1. CyCLInG
SCOTLAnD
nEWS
ISSUE 11 SPRING 2010
freshnlo Pedal
freshnlo Pedal for Scotland
is now open for registration
for 2010 and this year new
for Scotland
ride options mean cyclists of
any level of experience can
get involved. Taking place
on Sunday 12th September,
- Scotland’s Scotland’s biggest bike ride
returns with an additional
two new rides.
biggest bike ride The annual Glasgow to Edinburgh bike ride
attracted a record 7000 riders last year,
gets even bigger
and Cycling Scotland are hoping to attract
even more this year by expanding the event
and offering three different bike rides.
continued on page 2 >
1

2. freshnlo Pedal for Scotland (Cont.)
Event organiser Andrew Pankhurst we’ve developed an off-road family ride,
CHALLEnGE rIDE commented: based at Glasgow Green featuring laps
The classic freshnlo Pedal for Scotland “freshnlo Pedal for Scotland has always of the park with a whole host of fun and
Challenge Ride is a 51 mile ride between presented a great challenge for people activities alongside it.
Glasgow and Edinburgh. The event has a who want a healthy and active day Best of all the event is completely frEE
capacity of 9000 riders this year, so book out with friends, family or workmates. to enter - so why not register now? The
early to avoid disappointment. However, Cycling Scotland want to freshnlo Pedal for Scotland Family Ride
involve cyclists of all ages and abilities features 3 mile laps of the park with no
which is why we are introducing two traffic whatsoever, a free certificate at the
SPOrTIvE rIDE
new rides. We hope to encourage the end, cycle stunt show from the Riderz stunt
The brand new freshnlo Pedal for Scotland
broadest range of people possible to team, face painting, live music, freshnlo
Sportive Ride is a 100 mile timed ride through
be part of Scotland’s biggest bike ride fun zone with all manner of fun, games and
the Southern Uplands, taking a longer route
and hope everyone, from seasoned road (plastic) cows to milk and more!
between Glasgow and Edinburgh for a
riders through to those who just taken off
serious challenge.
their stabilisers will get involved, and see SPOrTIvE rIDE
that cycling is the best way to travel.” Passing through 7 local authorities
fAmILy rIDE and incorporating the best sections of
freshnlo Pedal for Scotland was established
The freshnlo Pedal for Scotland Family Ride numerous Scottish road cycling circuits,
in 1999 to promote cycling as a healthy
is a brand new FREE event for families with including the A77 10 Mile Time Trial,
lifestyle choice and is now Scotland’s
young children and those new to cycling, sections of the Moscow APR and the
biggest bike ride. There are regular rest
with a traffic free off-road route around Strathaven Anderside Classic, the Pedal
stops, free snacks and entertainment
Glasgow Green with a host of music, for Scotland Sportive incorporates steep
along the route, making it the perfect way
entertainment and activities. climbs around Muirkirk and undulating
to enjoy the countryside, stay fit and have
stretches across wild moorland.
fun. for more information or to register
freshnlo Pedal for Scotland now offers a please visit www.pedalforscotland.org The event, supported by Scottish Cycling,
cycling event for any level of ability – from uses the same start and finish points as
ABOUT THE nEW rIDES:
newcomers to serious road cyclists to the existing Pedal for Scotland ride, but
make the event as inclusive as possible. fAmILy rIDE takes an entirely separate route, meaning
The event will again support charity partner freshnlo Pedal for Scotland is a great family you can bring along friends and family that
Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centres, which day out, but at 51 miles, it’s a bit of stretch can’t cover as many miles as you and meet
raised over £225,000 in 2009. if you’ve got young children. That’s why up at the finish.
Pedal for Scotland 2008 wins
at the Scottish Event Awards
Pedal for Scotland 2008 was named the best Leisure Sporting Event of
the year at the Scottish Event Awards back in September 2009, and also
scooped the award for best overall event, claiming the Event management
Grand Prix award.
Cycling Scotland’s Glasgow to Edinburgh bike ride beat off the The Homecoming
Scottish Cup Final and the 18th Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships to claim
the prize for the best Sports Event of the year. The 2008 Pedal for Scotland marked the
event’s tenth anniversary, and set a new record for participation in a cycling event in
Scotland, attracting a record 5700 riders to make it the biggest bike ride ever to take Cycling Scotland Chief
place. The Pedal for Scotland team would like to thank all the participants and Executive Ian Aitken
picks up the awards
staff from the 2008 ride for making it such a great event.
