can reserve a bike space whilst booking your ticket. If you haven’t reserved a space we’ll do our best to get you onboard but can’t promise there will be space. We’d appreciate if your bike is clean but will have some bike bags onboard which you can use if it’s a bit mucky. Folding bikes don’t need to be booked, just turn up and get on.
Booking You can buy a ticket onboard, but it is £2 cheaper to book online, even just a few seconds before.
There is NO CASH onboard, so you need your card or your phone.
Some smaller stops are pre-book only. Buy your ticket online at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Print-out not necessary – just show your ticket on your phone.
More information about children, wheelchairs and dogs.
at www.ember.to
John Shackley rides for Charity
One of our long standing members, John Shackley, is again raising funding for Marie Curie while taking part in the 85 mile Caledonia Etape from Pitlochry on 19th September 2021. Please help John help the charity by giving generously to his fundraising page – https://www.justgiving.com/JOHN-SHACKLEY2.
JustGiving send all donations straight to Marie Curie and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more.
John thanks you for your support.
Walk, Wheel, Cycle, Vote Campaign
ByCycle is supporting the Walk Wheel Cycle Vote campaign.
This is a collaborative venture asking all candidates for the Scottish Parliament to sign up to 3 clear pledges that will make Scotland a country where everyone has the choice to walk, wheel or cycle in safety for their everyday journeys.
Find out how you as an individual can help by visiting their website.
Sustrans publishes research into the impact of COVID on travel.
Although we have not yet digested all of this report it suggests:
- There has been a 20% uplift in regular walking: Walking is the only way of getting around that more people are doing more regularly than they did before the pandemic. 56 percent of our respondents are walking three times a week or more, up from 36 percent pre-pandemic
- Cycling levels have also increased relative to last year. This is despite cycle commuters being very likely to work from home. The warm conditions of the first lockdown saw levels increase two to threefold. Even in winter levels held up remarkably well.
- The UK and Scottish Governments invested to support the rapid introduction of schemes to provide more space for walking and cycling. This supported the trips that people have wanted to make more of and offers great public health outcomes.
- The introduction of new cycling and walking schemes was done in a hurry and some were not well used or had design faults. However, we found that people want to see more reallocation of space to active modes. Support for measures which improved walking and cycling outweighed objection to them by a factor of almost 2 to 1. The vocal objectors are in the minority.
- 60 percent of bus users reported having no alternative but the bus for the journeys they made during the pandemic. Just under 60 percent of rail users reported the same for their rail journeys.
- We estimate that if people who used to commute by car and who are now working from home were to continue to do so for two days a week, almost 14 percent of morning car trips would be cut. This could result in traffic reductions similar to those seen in school half terms.
- Because of the potential for some journeys to be replaced by online ways of doing things, it is not inevitable that car traffic will return to pre-pandemic levels.
- Car ownership did not rise and new car sales fell.
To see the full report click HERE.
Cycling Scotland is now offering face-to-face cycling training in the Perth area to those who want to get on their bike but lack just a little bit of confidence in riding on roads or cycle ways. You can find out more about the help you can get by checking out Essential Cycling Skills or by contacting:
Marianne Scott
Regional Cycle Training & Development Officer (Cycling Scotland/Tactran – Angus, Dundee, Perth & Kinross, Stirling), Cycling Scotland
Mobile: 07423436803
Email: mariannescott@cycling.scot
Email: mariannescott@tactran.gov.uk
New Route from Luncarty to Stanley
Alasdair Dutton has kindly put us in the picture regarding a new route from Luncarty to Stanley.
Alasdair writes:
“Here is a map of a new route from Luncarty to Stanley avoiding the busy road. Turn right under the rail bridge after Luncarty and follow the road past the 3 way lights along a wide road with a cycle way to the new flyover for Stanley (not open). Turn right down a new road with a wide pavement to Five Mile Wood where you join the old road to Stanley (watch for hawthorn spikes I had a puncture). It is not too near the A9 traffic and I found it much more relaxing than the busy B9009.”
October 2020
Current Issues Group Report - October 2020
Edinburgh adds new on-street bike storage facilities
Spotted in Edinburgh last weekend were what we are promised is one of 180 off-street storage facilities for bikes. They are available at a very reasonable £6 per month for residents and will hold up to six bikes. It is claimed they take up half the space needed to park a normal car. This initiative is much to be applauded and we hope that other cities such as Perth follow. Frequently new flatted complexes are developed with a car parking space for each flat. The simple provision of one of these storage facilities in each complex would help enormously in encouraging residents to use their bikes more.
The City of Edinburgh New Cycle Lanes
The City of Edinburgh District Council is to be congratulated on some of the improvements to the cycle infrastructure seen recently. The stretch between Musselburgh and Portobello has been resurfaced and the lane width increased substantially compared with other sections. The Mound (see below left) has been resurfaced and the cycle lane protected by studs which should certainly keep other traffic from entering.
However seeing many roads in Edinburgh where double yellow lines have been placed outside cycle lanes (see below right) perplexed us. Apparently the explanation lies with a law change in 2016 as explain by Cycling UK.
“It is illegal to park in mandatory cycle lanes (ie cycle lanes with an unbroken white line) built before 2016, but under changes in traffic sign guidelines, it is legal to park in mandatory cycle lanes built after 2016, unless there’s a double yellow line or similar road markings indicating no parking.
However, there is nothing to tell the difference between lanes built before and after 2016: they look the same. This causes danger for people cycling and confusion for those driving.
Cycling UK is campaigning to resolve this issue.”
This is incredibly confusing for cyclist and motorists alike but hopefully you now know the reason when you encounter them.
News from Members - Richie, Margaret and John
On Monday 18th August, two ByCycle members, Richie Neill and Margaret Scott, rode with Councillor David Illingworth from Scone Park and Ride to Willow Gate so David could experience at first hand the issues that Richie has riding to work.
