Multi record breaking endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont and Edinburgh resident arrived on his penny farthing bicycle, Cllr Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener for The City of Edinburgh Council, arrived on his own bike and used an e-cargo bike provided by Cargo Bike Movement on Waverley Bridge.
An AdBike advertising Edinburgh’s World Car Free Day on Sunday also formed part of the group alongside a cargo bike also from Cargo Bike Movement which is based in Tollcross.
The purpose was to promote World Car Free Day which the rest of the world marked on 22 September but which in Edinburgh has been moved to this Sunday to one street which is supposed to be closed to vehicles – Waverley Bridge.
But even during the short time we were on the bridge taking photos and filming it is clearly used by many delivery vans and personal cars dropping off passengers at Waverley Station.
But the message from the Transport Convener is that it is not hard to go car free in Edinburgh. Cllr Arthur said: “Edinburgh is a fantastic city to walk around, to cycle around and we have excellent public transport I really hope that people will think about breaking their existing habits and look at transport in a different way.
“World Car Free is a great opportunity to think about all the different ways we can travel around the city, each of which can have a really positive impact on the environment, our health and our pockets. The Council supported the international day last week, but I want to continue championing its aims throughout the year.
“This Sunday is about celebrating travel by foot, wheels, bike and public transport, and helping people to find out more about their options. I’d encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to come along and find out how easy it can be to go car-free.”
Multi record breaking endurance cyclist Mark Beaumont from Edinburgh, who has just broken the record for cycling the NC500 tourist route, said: “World car free day is a brilliant reason to pause and think about those journeys that can happen by bike or on foot, especially local trips where you can give yourself a breath of fresh air, moment to yourself and escape from the traffic. Living in Edinburgh, this is something I often talk to my daughters about – the small choices you can make about visiting the shops, going to friends’ houses and travelling to work, which can be a whole lot more rewarding when you make the habit to not take the car.”
Edinburgh’s World Car Free Day is a free community event being staged on Waverley Bridge on Sunday 2 October 2022 from 11.00 to 7.00pm.
Edinburgh’s World Car Free Day event information:
Leave your car at home and come along to Edinburgh’s World Car Free Day to find out just how easy it is to go car free in the city.
On Sunday 2 October, Waverley Bridge will be transformed into an inclusive hub of information, inspiration and activity encouraging people to consider more sustainable modes of transport for their everyday journeys across the city. It will promote the health and wellbeing benefits of active travel and offer the essential information and support people need to commit to long term change.
The city’s public transport operators, bike and environmental campaigners, active travel and public safety organisations are all set to take part.
The City of Edinburgh Council has set an ambitious target to reduce distances that Edinburgh residents travel by car by 30% over the next decade, as well as achieving Net Zero status by 2030.
Edinburgh’s ten-year City Mobility Plan aims to transform the way we move around the city, reducing emissions, positively impacting public health and tackling congestion amongst other benefits. Actions include projects like City Centre Transformation, Trams to Newhaven, George Street and First New Town, 20-Minute Neighbourhoods and the extension of 20mph speed limits, as well as behaviour change initiatives and seamless public transport ticketing.
Among those signed up to attend Edinburgh’s World Car Free Day are Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, who play a significant role in reducing reliance on more carbon intense forms of transport by providing a quick, convenient and reliable alternative to driving. Members of the team will be at Waverley Bridge to chat about their services within the city, including Park and Ride options, and the vast opportunities for – and the benefits of using – public transport.
Police Scotland will offer support to cyclists and walkers with cycle security advice, personal safety, bike marking and general crime prevention when moving around the city.
The Bike Station, which inspires new cyclists by selling reliable and affordable upcycled bikes, will be on hand to offer bike safety checks and bikes to try out. The team will also have information on safe cycle routes throughout the city, and bike to work and cycle friendly employer schemes.
Others include CEC Active Travel and Sustrans.
There will also be a hosted reception and information point, additional bike parking, a wellbeing area with health and fitness demonstrations and classes, and a chill out zone.
Local singers and bands including Sara Forshaw, Folk Drama, and The Wispz will provide the musical entertainment throughout the day.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