2

3. Give Kids
Cycle
Space
Campaign
launches
across
Scotland
The Riderz visit Glasgow Gaelic School as part of the campaign
With thousands of children East Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire to School cycling facilities are continuing to
encourage more children to get on their bikes improve throughout Scotland and cycle training
across Scotland gearing up to
for a healthier and fitter lifestyle. is offered to all schools and is provided on
cycle to school over the summer application. This year alone, Cycling Scotland
months, Cycling Scotland is Cycling Scotland Chief Executive Ian Aitken
has trained an additional 216 Cycle Trainers to
commented:
urging drivers to give children the National Standard for Cycling Training.
the space and time they need “Cycling is one of the best forms of What’s more, schools can also be awarded
to cycle safely to school. exercise. With an estimated 50% of for their commitment to cycling under the
school children getting less than their Cycle Friendly Schools award scheme which
Cycling Scotland is coordinating a Cycle recommened activity levels a day, cycling recognises schools that provide good facilities,
to School campaign in seven areas across to school is an ideal way of reducing this incentives and promotion for children cycling
Scotland, targeting children, their parents and figure and increasing children’s exercise to school. Find out more about the scheme at
drivers. The campaign will be centred around routine. Getting children out in the fresh air www.cyclingscotland.org
local schools to promote ‘Cycle Friendly also means they will arrive at school more
Zones’ – areas where drivers are asked to give Cycling Scotland will be looking for local
alert and eager to learn.
children as much space as possible so they authority partners for the Give Kids Cycle
can make an easy and safe journey to class. Research shows that children want to cycle Space campaign in 2011. Any local authorities
The six week campaign will include outdoor to school so we hope by making sure drivers interested in hosting the campaign in schools in
advertising, advertising on local radio and look out for them, more children in Scotland their area should contact: Andrew Pankhurst
leafleting to parents. will get on their bikes and cycle to school.” on 0141 229 5354.
The Riderz stunt cycling team, will be visiting Where possible, schools provide cycle Danny McAskill urges drivers to Give
schools across Scotland to encourage training to help children learn skills on the Kids Cycle Space
children to get on their bikes and cycle to road, in a real-life cycling environment. The
school. In recent months, Scottish celebrity training teaches children key skills such
cyclists, such as Chris Hoy, Mark Beaumont as manoeuvring, checking for danger and
and stunt rider Danny MacAskill, have given carrying out risk assessments effectively. In
cycling the ‘cool’ factor and Scotland is now addition, Government funding is allowing for
seeing an increase in pupils taking to their more and more cycle paths to be developed.
wheels in a bid to be like their icons. The provision of bike sheds in schools and 20
Coordinated by Cycling Scotland, Cycle to mph limits around schools, has also helped
School campaigns will take place in Orkney, ensure both the safety of children cycling to
Moray, Edinburgh, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, school and the security of their bikes.
3

4. Team Green Britain Bike
Week: 19 - 27 June
Team Green Britain Bike
Week is the UK’s biggest
cycling event - almost half
a million people took part
last year, so why not get
involved yourself in 2010?
The week’s activities are made up of
around 1500 different events, with over
260 here in Scotland, ranging from
small introductory events such as bike-
to-work days and bike breakfasts, right
through to mass participation rides for
those looking for a challenge.
Events are organised by people from all walks
of life - volunteers, charities, community
groups, local authorities and more - anyone
Organise a Bike Week Event The 5 different guides are tailored to different
types of events, with a guide for small,
can get involved. Anyone can organise a Bike Week event - medium, and large events, and additional
it’s free to register your event as part of Bike ones for workplace and school events.
Take part in a Bike Week Event Week and you get free insurance, giveaways
and support from the team. Find out more The guides give loads of ideas about what
Bike Week events are now being listed on the kind of events you can put on and offer
in the dedicated ‘Organiser’s Zone’ on the
website, with more being added all the time in invaluable advice on how to stage one
website.
the run up to the week itself. Check out what’s successfully.
happening at www.bikeweek.org.uk or grab This year Team Green Britain is providing an
a copy of the Scotland on Sunday on 13th extensive range of Event Organiser’s Guides, Team Green Britain also provided a series of
June for a Bike Week pull-out supplement which can be downloaded from the website. national workshops to help event organisers
with events listings for Scotland. this year, with two taking place in Scotland.
The Glasgow and Perth workshops, which
took place in April, were attended by a wide
range of delegates from different backgrounds
and organisations, and provided a great
opportunity to get ideas for events and
partnership working opportunities.
Team Green Britain Bike Week takes
place between the 19th and 27th of
June, so keep checking the site for
new events and if you want help or
advice organising an event of your
own email: hq@bikeweek.org.uk or
info@cyclingscotland.org
4

5. Here’s a selection of upcoming events from
the calendar, with hundreds more online:
BEGInnErS
2010 Women Only CTC Ayrshire ride
5 Women only CTC beginners ride
around Ayrshire starting at Monkton
JUN
Cross
fAmILy
2010 Healthy Habits Cycle Club Bike
19 Week ride
A free ride in the Kirkintilloch /
JUN
Lenzie area using a selection of
off road paths with a small amount of on-
road sections to link up the route starting at
Kirkilntilloch Leisure Centre.
mOUnTAIn BIKInG
2010 Kirroughtree
A ten hour mountain bike
10 marathon in Galloway Forest Park.