They left at 8:10 am before the eight school buses reached Scone. The roads were quieter than before the Covid outbreak as many people were still working from home. When riding through Scone they negotiated nineteen drain covers and one very large pothole. They found it difficult to negotiate the narrow cycle path at the cemetery even though it had been cleaned with no debris. It was unclear in Bridgeend if cyclists should go into the bus lay-by at the end of the bus lane or travel down the outside lane. Road markings for the cycle lane between bridges needed replacing. The official route is still on the road in a 40mph area until the left turn where cyclists need to stop and cross the road. A traffic light would help crossing to the cycle path on the pavement or, even better, is a dropped kerb on the Island View road turning at the end of the 30mph limit and then cycle on a dual use pavement to Willowgate. Overhanging trees on the pavement towards Willowgate were a problem.
On the way back to the Park and Ride starting point they found that they still needed to cycle in the right hand lane at all three sets of traffic lights. Also to complete the experience for David, on pulling into a lay-by beyond the chemist, the group were not greeted with a polite acknowledgement from the driver of a large lorry but a ‘finger’ The driver was reported to his employer who, we understand, took appropriate action.”
Many congratulations are due to one of our regular riders, John Shackley, for completing 56 cycling trips during March through to May. During this time he travelled a total of 1193 miles from his house in Pitlochry to complete his virtual Caledonian Etape in support of Marie Curie. John originally joined the proposed Etape to get himself fit (no leccy power here; just man and will power!!) and raise funds to help others through the Marie Curie charity. As the actual event was cancelled due to the prevailing circumstances John enlisted for the Virtual Etape. He has certainly accomplished his first objective and asks you to help him with the second by making a contribution to his selected charity through www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-shackley2 . All contributions appreciated.
NB Update as of July 2020. John has now achieved the magnificent total of 1,868 miles. Well done, John.
Katharine's Work for Sustrans Recognised
At the recent Sustrans Volunteers weekend in Aviemore, Dunkeld’s Katharine Melville received one of three Appreciation Awards. Xavier Brice, Chief Executive of Sustrans, presented the certificate to Katharine who, along with several other ByCycle members, has worked for many years as a Ranger on the off-road sections of NCN77 and 83 near Dunkeld..
Pulling the non-native species Himalayan Balsam in Perth was the reason for this year’s recognition. The Perth and Kinross volunteer group have worked for a number of years on a section of path in North Muirton which is forms part of a wider Sustrans project known as Greener Greenways which recognises Sustrans routes as a natural ecological corridor for wildlife.
When it comes to maintaining the network, all users of the routes can do their bit.
Major faults can be reports to Perth and Kinross Council, to Bear (for the highway sections close to the A9 at Ballinluig and Drumochter) on their websites and on the Fix My Street website.
So what else can you do to help? For small jobs, all users of the paths can do a “two minute litter pick”, remove small fallen branches and tweak back the occasional bramble. Cyclists can keep an eye out for turned around signs and report these on scotland@sustrans.org.uk
And of course every passer-by can pull half a dozen stems of balsam in the growing season of May to September, or form your own community group to tackle the problem!
Hugh McAninch's report on 2019 Cycling Scotland Conference
You can read Hugh’s excellent summary of the events at the 2019 Cycling Scotland Scotland conference here
No Fees for New and Existing Members
The moratorium on the collection of fees from members was extended at the AGM held in July 2020. This means that it is completely free to be a supporter and/or participant in ByCycle’s campaigning and rides at least until March 2021. Please take this opportunity to join, or recruit others, to our organisation that campaigns on behalf of cycling and cyclists. The more members we have the more the impact we can have on improving the facilities and routes for cycling and the safety of cyclists. You can find the form to join ByCycle on our AboutUs page on the website. It only takes 5 minutes to complete and your support would be much appreciated.
E-Bikes on Scottish Trains and car free Pontevedra
A Message from Sustrans – December 2019
Scotrail Cycle Policy update- E-bikes now officially allowed on trains!
A bit closer to home, our Senior Transport Integration Officer has been working closely with Scotrail’s cycling manager and together they have successfully changed Scotrail’s E-bike cycle policy.
In the past, allowing E-bikes on trains was at the individual train conductor’s discretion and with no official policy, many passengers opted not to take them on board. By working with Scotrail’s operational safety team to carry out on-train tests for every train-type in their fleet, produce risk assessments, and review the policy, they gained approval for the carriage of E-bikes across all Scotrail trains. There had been initial health and safety concerns about E-bike batteries but they concluded that it was no more dangerous to carry E-bike batteries on board than laptop batteries.
Pontevedra, the city that banned cars
Pontevedra a city in north-west Spain made their city primarily car-free to replace the usual soundtrack of a Spanish city with the tweeting of birds and the chatter of humans. Check out these interesting articles on the approach Pontevedra took to change their city to make it better for people:
Proposed Upgrade of Path between Muthill and Auchterarder
Proposals have now been put forward for the long awaited cycle path between these two historic villages. See the full proposal HERE.
Below are some images of the path as it looks now.
Your Place, Your Future
Perth and Kinross Council has successfully bid for funding to develop the cycling infrastructure along Dunkeld Road. A new commonplace website, which will cater as a one-stop-shop for the projects, will be launched in the future.
Meanwhile:
Posted on Jan 31st 2020 by Michael Morgan
Hello and Happy 2020!
We believe it will be! We apologise for the break in communication, but rest assured, we are working hard behind the scenes to take matters forward, So, what have we been doing?
Well, we’ve been working with local Community Councils, schools and Perth College UHI, to engage with young children, young adults and local residents to discuss the vision and where we are. In order to start a wide programme of public engagement, we will soon be appointing additional staff and bringing on board consultants to help us formulate a design on the back of input from yourselves. We will then re-engage on the design and see what amendments are required, before consulting on a final approach. We expect this to take a good 12-18 months in total.
