Spokes Bulletin #140, year 2026 issue

Our 2026 printed Bulletin – all 10,000 copies – is here! With most communication now electronic, there’s still great value in an occasional printed Bulletin which can be picked up in bike shops, libraries, etc. The novelty of a print Bulletin also adds to its impact, for example on politicians – all Edinburgh and Lothians councillors, MSPs and MPs get copies.

Bulletin 140 is now being delivered by volunteers to 1000 Spokes members, bike shops, libraries, community centres, councillors, etc, and used for bike leafletting. As a thank-you for being a member, all members are also being sent a free copy of our lovely new ‘Favourite Cycle Rides‘ Edition 3 booklet, based on entries from our 2025 competition. See what you’ve missed if you’ve not joined!

What’s in the Bulletin…

The Bulletin content is intended to remain useful throughout the year, rather than covering current or ephemeral issues. Important topics include…

• Edinburgh’s ‘Primary Cycle Network‘ – expected 2026 developments, and the success already of early onroad segregated bike lanes
• Big 2026 Council decisions expected – the future of Princes Street and George Street and of the possible Granton/Bioquarter tramline extensions
• Traffic Growth – having scrapped its traffic-reduction commitment, the Scottish Government is this year developing a traffic growth target! And they are also expanding the road capacity which will help encourage it.
• E-Bikes – the incredible value of e-bikes (including Edinburgh’s VOI bike hire scheme) must not be lost amidst valid concerns over illegal use of modified e-bikes and over unscrupulous suppliers of fire-risk batteries
• Tramline crashes – insights into the causes, how to minimise your risks, and how the Council can minimise risks in future extensions
• Climate Crisis – likely continuing to grow, and accelerate, in 2026. Insurance companies are noticing, but road-expansionist decision-makers don’t seem to
• Spokes maps – why people love them!
• Spokes 2026 competition (to be launched this summer) – it’s all in preparation for our 50th (yes, 50!) anniversary next year

What you can do

• Please repost our bluesky of this article
• If you’d like a supply of the Bulletin for work colleagues, a local leaflet pick-up point, bike leafletting at shops in your area, or whatever, get in touch