JULY It’s real family day out and there
will be entertainment and music for all, race
Bike Events
registration and pre race party commence
on the Friday evening, with race scheduled
to start at 0930 on Saturday and après race
party going on late into Saturday Night for
Scotland -
those who have the energy.
fUnDrAISInG rIDES
2010 rob roy Challenge
bursting with
This event covers 55 miles of the
19 spectacular Rob Roy Way by a
JUN combination of walking and cycling,
raising funds for a range of charities.
events for 2010 rOAD CyCLInG
2010
29
Skye Sportive
This 48 mile route follows the peninsula
between the cliffs of the Quaraing
MAY and the Atlantic Ocean. Riders really
Bike Events Scotland is a new online complete with google mapping to get
will feel that they are on the edge of
cycling calendar featuring hundreds you there, and RSS alerts for whatever
the world. As the route swings South the Cuillin
of events for 2010 for every kind of type of cycling you’re into. The website
Mountains are directly ahead. Mountains don’t
cycling – leisure rides, mountain was developed in partnership with
get any more dramatic than this.
biking, cycle training, sportives, VisitScotland, Forestry Commission
club outings, short beginner rides, Scotland, CTC, Scottish Cycling and
endurance challenges, competitive Sustrans.
mASS PArTICIPATIOn
sporting events – the lot! 2010 freshnlo Pedal for Scotland
Find whatever kind of cycling Scotland’s biggest bike ride –
You can now find listings and info for event you’re looking for by 12 choose from the classic 51 mile
every kind of cycling on one website. visiting our website at: SEP Glasgow to Edinburgh Challenge
www.bikeeventsscotland.com Ride, the 100 mile Sportive Ride or the free 3
The calendar is easy to use and comes
mile off road Family Ride.
5

6. Steve Peat
launches
Scotland’s new
mountain bike
strategy and
World Cup
Steve Peat launches mountain bike strategy at Bannerman High School in Glasgow
fOrT WILLIAm 2010 competitors as well as travelling to the event said “It is superb to be out in school grounds
and accommodation in the local area. riding a mountain bike. I am excited that
Downhill mountain biking’s most successful
Scotland is looking to promote these kinds of
competitor and reigning World Champion SCOTTISH mOUnTAIn BIKE
opportunities and establish mountain biking
Steve Peat rolled into Scotland on 22nd DEvELOPmEnT frAmEWOrK
as a sport for all in Scotland. I love coming to
march to mark the official launch of the UCI Key national agencies are working together Scotland to ride with its stunning scenery and
fort William mountain Bike World Cup 2010. as Developing mountain Biking in Scotland, mind-blowing variety of trails and mountain
He and hundreds of other professional to plan how to sustain and grow mountain bike facilities; it is a perfect place to be on
mountain bikers will return to the scenic biking in a way that provides optimum your bike.”
Scottish Highlands on 5 - 6th June 2010, for and quantifiable returns in terms of public
Chairman of the SMBDC, Brian Porteus
the multi award-winning event – an adrenaline- participation, economic and tourism
explains: “Being recognised as one of the
packed weekend of world-class Downhill and development and sporting success.
best destinations in the world for mountain
4-Cross action. Created by the Scottish Mountain Bike biking means we already have a great
As he prepares to head off around the globe Development Consortium (SMBDC) the story to tell and the Framework brings
on the competitive mountain bike circuit, Steve framework aims to build on the growth and together the key stakeholders so that we
said he can’t wait to get back to Fort William: success of mountain biking in Scotland by can build on this reputation and maximise
“Scotland has some of the best biking terrain continuing to increase the visitor numbers the benefits to Scotland.”
in the world, and there’s a real enthusiasm to Scotland, grow the number of Scots
To read the Sustainable Development
for the sport here which always makes for a participating in the activity and develop and
of Mountain Biking – a National
brilliant atmosphere. It always helps to have a support Scots to win medals in national and
Strategic Framework, please visit: www.
vocal UK crowd – especially when I’m going to international competitions.
scottishmountainbikeframework.org. The
be defending my title!” Key national organisations have worked project partners are CTC, Cycling Scotland,
Cycling Scotland will be a presenting partner together to plan how best to sustain and Event Scotland, Forestry Commission
at the event this year, and will be offering taster grow mountain biking in Scotland in a way Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise,
sessions for the Go Mountain Bike proficiency which provides optimum and quantifiable IMBA, Scottish Cycling, Scottish Enterprise,
award. Last year’s event attracted more than returns in terms of participation in mountain SNH, sportscotland and Visit Scotland.