Cycleway Improvements
Sustrans and Bike Life promote Perth as a Cycling City
Inspired by the Copenhagen Bicycle Account, Bike Life is an assessment of city cycling development including infrastructure, travel behaviour, satisfaction, the impact of cycling, and new initiatives. It is funded by Transport Scotland and co-ordinated by Sustrans.
Bike Life is expanding in Scotland and the first Bike Life report on Perth, which was published in November 2018, can be found here. It presents many very interesting statistics on the way that people in Perth use their bikes, the benefits of cycling and what is needed to encourage more people to cycle. The actual report can be downloaded here.
ByCycle re-affiliates to Cycling UK
ByCycle has now renewed its affiliation to Cycling UK. This has various benefits for ByCycle as a group but also to you personally.
If you, as an individual, join Cycling UK as an affiliated member you will get a substantial discount on your subscription. You will also get other benefits such as:
- Third party insurance which covers you against any damage or injury you cause while riding your bike, whether with ByCycle or not. It covers you in time trials and sportives but not in any other kind of competitive cycling.
- Access to a wide range of member benefits and discounts although only full membership provides access to the free legal advice claims service.
- The knowledge that you are supporting the work of a national organisation on behalf of cyclists.
Check out the full benefits to you here then, if you want to join Cycling UK as an affiliate member, please email mikesimm259@gmail.com who will confirm your membership of ByCycle by giving you ByCycle’s affiliation Code then follow the ‘join’ option to ‘Buy affiliated membership’ on the website.,
Perth Transport Futures Project
Get latest updates on this project here
Update on Perth Green Routes
An update on new Green Routes in Perth and Kinross can be found here
Tay Street now shared use
The Redetermination Order to make the Tay Street pavement dual use and signage in place. A toucan crossing to replace the existing pelican crossing is scheduled.
There are also plans to improve the section from under the railway bridge all the way to the railway station.
The likelihood at the moment is a widened redetermined shared use pavement.
See map for what has been approved.
Map of Highland Perthshire
Updated 2016. Scale 1:100,000 12 graded cycle routes including Etape Caledonia. Waterproof and double sided. Includes the earlier East Perthshire map and the Strathearn map north of Crieff and Comrie. Also includes some mountain bike areas.
Order direct from Harvey Maps
August Special Ride - Round the Tay hailed a great success
A couple of months ago a small group of us had an incident whilst crossing the Tay Bridge at Kinclaven; a traffic light controlled bridge. As this was my second incident on this bridge, I decided to try and get the problem resolved.
The problem was that the light change was not long enough to get over the bridge before the lights changed and cars etc were then coming onto the bridge too. On this occasion a driver stopped and asked why we had jumped the lights, she then caused a problem as the lights changed again and cars behind us entered the bridge, which the driver was now blocking.
I wrote to Councillor David Illingworth who asked his colleagues at PKC to look into the matter. So one wet and thundery morning I met up with Charlie Haggart, Urban Traffic Control Assistant and Gary a Siemens engineer at the problem lights.
I cycled back and forth for two and a half to three hours and we thought we had it sorted to a longer time, so I cycled off over the bridge to go home and I didn’t make it before the lights changed.
Back to the beginning, Gary the engineer eventually put in a new CPU and lengthened the time, hallelujah this time it worked.
Unfortunately three weeks later the light change had to be shortened due to complaints from the public and the police. Charlie wrote to me saying that the time is nearer to the original timing but there is an ‘all red’ extension function which means that there is more time to cross the bridge than previously. They intend this change to be temporary until an alternative solution can be found to meet all road users needs.
I have cycled over the bridge since the time change and managed it before the lights changed in the opposite direction.
Everyone that I dealt with were very helpful and keen to get this problem sorted.
July 2021
E Bike charging points in Highland Perthshire
Birnam Arts Centre cafe, Birnam
Escape Route cafe, Pitlochry
Highland Safaris, Dull near Aberfeldy
Comrie Croft, near Comrie
Highland Perthshire Cycling have installed Bosch E Bike charging points at the above locations, in Partnership with Bosch UK. The power is supplied free by the host venue, but it is to be hoped that users will thank the host with their custom.
Chargers are available during normal business hours.
More information at https://highlandperthshirecycling.com/ebikes
Ember Bus service between Dundee and Edinburgh
Dundee, Apollo Way
Pre-book only stop at Longforgan and St Madoes
For Perth the bus stop is on Junction 11 of the M90, just after the turn for Walnut Grove. The sign on the bus stop pole shows Ember buses.
Park and Ride Kinross
Rosyth
Edinburgh Haymarket and St Andrew Square (stop YD)
Ember claim to be the world’s first all electric intercity bus operator, based in Edinburgh with a local office in Dundee. Buses can go 200 miles on one charge, and will be fast-charged several times a day in Dundee.
Buses are comfortable and well equipped. People with a Scottish National Entitlement Card can travel free, including free online booking.
We love cycling. You can reserve a bike space whilst booking your ticket. If you haven’t reserved a space we’ll do our best to get you onboard but can’t promise there will be space. We’d appreciate if your bike is clean but will have some bike bags onboard which you can use if it’s a bit mucky. Folding bikes don’t need to be booked, just turn up and get on.
Booking You can buy a ticket onboard, but it is £2 cheaper to book online, even just a few seconds before.
There is NO CASH onboard, so you need your card or your phone.
Some smaller stops are pre-book only. Buy your ticket online at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Print-out not necessary – just show your ticket on your phone.
More information about children, wheelchairs and dogs.
at www.ember.to
John Shackley rides for Charity
One of our long standing members, John Shackley, is again raising funding for Marie Curie while taking part in the 85 mile Caledonia Etape from Pitlochry on 19th September 2021. Please help John help the charity by giving generously to his fundraising page – https://www.justgiving.com/JOHN-SHACKLEY2.
JustGiving send all donations straight to Marie Curie and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more.
John thanks you for your support.
Walk, Wheel, Cycle, Vote Campaign
ByCycle is supporting the Walk Wheel Cycle Vote campaign.
This is a collaborative venture asking all candidates for the Scottish Parliament to sign up to 3 clear pledges that will make Scotland a country where everyone has the choice to walk, wheel or cycle in safety for their everyday journeys.
Find out how you as an individual can help by visiting their website.
Sustrans publishes research into the impact of COVID on travel.
Although we have not yet digested all of this report it suggests:
- There has been a 20% uplift in regular walking: Walking is the only way of getting around that more people are doing more regularly than they did before the pandemic. 56 percent of our respondents are walking three times a week or more, up from 36 percent pre-pandemic
- Cycling levels have also increased relative to last year. This is despite cycle commuters being very likely to work from home. The warm conditions of the first lockdown saw levels increase two to threefold. Even in winter levels held up remarkably well.
- The UK and Scottish Governments invested to support the rapid introduction of schemes to provide more space for walking and cycling. This supported the trips that people have wanted to make more of and offers great public health outcomes.
- The introduction of new cycling and walking schemes was done in a hurry and some were not well used or had design faults. However, we found that people want to see more reallocation of space to active modes. Support for measures which improved walking and cycling outweighed objection to them by a factor of almost 2 to 1. The vocal objectors are in the minority.
- 60 percent of bus users reported having no alternative but the bus for the journeys they made during the pandemic. Just under 60 percent of rail users reported the same for their rail journeys.
- We estimate that if people who used to commute by car and who are now working from home were to continue to do so for two days a week, almost 14 percent of morning car trips would be cut. This could result in traffic reductions similar to those seen in school half terms.
- Because of the potential for some journeys to be replaced by online ways of doing things, it is not inevitable that car traffic will return to pre-pandemic levels.
- Car ownership did not rise and new car sales fell.
To see the full report click HERE.
Cycling Scotland is now offering face-to-face cycling training in the Perth area to those who want to get on their bike but lack just a little bit of confidence in riding on roads or cycle ways. You can find out more about the help you can get by checking out Essential Cycling Skills or by contacting:
Marianne Scott
Regional Cycle Training & Development Officer (Cycling Scotland/Tactran – Angus, Dundee, Perth & Kinross, Stirling), Cycling Scotland
Mobile: 07423436803
Email: mariannescott@cycling.scot
Email: mariannescott@tactran.gov.uk
New Route from Luncarty to Stanley
Alasdair Dutton has kindly put us in the picture regarding a new route from Luncarty to Stanley.
Alasdair writes:
“Here is a map of a new route from Luncarty to Stanley avoiding the busy road. Turn right under the rail bridge after Luncarty and follow the road past the 3 way lights along a wide road with a cycle way to the new flyover for Stanley (not open). Turn right down a new road with a wide pavement to Five Mile Wood where you join the old road to Stanley (watch for hawthorn spikes I had a puncture). It is not too near the A9 traffic and I found it much more relaxing than the busy B9009.”
October 2020
Current Issues Group Report - October 2020
Edinburgh adds new on-street bike storage facilities
Spotted in Edinburgh last weekend were what we are promised is one of 180 off-street storage facilities for bikes. They are available at a very reasonable £6 per month for residents and will hold up to six bikes. It is claimed they take up half the space needed to park a normal car. This initiative is much to be applauded and we hope that other cities such as Perth follow. Frequently new flatted complexes are developed with a car parking space for each flat. The simple provision of one of these storage facilities in each complex would help enormously in encouraging residents to use their bikes more.
The City of Edinburgh New Cycle Lanes
The City of Edinburgh District Council is to be congratulated on some of the improvements to the cycle infrastructure seen recently. The stretch between Musselburgh and Portobello has been resurfaced and the lane width increased substantially compared with other sections. The Mound (see below left) has been resurfaced and the cycle lane protected by studs which should certainly keep other traffic from entering.
However seeing many roads in Edinburgh where double yellow lines have been placed outside cycle lanes (see below right) perplexed us. Apparently the explanation lies with a law change in 2016 as explain by Cycling UK.
“It is illegal to park in mandatory cycle lanes (ie cycle lanes with an unbroken white line) built before 2016, but under changes in traffic sign guidelines, it is legal to park in mandatory cycle lanes built after 2016, unless there’s a double yellow line or similar road markings indicating no parking.
However, there is nothing to tell the difference between lanes built before and after 2016: they look the same. This causes danger for people cycling and confusion for those driving.
Cycling UK is campaigning to resolve this issue.”
This is incredibly confusing for cyclist and motorists alike but hopefully you now know the reason when you encounter them.
News from Members - Richie, Margaret and John
On Monday 18th August, two ByCycle members, Richie Neill and Margaret Scott, rode with Councillor David Illingworth from Scone Park and Ride to Willow Gate so David could experience at first hand the issues that Richie has riding to work.
They left at 8:10 am before the eight school buses reached Scone. The roads were quieter than before the Covid outbreak as many people were still working from home. When riding through Scone they negotiated nineteen drain covers and one very large pothole. They found it difficult to negotiate the narrow cycle path at the cemetery even though it had been cleaned with no debris. It was unclear in Bridgeend if cyclists should go into the bus lay-by at the end of the bus lane or travel down the outside lane. Road markings for the cycle lane between bridges needed replacing. The official route is still on the road in a 40mph area until the left turn where cyclists need to stop and cross the road. A traffic light would help crossing to the cycle path on the pavement or, even better, is a dropped kerb on the Island View road turning at the end of the 30mph limit and then cycle on a dual use pavement to Willowgate. Overhanging trees on the pavement towards Willowgate were a problem.
On the way back to the Park and Ride starting point they found that they still needed to cycle in the right hand lane at all three sets of traffic lights. Also to complete the experience for David, on pulling into a lay-by beyond the chemist, the group were not greeted with a polite acknowledgement from the driver of a large lorry but a ‘finger’ The driver was reported to his employer who, we understand, took appropriate action.”