18,500 fans to Fort William, and generated an biking, economic and tourism development
Steve Peat gets set for Fort William
estimated £2.5 million for the local economy. and also in terms of public participation and
Tickets for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup sporting development and success. This has
are now on sale at the new look event website been seen by the organisations as a unique
www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk where event- opportunity to build on a fantastic Scottish
goers can also find out more about this success story.
year’s programme, tickets, the course and Steve Peat, UCI World Downhill Champion
6

7. Active travel CTC Launches Bike
conference held Club in Scotland
in Edinburgh
Bike Club is a new
project that offers
support and funding to
enable cycling-based
learning experiences
The Walking, Cycling and Connecting among children and
Communities Conference took place young people.
in Edinburgh on 25 may. Two development officers, one in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow, will
soon be helping youth groups, schools and community organisations
The conference, organised by Sustrans, SPT, Living Streets,
to use cycling as a way of discovering healthy lifestyles, developing
Cycling Scotland and Paths for All featured presentations
their independence and learning from each other. Bike Club is
from Scottish transport professionals, case studies from
funded in Scotland by Asda’s Pedal Power campaign, and has been
politicians on how to successfully promote active travel
created by a partnership between Youth Scotland, ContinYou and
modes at local authority level and an MSPs’ Question Time
CTC – the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation.
session inspired by the BBC show, where the audience
put their cycling and walking related questions to a panel
further information can be found at bikeclub.org.uk
of MSPs. To see presentations from the day, head to www.
or by calling 0844 736 8464.
walkcycleconnect.org
The Bike Station helps
Edinburgh find A
Better Way To Work
The Bike Station in Edinburgh is offices will be offered a personal travel plan each other to see which office can get their staff
that gives them information on the best options covering the highest amount of cycle miles to
aiming to get 500 businesses to
for their journey to work. Often people are work and back across a two week period.
sign up to a brand new project unaware of cycle paths or bus routes that can
to cut carbon emissions from actually give them an easier, quicker, cheaper
Tram Training
transport. or less stressful commute to work each day. The Bike Station were also called upon to help
cyclists in the capital negotiate the new tram
The project is called A Better Way to Work, and In addition, The Bike Station are able to offer
rails by Transport Initaitives Edinburgh (TIE).
has been set up to cut car use in the capital to a whole range of free incentives, such as the
Some cyclists had experienced difficulties
get more people walking, cycling, using public loan of a bike, free cycle training, a free month’s
with wheels getting stuck in the tram rails, so
transport and car sharing. bus travel or membership of the Edinburgh
TIE called in the Bike Station to provide training
City Car Club. The project staff will even go
Staff from the Bike Station are approaching for anyone who wanted advice and tips on
as far as coming out to a person’s house and
businesses with under 500 members of staff how to safely negotiate their way around the
cycling in to work with them if they are too
to get involved in the project, and are offering new rails. Find out more about the Edinburgh
nervous to give it a try on their own.
any business that signs up a wide range of Trams project at www.tiedinburgh.co.uk
individualised travel planning, incentives, The project also incorporates a Workplace
training and assistance to cut single- Cycle Challenge that allows businesses and
occupancy car use. Staff in participating workplaces to register and compete against
To find out more about this project call the Bike Station on 0131 668 1996 or visit the project website at www.abetterwaytowork.org
7

8. Cycling Scotland Active
Travel Programmes
Cycling Scotland has a range DEvELOPInG CyCLISTS these are aimed at the School, Workplace and
of programmes to help Local Community Settings.
To support and encourage more people to use
Authorities, Community Groups and their bikes for Active Travel we have Ready, CyCLE frIEnDLy EmPLOyEr
other organisations to develop their Steady, Bike and Go ByCycle cycle training
33 workplaces gained Cycle Friendly Employer
courses for young people progressing to on-road
workforce to effectively deliver their Status in 2009/10, with over 25,000 people now
journeys. These courses are part of the three-
cycling projects. working in cycle-friendly premises.
level national standard for cycle training alongside
InSTrUCTOrS the Scottish Cycle Training Scheme, which is Dundee University was among the many new
administered by Road Safety Scotland. These additions to the roll call of employers making
Over the last year Cycling Scotland has trained
resources are currently available FREE of charge cycling an easy and practical option for staff,
an additional 404 instructors, mostly as Cycle
to Local Authorities and Youth Groups. We also having implemented an impressive amount of
Trainers or Cycle Ride Leaders. Cycle Trainers
have a Cycle Commuter course and resource for cycle parking for staff and students and offering
provide instruction on how to improve your
adults returning to cycling. This programme is cycle training for those who needed a confidence
riding skills for on-road journeys. This training
usually delivered through our growing network of boost to get them back in the saddle.
has principally been organised through local
Cycle Friendly Employers.
authorities or local community groups resulting The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA)
in over 130 days of training being provided. To support and encourage Mountain Biking also became cycle-friendly this year, picking
and journeys by bike into Scotland’s fantastic up awards for both their Dalkeith and Glasgow
Cycling Scotland has also supported other
outdoors we have developed Go Mountain Bike offices. The Scottish Government, whose
elements of the workforce who use their bikes
- a 5 level mountain bike proficiency scheme to Victoria Quay office received the award in
to patrol as part of their daily duties. We have
be delivered by qualified instructors. The scheme 2008, also continued to lead by example by
delivered Cycle Patrol courses for community
was developed in partnership with other cycling upgrading facilities for cyclists at 3 additional
wardens, park rangers and countryside rangers
organisations and is currently being rolled out sites at St Andrews House and Saughton House
and our Police Cycle Patrol course has been
throughout the country. in Edinburgh and at Atlantic Quay in Glasgow.