Many congratulations are due to one of our regular riders, John Shackley, for completing 56 cycling trips during March through to May. During this time he travelled a total of 1193 miles from his house in Pitlochry to complete his virtual Caledonian Etape in support of Marie Curie. John originally joined the proposed Etape to get himself fit (no leccy power here; just man and will power!!) and raise funds to help others through the Marie Curie charity. As the actual event was cancelled due to the prevailing circumstances John enlisted for the Virtual Etape. He has certainly accomplished his first objective and asks you to help him with the second by making a contribution to his selected charity through www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-shackley2 . All contributions appreciated.
NB Update as of July 2020. John has now achieved the magnificent total of 1,868 miles. Well done, John.
Katharine's Work for Sustrans Recognised
At the recent Sustrans Volunteers weekend in Aviemore, Dunkeld’s Katharine Melville received one of three Appreciation Awards. Xavier Brice, Chief Executive of Sustrans, presented the certificate to Katharine who, along with several other ByCycle members, has worked for many years as a Ranger on the off-road sections of NCN77 and 83 near Dunkeld..
Pulling the non-native species Himalayan Balsam in Perth was the reason for this year’s recognition. The Perth and Kinross volunteer group have worked for a number of years on a section of path in North Muirton which is forms part of a wider Sustrans project known as Greener Greenways which recognises Sustrans routes as a natural ecological corridor for wildlife.
When it comes to maintaining the network, all users of the routes can do their bit.
Major faults can be reports to Perth and Kinross Council, to Bear (for the highway sections close to the A9 at Ballinluig and Drumochter) on their websites and on the Fix My Street website.
So what else can you do to help? For small jobs, all users of the paths can do a “two minute litter pick”, remove small fallen branches and tweak back the occasional bramble. Cyclists can keep an eye out for turned around signs and report these on scotland@sustrans.org.uk
And of course every passer-by can pull half a dozen stems of balsam in the growing season of May to September, or form your own community group to tackle the problem!
Hugh McAninch's report on 2019 Cycling Scotland Conference
You can read Hugh’s excellent summary of the events at the 2019 Cycling Scotland Scotland conference here
No Fees for New and Existing Members
The moratorium on the collection of fees from members was extended at the AGM held in July 2020. This means that it is completely free to be a supporter and/or participant in ByCycle’s campaigning and rides at least until March 2021. Please take this opportunity to join, or recruit others, to our organisation that campaigns on behalf of cycling and cyclists. The more members we have the more the impact we can have on improving the facilities and routes for cycling and the safety of cyclists. You can find the form to join ByCycle on our AboutUs page on the website. It only takes 5 minutes to complete and your support would be much appreciated.
E-Bikes on Scottish Trains and car free Pontevedra
A Message from Sustrans – December 2019
Scotrail Cycle Policy update- E-bikes now officially allowed on trains!
A bit closer to home, our Senior Transport Integration Officer has been working closely with Scotrail’s cycling manager and together they have successfully changed Scotrail’s E-bike cycle policy.
In the past, allowing E-bikes on trains was at the individual train conductor’s discretion and with no official policy, many passengers opted not to take them on board. By working with Scotrail’s operational safety team to carry out on-train tests for every train-type in their fleet, produce risk assessments, and review the policy, they gained approval for the carriage of E-bikes across all Scotrail trains. There had been initial health and safety concerns about E-bike batteries but they concluded that it was no more dangerous to carry E-bike batteries on board than laptop batteries.
Pontevedra, the city that banned cars
Pontevedra a city in north-west Spain made their city primarily car-free to replace the usual soundtrack of a Spanish city with the tweeting of birds and the chatter of humans. Check out these interesting articles on the approach Pontevedra took to change their city to make it better for people:
Proposed Upgrade of Path between Muthill and Auchterarder
Proposals have now been put forward for the long awaited cycle path between these two historic villages. See the full proposal HERE.
Below are some images of the path as it looks now.
Your Place, Your Future
Perth and Kinross Council has successfully bid for funding to develop the cycling infrastructure along Dunkeld Road. A new commonplace website, which will cater as a one-stop-shop for the projects, will be launched in the future.
Meanwhile:
Posted on Jan 31st 2020 by Michael Morgan
Hello and Happy 2020!
We believe it will be! We apologise for the break in communication, but rest assured, we are working hard behind the scenes to take matters forward, So, what have we been doing?
Well, we’ve been working with local Community Councils, schools and Perth College UHI, to engage with young children, young adults and local residents to discuss the vision and where we are. In order to start a wide programme of public engagement, we will soon be appointing additional staff and bringing on board consultants to help us formulate a design on the back of input from yourselves. We will then re-engage on the design and see what amendments are required, before consulting on a final approach. We expect this to take a good 12-18 months in total.
Cycleway Improvements
Sustrans and Bike Life promote Perth as a Cycling City
Inspired by the Copenhagen Bicycle Account, Bike Life is an assessment of city cycling development including infrastructure, travel behaviour, satisfaction, the impact of cycling, and new initiatives. It is funded by Transport Scotland and co-ordinated by Sustrans.
Bike Life is expanding in Scotland and the first Bike Life report on Perth, which was published in November 2018, can be found here. It presents many very interesting statistics on the way that people in Perth use their bikes, the benefits of cycling and what is needed to encourage more people to cycle. The actual report can be downloaded here.
ByCycle re-affiliates to Cycling UK
ByCycle has now renewed its affiliation to Cycling UK. This has various benefits for ByCycle as a group but also to you personally.
If you, as an individual, join Cycling UK as an affiliated member you will get a substantial discount on your subscription. You will also get other benefits such as:
- Third party insurance which covers you against any damage or injury you cause while riding your bike, whether with ByCycle or not. It covers you in time trials and sportives but not in any other kind of competitive cycling.
- Access to a wide range of member benefits and discounts although only full membership provides access to the free legal advice claims service.
- The knowledge that you are supporting the work of a national organisation on behalf of cyclists.