used by all the Forces across Scotland. Cycling
In the private sector, Integrated Environmental
Scotland can also arrange courses in Mountain There are already 33 Go Mountain Bike
Solutions (IES) also attained cycle-friendly status
Bike Leadership for those groups making the Accredited Centres and 77 qualified instructors
for their office at the West of Scotland Science
connections between on and off-road journeys. have been orientated into the scheme. The
Park in Glasgow.
scheme has been well received and adopted by
nETWOrK STAff
many local authorities. Adventure Aberdeen have If you would like to find out more about becoming
Staff who plan, design, develop and promote been one of the first outlets to start delivering a Cycle Friendly Employer contact Chris Johnson
cycling infrastructure play a key role in making and have been working with a number of primary at Cycling Scotland on 0141 229 5353 or go to
cycling an attractive and accessible activity. schools in areas of social deprivation to deliver www.cyclingscotland.org
Cycling Scotland support this by delivering a Go Mountain Bike. Many of the participants have
programme of 10 workshops called Making already progressed to level 2 in the scheme and CyCLE frIEnDLy SCHOOLS
Cycling Mainstream (MCM). are keen to make further progress. 32 schools in Scotland became Cycle Friendly
Schools in 2009/10 with over 10,000 children
Over the last year 106 candidates attended Ready, Steady, Bike and Go ByCycle resources now attending schools with good quality cycle
an MCM workshop with the “Planning and to support your cycle training programmes can parking, training and incentives.
Designing for Cyclists” and the “Importance of be ordered online here www.cyclingscotland.
Cycling” being the most popular in 2009. Specific org/resourcespage.aspx Scottish Cycle Training Schools across Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen
workshops were arranged for Highland Council, Scheme resources can be ordered from Road City, Argyll and Bute, Edinburgh, Dumfries
Renfrewshire Council and Napier University, for Safety Scotland at www.road-safety.org.uk and Galloway, Fife, Inverclyde, Perth and
MSc Transport Planning and Engineering and Kinross and West Dunbartonshire all saw
Contact Cycling Scotland to order your Go
M Eng. students. Open courses were hosted in multiple schools achieve cycle-friendly status.
Mountain Bike resources or arrange an orientation
Ayr and Clackmannan. Midlothian achieved an impressive 4 Cycle
for your instructor group. Individuals can register
online at www.cyclingscotland.org Friendly Schools in the past year and South
Local Authorities and other key agencies can
Lanarkshire had 5 schools receiving the award.
book these 1 day or ½ day workshops for a
staff group by contacting Cycling Scotland,
HELPInG yOU TO BE But the most cycle friendly place in Scotland for
or individuals can book online at www.
CyCLE frIEnDLy schoolchildren has to be Bishopbriggs in East
Cycling Scotland has a range of programmes to Dunbartonshire, where 5 out of the 6 primaries
cyclingscotland.org
help organisations to be more “Cycle Friendly” in the town became Cycle Friendly Schools.
8

9. Smarter Choices
Smarter Places projects
now live across Scotland
The Smarter Choices Smarter Places project
is now up and running in 7 areas across
Scotland, with each one launching measures
in local communities to get people travelling
more sustainably.
School pupils of all ages are being encouraged to
cycle in Barrhead as part of their local campaign
branded as Go Barrhead. Wooden push-along
Balance Bikes have been provided to give nursery
pupils a good start on two wheels. At the other
end of the age scale, pupils at Barrhead High
School will have lessons in practical cycling skills
including on-road training and maintenance skills
as part of the PE curriculum. Go Barrhead is also
participating in Cycling Scotland’s Cycle Friendly
Zones Campaign.
In Glasgow East End, pupils at St Mungo’s Academy
are also getting bike maintenance training as part
of a bike loan and recycling scheme funded by
the On The Move campaign. Schools in the area
are also participating in the Cycle Friendly Zones
Camapign, and the project will also incorporate
infrastructure improvements including upgrading
footways, creating new segregated cycle routes,
and public realm upgrading.
The Kickstart Kirkwall campaign in Orkney was
kicked off by the Cycle Friendly Zones Campaign,
with the Riderz cycle stunt team performing at two
primary schools and the Kirkwall skate park in April,
drawing large crowds to watch their performances.
To find out more about becoming a Cycle studies from the 10 funded projects can Cycling and walking are being encouraged
Friendly School you can contact Chris be viewed online at www.cyclingscotland. in Stenhousemuir and Larbert through clubs
Johnson at Cycling Scotland on 0141 229 org/communitycyclingfund.aspx and other activities organised in partnership
5353 or go to www.cyclingscotland.org between the Take the Right Route campaign and
In the second round of funding we were Stenhousemuir football club.
COmmUnITy CyCLInG overwhelmed with submissions and the
Newly installed Blue Blades signs will guide
InnOvATIOn fUnD Committee had a difficult task in selecting
Kirkintilloch and Lenzie residents round the local
the 5 projects which were funded:
In the community setting, Cycling Scotland path network while a new route map is available from
has offered funding through the Community >> Banchory Pedallers the Healthy Habits shop in central Kirkintilloch.
Cycling Innovation Fund to support local >> Life Cycles Later this summer, the Dumfries GoSmart project
groups to deliver their chosen programme
>> Golspie High School MTB Club will launch Scotland’s first self-service cycle hire
to encourage and develop cycling within
their local area.
>> Bishopbriggs Cycle Initiative scheme, while in Dundee bicycles will be made
available to residents and students in a Cycle
>> Bike Mates and Buddies
Library scheme within the Travel Active campaign.
The fund is aimed at encouraging – East Dunbartonshire
innovative new projects that benefit To find out more about the entire Smarter Choices,
the local community. The first group of Case studies for each of these new projects Smarter Places programme and see baseline
funded projects has just completed their will be available through the website in the reports from all seven projects, see the web
programmes and an evaluation of their near future. site at: www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Transport/
impact will be completed shortly. Case sustainable-transport/Baseline
9

10. Richard Moore – I’m glad
Lance is on my side…
dominated as if this was Beijing by hundreds of Armstrong made a good point when he noted
thousands of bicyclists [who] all wear... stupid that “I’ve seen cars do all kinds of crazy things
hats and shiny shorts.” to avoid squirrels, cats, horses, tractors,
whatever” but, confronted with cyclists, drivers
So far, so silly, and mildly irritating, but not overly
can “get so angry.”
offensive. But Kornheiser crossed the line when
he then said of cyclists: “Run ‘em down... I don’t “Look,” Armstrong continued, “it’s a volatile
take my car on the sidewalk because I understand situation sometimes, [but] both sides have to
that’s not for my car... [so] why do these people understand each other. We all have to get along
think that these roads were built for bicycles? here... I think the cycling community can do a
They dare you to run them down.” better job of creating awareness, getting the
message out there, and saying: this is good for all
Armstrong, when he learned of the comments,
of us. Look at the stat’s - forty years ago, 40% of
responded in the only way he knows how - by
our kids rode bikes to school, and the obesity rate
Twitter. Through his favourite medium he criticised
was 14%. You know what the figures are today?
the radio presenter’s outburst as “disgusting,
Only 3% of our kids ride bikes to school... because
ignorant, foolish. What a complete idiot.”
parents are afraid to put their kids on bikes.”
Then the story got more interesting, though.
You could call it a charm offensive - you could
It seems that Sally Jenkins, who ghost-wrote
even argue that Kornheiser’s original outburst
the aformentioned Armstrong autobiography
didn’t deserve such a measured, considered
(and also his second, ‘Every Second Counts’),
response. Then again, would Armstrong have
is a longstanding friend of Kornheiser. She put
sounded so persuasive had he adopted a more
the two in touch, and, within hours of his rant,
confrontational tone? No, of course not. As it was,
and having sparked the predictable online riot
he not only won the argument, he also definitively
(helped no end by Armstrong’s ‘tweet’), they
claimed the moral high ground.
In football they talk of players who may not spoke. That conversation ended with Armstrong
win too many popularity contests, but who agreeing to appear on Kornheiser’s radio show It is hugely encouraging, of course, that
“you’d want on your side.” It means individuals the following day. Armstrong seems to consider his unofficial role
such as roy Keane or Graeme Souness - ‘big’ as a spokesman for cyclists (from racers to 40-
Introducing Armstrong, Kornheiser admitted
personalities, always 100% committed, and year old novices) a responsibility that comes with
he had gone “way over the top” during “one
always ready and willing to fight your battles. the territory he occupies - which is as the world’s
of my rants.” He added that “bicycle people
We cyclists have Lance Armstrong. The were properly offended, [and the resulting most famous bike rider.
American seven-time Tour de France champion furore] worked its way all the way up to Lance But it also ties in with another of his post-
may not be universally loved. He may even be Armstrong.” comeback initiatives, the so-called ‘Twitter’ rides
eyed with suspicion in certain quarters. But he is, - mass-participation bike rides announced via the
Already, you could sense that Armstrong had
as he has recently proved, a good man to have social networking site. It all started in Paisley last
worked his magic. Like the politician that he
on your side. August, with other rides staged, and attended
is surely destined to become, he had won over
In his second comeback - his first, in 1998, Kornheiser with a bit of good old-fashioned charm by increasing numbers, in Dublin and Adelaide.
coming after his remarkable recovery from cancer and charisma, which even Armstrong’s detractors The goodwill these rides have fostered among
- Armstrong has reinvented himself as a positive admit that he possesses in spades. cyclists - keen and casual alike - and the wider
force when it comes to promoting cycling, not just community, including the local police forces,
as a sport but as a participation activity, and as an “We appreciate your apology,” said Armstrong, should not be underestimated.