Check out the full benefits to you here then, if you want to join Cycling UK as an affiliate member, please email mikesimm259@gmail.com who will confirm your membership of ByCycle by giving you ByCycle’s affiliation Code then follow the ‘join’ option to ‘Buy affiliated membership’ on the website.,
Perth Transport Futures Project
Get latest updates on this project here
Update on Perth Green Routes
An update on new Green Routes in Perth and Kinross can be found here
Tay Street now shared use
The Redetermination Order to make the Tay Street pavement dual use and signage in place. A toucan crossing to replace the existing pelican crossing is scheduled.
There are also plans to improve the section from under the railway bridge all the way to the railway station.
The likelihood at the moment is a widened redetermined shared use pavement.
See map for what has been approved.
Map of Highland Perthshire
Updated 2016. Scale 1:100,000 12 graded cycle routes including Etape Caledonia. Waterproof and double sided. Includes the earlier East Perthshire map and the Strathearn map north of Crieff and Comrie. Also includes some mountain bike areas.
Order direct from Harvey Maps
August Special Ride - Round the Tay hailed a great success
A couple of months ago a small group of us had an incident whilst crossing the Tay Bridge at Kinclaven; a traffic light controlled bridge. As this was my second incident on this bridge, I decided to try and get the problem resolved.
The problem was that the light change was not long enough to get over the bridge before the lights changed and cars etc were then coming onto the bridge too. On this occasion a driver stopped and asked why we had jumped the lights, she then caused a problem as the lights changed again and cars behind us entered the bridge, which the driver was now blocking.
I wrote to Councillor David Illingworth who asked his colleagues at PKC to look into the matter. So one wet and thundery morning I met up with Charlie Haggart, Urban Traffic Control Assistant and Gary a Siemens engineer at the problem lights.
I cycled back and forth for two and a half to three hours and we thought we had it sorted to a longer time, so I cycled off over the bridge to go home and I didn’t make it before the lights changed.
Back to the beginning, Gary the engineer eventually put in a new CPU and lengthened the time, hallelujah this time it worked.
Unfortunately three weeks later the light change had to be shortened due to complaints from the public and the police. Charlie wrote to me saying that the time is nearer to the original timing but there is an ‘all red’ extension function which means that there is more time to cross the bridge than previously. They intend this change to be temporary until an alternative solution can be found to meet all road users needs.
I have cycled over the bridge since the time change and managed it before the lights changed in the opposite direction.
Everyone that I dealt with were very helpful and keen to get this problem sorted.
July 2021
E Bike charging points in Highland Perthshire
Birnam Arts Centre cafe, Birnam
Escape Route cafe, Pitlochry
Highland Safaris, Dull near Aberfeldy
Comrie Croft, near Comrie
Highland Perthshire Cycling have installed Bosch E Bike charging points at the above locations, in Partnership with Bosch UK. The power is supplied free by the host venue, but it is to be hoped that users will thank the host with their custom.
Chargers are available during normal business hours.
More information at https://highlandperthshirecycling.com/ebikes
Ember Bus service between Dundee and Edinburgh
Dundee, Apollo Way
Pre-book only stop at Longforgan and St Madoes
For Perth the bus stop is on Junction 11 of the M90, just after the turn for Walnut Grove. The sign on the bus stop pole shows Ember buses.
Park and Ride Kinross
Rosyth
Edinburgh Haymarket and St Andrew Square (stop YD)
Ember claim to be the world’s first all electric intercity bus operator, based in Edinburgh with a local office in Dundee. Buses can go 200 miles on one charge, and will be fast-charged several times a day in Dundee.
Buses are comfortable and well equipped. People with a Scottish National Entitlement Card can travel free, including free online booking.
We love cycling. You can reserve a bike space whilst booking your ticket. If you haven’t reserved a space we’ll do our best to get you onboard but can’t promise there will be space. We’d appreciate if your bike is clean but will have some bike bags onboard which you can use if it’s a bit mucky. Folding bikes don’t need to be booked, just turn up and get on.
Booking You can buy a ticket onboard, but it is £2 cheaper to book online, even just a few seconds before.
There is NO CASH onboard, so you need your card or your phone.
Some smaller stops are pre-book only. Buy your ticket online at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Print-out not necessary – just show your ticket on your phone.
More information about children, wheelchairs and dogs.
at www.ember.to
John Shackley rides for Charity
One of our long standing members, John Shackley, is again raising funding for Marie Curie while taking part in the 85 mile Caledonia Etape from Pitlochry on 19th September 2021. Please help John help the charity by giving generously to his fundraising page – https://www.justgiving.com/JOHN-SHACKLEY2.
JustGiving send all donations straight to Marie Curie and automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more.
John thanks you for your support.
Walk, Wheel, Cycle, Vote Campaign
ByCycle is supporting the Walk Wheel Cycle Vote campaign.
This is a collaborative venture asking all candidates for the Scottish Parliament to sign up to 3 clear pledges that will make Scotland a country where everyone has the choice to walk, wheel or cycle in safety for their everyday journeys.
Find out how you as an individual can help by visiting their website.
Sustrans publishes research into the impact of COVID on travel.
Although we have not yet digested all of this report it suggests:
- There has been a 20% uplift in regular walking: Walking is the only way of getting around that more people are doing more regularly than they did before the pandemic. 56 percent of our respondents are walking three times a week or more, up from 36 percent pre-pandemic
- Cycling levels have also increased relative to last year. This is despite cycle commuters being very likely to work from home. The warm conditions of the first lockdown saw levels increase two to threefold. Even in winter levels held up remarkably well.
- The UK and Scottish Governments invested to support the rapid introduction of schemes to provide more space for walking and cycling. This supported the trips that people have wanted to make more of and offers great public health outcomes.
- The introduction of new cycling and walking schemes was done in a hurry and some were not well used or had design faults. However, we found that people want to see more reallocation of space to active modes. Support for measures which improved walking and cycling outweighed objection to them by a factor of almost 2 to 1. The vocal objectors are in the minority.