advocate for better road safety. though I didn’t actually hear Kornheiser say
sorry (apparently he had offered Armstrong There remains in the mainstream media much
It’s ironic that Armstrong’s first autobiography, an unqualified apology during their phone low-level anti-cycling prejudice (Simon Hoggart,
detailing his recovery from cancer and return conversation the previous day). in the Guardian, was repeating some of his familiar
to the sport, was titled ‘It’s Not About the Bike.’ anti-cycling gripes in the week of Armstrong’s
Because, as he proved in late March, he has Armstrong continued: “The interaction/ confrontation with Kornheiser, complaining
become a powerful spokesman for cyclists’ relationship between people and bikes, and illogically about “cyclists’ ruthless determination”),
rights, on this occasion in response to some ill- people and cars... it meets a wall sometimes, [but] but, when a high profile radio presenter can be
advised - that’s a polite way of saying ignorant obviously that’s a relationship that has to exist persuaded to eat such a large slice of humble pie
and offensive - comments by an American radio now and forever [and it] requires mutual respect. live on his own show, you know that at least some
presenter, Tony Kornheiser. battles are being won. And being won with reason
“Cyclists can’t go around five-abreast. But at
and calm persuasion.
Kornheiser, apparently unhappy at the the same time, there’s no need for a car to come
appearance of a new bike lane in Washington by and brush a cyclist. Not everybody is used to As I said at the start, Lance Armstrong might not
DC, launched an extraordinary attack on riding with cars. It could be a 40-year old lady be to everyone’s taste. But, as cyclists, we have
cyclists. “The last time I looked, the roads were on a bike for the first time, and a car comes and to acknowledge that he’s a good man to have on
made for automobiles,” he began. The new bike brushes her with a mirror... Trust me: she never our side.
lane, he added, would mean “we’re going to be gets on a bike again. And that’s a shame.”
10

11. How cycling fuels my
inner gadget geek…
By Bryan Burnett - broadcaster, journalist, runner… and cyclist.
Last year I got myself a road bike and been assured that they will improve my rider
became hooked. now I’m not just an comfort. Worryingly one of the packets tells
occasional biker but a full on cycling me to apply liberally but to avoid intimate
geek. for me the benefits of cycling are areas at all cost. I’m confused by this as I
all the usual ones: It’s a quick way to get assumed it was my intimate areas I was
to work ( home to BBC in 11m:37s!), a trying to protect!
brilliant activity to get me out in the fresh
Flicking through one magazine I became so
air at weekends, and a good way to cross
engrossed in the adverts for groupsets and
train on my non running days.
levers that I wondered where the freepost
However one of the biggest bonuses is was on my bike, and did I need to replace
that I’ve become a gear junkie! There’s no it with the carbon version. It was several
activity like cycling for bringing out your minutes before I realised that freepost was
inner gadget geek. reference to the method of shipment and not
some vital component of my frame.
Running is cheap and easy. (Or at least
that’s what I kept telling myself every time The other difference between runners and
I came home with another pair of trainers.) cyclists is in their appearance. Having a
I have done for shares in Nike what Carrie build like a distance runners makes people
Bradshaw did for Manolo Blahnik. If you want want to offer you food, not pin you up on
triumphed in the end. The great thing about
to run all you need is t-shirt, shorts, socks their walls. Runners tend to be peely wally
all of this gear is that there’s always a new bit
and trainers. OK, maybe an extra layer in the and beanpole-like. Cyclists are bronzed and
of kit that’s been developed which promises
winter, possibly some tights and a watch so body conscious.
to do it better, faster and more accurately than
you can time how long your run is, but the
Cyclists are confident about their machismo the last version.
stuff you need to run can be counted on the
and comfortable in their sexuality. Rugby
fingers of one hand. Sure, this year’s training There was me thinking I could just stick a
players wouldn’t shave their legs to look
shoe might come in a different colour from juice bottle in the holder and stop for a drink
good and footballers would not spend £154
last year’s training shoe but as a shopaholic when I’m thirsty. No, turns out I should invest
on a pair of red knickers – especially David
your opportunities are going to be limited. in membrane technology and spend my hard
Beckham who famously said he’s been
earned cash on something that promises a
Then I discovered cycling. not so much known to wear his wife’s.
‘new way of drinking’.
a new hobby - more like a whole new
But as I found out, knickers are not knickers
shopping opportunity. It seems that old way of putting water
– they are 3/4 length tights. Still, you’d have
in your mouth and slurping it down is
Obviously, you don’t need any more than a to be brave to order them in bright red. That’s
for losers. All I need to do is hand over
bike and maybe a helmet to get out and start the other thing about uberwaxed, perfectly
my £8.50 and eliminate splatter for ever.
using your bike. But if, like me, you have a tanned blokes is that they can get away with
Hurrah!
penchant for gadgets, gizmos and shopping wearing things that other people can’t. White
in general, then cycling can open the door to lycra shorts are a hard look to pull off, but Should I find that cycling to work means I
a whole new world. Never mind things that you kinda get away with them on the bike. miss out on my morning latte, I now know that
I wanted, there are things that I didn’t even Maybe not so good when you stop to get a there is a commuters’ coffee mug that straps
know existed. Track pumps, vibra trainers pint of milk at the supermarket though. on to my handlebars and will ‘take away the
and multi tools were all items I had never thrills and spills of riding with coffee.’ Please
I recently invested in my first pair of bib tights.
encountered in my life as a runner. tell me that the cereal holder that ‘puts the
Oh lord. It was like I was wearing one of
snap, crack and pop into your morning ride’
On my long runs a hastily applied dod of Freddie Mercury’s stage outfits. When I first
is not being developed?