- 60 percent of bus users reported having no alternative but the bus for the journeys they made during the pandemic. Just under 60 percent of rail users reported the same for their rail journeys.
- We estimate that if people who used to commute by car and who are now working from home were to continue to do so for two days a week, almost 14 percent of morning car trips would be cut. This could result in traffic reductions similar to those seen in school half terms.
- Because of the potential for some journeys to be replaced by online ways of doing things, it is not inevitable that car traffic will return to pre-pandemic levels.
- Car ownership did not rise and new car sales fell.
To see the full report click HERE.
Cycling Scotland is now offering face-to-face cycling training in the Perth area to those who want to get on their bike but lack just a little bit of confidence in riding on roads or cycle ways. You can find out more about the help you can get by checking out Essential Cycling Skills or by contacting:
Marianne Scott
Regional Cycle Training & Development Officer (Cycling Scotland/Tactran – Angus, Dundee, Perth & Kinross, Stirling), Cycling Scotland
Mobile: 07423436803
Email: mariannescott@cycling.scot
Email: mariannescott@tactran.gov.uk
New Route from Luncarty to Stanley
Alasdair Dutton has kindly put us in the picture regarding a new route from Luncarty to Stanley.
Alasdair writes:
“Here is a map of a new route from Luncarty to Stanley avoiding the busy road. Turn right under the rail bridge after Luncarty and follow the road past the 3 way lights along a wide road with a cycle way to the new flyover for Stanley (not open). Turn right down a new road with a wide pavement to Five Mile Wood where you join the old road to Stanley (watch for hawthorn spikes I had a puncture). It is not too near the A9 traffic and I found it much more relaxing than the busy B9009.”
October 2020
Current Issues Group Report - October 2020
Edinburgh adds new on-street bike storage facilities
Spotted in Edinburgh last weekend were what we are promised is one of 180 off-street storage facilities for bikes. They are available at a very reasonable £6 per month for residents and will hold up to six bikes. It is claimed they take up half the space needed to park a normal car. This initiative is much to be applauded and we hope that other cities such as Perth follow. Frequently new flatted complexes are developed with a car parking space for each flat. The simple provision of one of these storage facilities in each complex would help enormously in encouraging residents to use their bikes more.
The City of Edinburgh New Cycle Lanes
The City of Edinburgh District Council is to be congratulated on some of the improvements to the cycle infrastructure seen recently. The stretch between Musselburgh and Portobello has been resurfaced and the lane width increased substantially compared with other sections. The Mound (see below left) has been resurfaced and the cycle lane protected by studs which should certainly keep other traffic from entering.
However seeing many roads in Edinburgh where double yellow lines have been placed outside cycle lanes (see below right) perplexed us. Apparently the explanation lies with a law change in 2016 as explain by Cycling UK.
“It is illegal to park in mandatory cycle lanes (ie cycle lanes with an unbroken white line) built before 2016, but under changes in traffic sign guidelines, it is legal to park in mandatory cycle lanes built after 2016, unless there’s a double yellow line or similar road markings indicating no parking.
However, there is nothing to tell the difference between lanes built before and after 2016: they look the same. This causes danger for people cycling and confusion for those driving.
Cycling UK is campaigning to resolve this issue.”
This is incredibly confusing for cyclist and motorists alike but hopefully you now know the reason when you encounter them.
News from Members - Richie, Margaret and John
On Monday 18th August, two ByCycle members, Richie Neill and Margaret Scott, rode with Councillor David Illingworth from Scone Park and Ride to Willow Gate so David could experience at first hand the issues that Richie has riding to work.
They left at 8:10 am before the eight school buses reached Scone. The roads were quieter than before the Covid outbreak as many people were still working from home. When riding through Scone they negotiated nineteen drain covers and one very large pothole. They found it difficult to negotiate the narrow cycle path at the cemetery even though it had been cleaned with no debris. It was unclear in Bridgeend if cyclists should go into the bus lay-by at the end of the bus lane or travel down the outside lane. Road markings for the cycle lane between bridges needed replacing. The official route is still on the road in a 40mph area until the left turn where cyclists need to stop and cross the road. A traffic light would help crossing to the cycle path on the pavement or, even better, is a dropped kerb on the Island View road turning at the end of the 30mph limit and then cycle on a dual use pavement to Willowgate. Overhanging trees on the pavement towards Willowgate were a problem.
On the way back to the Park and Ride starting point they found that they still needed to cycle in the right hand lane at all three sets of traffic lights. Also to complete the experience for David, on pulling into a lay-by beyond the chemist, the group were not greeted with a polite acknowledgement from the driver of a large lorry but a ‘finger’ The driver was reported to his employer who, we understand, took appropriate action.”
Many congratulations are due to one of our regular riders, John Shackley, for completing 56 cycling trips during March through to May. During this time he travelled a total of 1193 miles from his house in Pitlochry to complete his virtual Caledonian Etape in support of Marie Curie. John originally joined the proposed Etape to get himself fit (no leccy power here; just man and will power!!) and raise funds to help others through the Marie Curie charity. As the actual event was cancelled due to the prevailing circumstances John enlisted for the Virtual Etape. He has certainly accomplished his first objective and asks you to help him with the second by making a contribution to his selected charity through www.justgiving.com/fundraising/john-shackley2 . All contributions appreciated.
NB Update as of July 2020. John has now achieved the magnificent total of 1,868 miles. Well done, John.
Katharine's Work for Sustrans Recognised
At the recent Sustrans Volunteers weekend in Aviemore, Dunkeld’s Katharine Melville received one of three Appreciation Awards. Xavier Brice, Chief Executive of Sustrans, presented the certificate to Katharine who, along with several other ByCycle members, has worked for many years as a Ranger on the off-road sections of NCN77 and 83 near Dunkeld..
Pulling the non-native species Himalayan Balsam in Perth was the reason for this year’s recognition. The Perth and Kinross volunteer group have worked for a number of years on a section of path in North Muirton which is forms part of a wider Sustrans project known as Greener Greenways which recognises Sustrans routes as a natural ecological corridor for wildlife.
When it comes to maintaining the network, all users of the routes can do their bit.
Major faults can be reports to Perth and Kinross Council, to Bear (for the highway sections close to the A9 at Ballinluig and Drumochter) on their websites and on the Fix My Street website.
So what else can you do to help? For small jobs, all users of the paths can do a “two minute litter pick”, remove small fallen branches and tweak back the occasional bramble. Cyclists can keep an eye out for turned around signs and report these on scotland@sustrans.org.uk
And of course every passer-by can pull half a dozen stems of balsam in the growing season of May to September, or form your own community group to tackle the problem!
Hugh McAninch's report on 2019 Cycling Scotland Conference
You can read Hugh’s excellent summary of the events at the 2019 Cycling Scotland Scotland conference here
No Fees for New and Existing Members
The moratorium on the collection of fees from members was extended at the AGM held in July 2020. This means that it is completely free to be a supporter and/or participant in ByCycle’s campaigning and rides at least until March 2021. Please take this opportunity to join, or recruit others, to our organisation that campaigns on behalf of cycling and cyclists. The more members we have the more the impact we can have on improving the facilities and routes for cycling and the safety of cyclists. You can find the form to join ByCycle on our AboutUs page on the website. It only takes 5 minutes to complete and your support would be much appreciated.
E-Bikes on Scottish Trains and car free Pontevedra
A Message from Sustrans – December 2019
Scotrail Cycle Policy update- E-bikes now officially allowed on trains!
A bit closer to home, our Senior Transport Integration Officer has been working closely with Scotrail’s cycling manager and together they have successfully changed Scotrail’s E-bike cycle policy.
In the past, allowing E-bikes on trains was at the individual train conductor’s discretion and with no official policy, many passengers opted not to take them on board. By working with Scotrail’s operational safety team to carry out on-train tests for every train-type in their fleet, produce risk assessments, and review the policy, they gained approval for the carriage of E-bikes across all Scotrail trains. There had been initial health and safety concerns about E-bike batteries but they concluded that it was no more dangerous to carry E-bike batteries on board than laptop batteries.
Pontevedra, the city that banned cars
Pontevedra a city in north-west Spain made their city primarily car-free to replace the usual soundtrack of a Spanish city with the tweeting of birds and the chatter of humans. Check out these interesting articles on the approach Pontevedra took to change their city to make it better for people:
Proposed Upgrade of Path between Muthill and Auchterarder
Proposals have now been put forward for the long awaited cycle path between these two historic villages. See the full proposal HERE.
Below are some images of the path as it looks now.
Your Place, Your Future
Perth and Kinross Council has successfully bid for funding to develop the cycling infrastructure along Dunkeld Road. A new commonplace website, which will cater as a one-stop-shop for the projects, will be launched in the future.
Meanwhile:
Posted on Jan 31st 2020 by Michael Morgan
Hello and Happy 2020!
We believe it will be! We apologise for the break in communication, but rest assured, we are working hard behind the scenes to take matters forward, So, what have we been doing?
Well, we’ve been working with local Community Councils, schools and Perth College UHI, to engage with young children, young adults and local residents to discuss the vision and where we are. In order to start a wide programme of public engagement, we will soon be appointing additional staff and bringing on board consultants to help us formulate a design on the back of input from yourselves. We will then re-engage on the design and see what amendments are required, before consulting on a final approach. We expect this to take a good 12-18 months in total.
Cycleway Improvements
Sustrans and Bike Life promote Perth as a Cycling City
Inspired by the Copenhagen Bicycle Account, Bike Life is an assessment of city cycling development including infrastructure, travel behaviour, satisfaction, the impact of cycling, and new initiatives. It is funded by Transport Scotland and co-ordinated by Sustrans.
Bike Life is expanding in Scotland and the first Bike Life report on Perth, which was published in November 2018, can be found here. It presents many very interesting statistics on the way that people in Perth use their bikes, the benefits of cycling and what is needed to encourage more people to cycle. The actual report can be downloaded here.
ByCycle re-affiliates to Cycling UK
ByCycle has now renewed its affiliation to Cycling UK. This has various benefits for ByCycle as a group but also to you personally.
If you, as an individual, join Cycling UK as an affiliated member you will get a substantial discount on your subscription. You will also get other benefits such as:
- Third party insurance which covers you against any damage or injury you cause while riding your bike, whether with ByCycle or not. It covers you in time trials and sportives but not in any other kind of competitive cycling.
- Access to a wide range of member benefits and discounts although only full membership provides access to the free legal advice claims service.
- The knowledge that you are supporting the work of a national organisation on behalf of cyclists.
Check out the full benefits to you here then, if you want to join Cycling UK as an affiliate member, please email mikesimm259@gmail.com who will confirm your membership of ByCycle by giving you ByCycle’s affiliation Code then follow the ‘join’ option to ‘Buy affiliated membership’ on the website.,
Perth Transport Futures Project
Get latest updates on this project here
Update on Perth Green Routes
An update on new Green Routes in Perth and Kinross can be found here
Tay Street now shared use
The Redetermination Order to make the Tay Street pavement dual use and signage in place. A toucan crossing to replace the existing pelican crossing is scheduled.
There are also plans to improve the section from under the railway bridge all the way to the railway station.
The likelihood at the moment is a widened redetermined shared use pavement.
See map for what has been approved.
Map of Highland Perthshire
Updated 2016. Scale 1:100,000 12 graded cycle routes including Etape Caledonia. Waterproof and double sided. Includes the earlier East Perthshire map and the Strathearn map north of Crieff and Comrie. Also includes some mountain bike areas.
Order direct from Harvey Maps