Vaseline is enough to get me through the tried them on in the flat, my friends laughed
longest effort, but as a cyclist there is a out loud. Not smiling but proper crying with If all this sounds a bit bewildering, don’t fear –
bewildering range of chamois crèmes, body laughter kind of hilarity. However when I got you can get back in to cycling with not much
butters and even a product called chafe on the bike it was a right royal transformation more than a second hand bike. But if cycling
eaze! I’m still not terribly clear about what from a third-rate Queen tribute act to king of turns from an interest into a passion, heed
I should do with these products but I have the mountains. Bryan and his magic tights my warning and hold on to your wallets…
11

12. Noticeboard Cycling Scotland
Conference to partner with
CycleNation in Edinburgh
Cycling Scotland’s annual conference will
Cycling, Walking and Safer take place on 5th November, at the City
Streets Funding Announced Chambers in Edinburgh. This year the
announced conference will be part of the UK-wide series
The Scottish Government has Active Travel Inquir y
orities will receive a of Cyclenation conferences in partnership
that Scottish Local Auth
for Cycling The Scottish Parliame nt recently with CTC and Spokes, and will take place
combined £9,090,000 of funding
ets for 2010/11. The launche d an inquiry into active travel in across two days. The Cycling Scotland
Walking and Safer Stre
ng is that Scotland, as the Transport, Infrastructure conference will take place on the first day,
additional good news for cycli
has been provided and Climate Change Commit tee called as a national conference for professionals,
this year the funding
Scottish upon cycling and walking agencie s and and the second day will cater for those
with a recommendation, from the
LA, that each Local the public to share ideas on how to get involved in campaigning for and promoting
Government and COS
minimum of more Scots making active journeys. cycling in their local areas. Further details
Authority considers “spending a
over 50%, of the grant of the conference will be available soon,
36%, and preferably The inquiry took place in November 2009,
programme and will be published in the next Cycling
for the purposes of undertaking a and a wide range of organisations gave
otion of cycling”. Scotland newsletter, and on the Cycling
of works for the prom evidence, including Cycling Scotland,
Scotland, Spokes and CTC websites.
grants are Sustrans, CTC, Living Streets, Paths for
Cycling, Walking and Safer Streets
as a way to All, Spokes and Steer Davies Gleave. The
ring-fenced funding established
emphasis discussion focussed on a range of issues
help Local Authorities increase their
embership
Cycling Scotland M
ils of the including cycle training in schools, safety
on active travel spending. Full deta
can be on the roads and the lack of joined up cycle
allocation to each Local Authority is a registered
charity
nt’s website infrastructure and routes. The biggest call Cycling Scotland
found on the Scottish Governme limited by guara ntee. The
://w ww. sco tlan d.go v.uk /Re sou
rce/ from the majority of organisations was and a company following
http members from the
that more funding was required in order to organisation has 34
Doc/87943/0095689.pdf T, Scottish Natur al Heritage,
get significant numbers of people cycling organisations - SP STrans,
fet y Campaign, SE
more often. Scottish Road Sa Scotland,
Edinburgh City Cycling Spokes, Bike Station, Sport
Council,
Action plan devised to The Commit tee publishe d its report on
Sustrans, TR ANSfo
rm Scotland, Fife
h Council,
meet Charter of Brussels 26th March 2010 and it is now available
VisitScotland, Cit
y of Edinburg
Scotrail,
target of 15% to read on the Scottish Parliame nt CTC (UK ), First
CTC (Scotland),
website. Following the publication of Scottish Cyclin g, Access
Edinburgh City Council signed the Charter Health Scotland, Forestry
this report and the recommendations , Common Wheel,
of Brussels back in May 2009, committing Forum Secreteriat
it sets out, it is expecte d that the and, HITRANS, NESTRANS,
the council to getting 15% of all trips made Commission Scotl mbership
Cycling Action Plan for Scotland will be
and Paths for All Partnership. Me
by bike in the capital by 2020. The council is ns. Please
publishe d by the end of May. A revised ional organisatio
drawing up an Edinburgh City Cycle Action is open to addit 5350 for
version of the guidance docume nt for ters on 0141 229
Plan in order to meet the target. contact Linda Pe
cycle infrastructure in Scotland, Cycling
more details.
The spring 2010 Spokes newsletter states by Design 2010, is also expecte d to be
that the current modal share for bike trips publishe d at that time.
in the city is 4%, but between 30-50% of
residents live just 2-5km from their work, so
the potential for increasing bike trips is high.
Contact
Cycling Scotland
24 Blythswood Square, Glasgow G2 4BG
Visit our website at www.cyclingscotland.org Newsletter written by Andrew Pankhurst
12