How many cyclists know that many Edinburgh Spaces for People schemes cause real issues for disabled people?

Are the council and Sustrans preventing cyclists and others from realising this?

Thanks to STV and Kaye Nicolson for highlighting the accessibility, safety and community issues caused by the council and Sustrans’ implementation of “Spaces for People” and the misleading claims that these schemes are for “everyone”.

Clare Johnston from Edinburgh Access Panel summed up one of the key issues: “To keep seeing ‘we’re making it more accessible for everyone’ and at the same time, they’re taking the Blue Badge holders and freezing them out - I feel like the council doesn’t feel that I am an ‘everyone’”

Alberto Crolla from Vittoria highlighted the safety issues being caused on George IV bridge and said “...the more the local authority can work with us the better.”

SWEM chair, Prof Derryck Reid said “I’m very much invested in active travel. But the point is you’ve got to bring people with you. You’ve got to win the hearts and minds of communities. The council has totally failed to do that.”

Three cyclists were featured talking positively about the schemes. And of course, the schemes have some benefits for some people, and it's important to find ways to support cycling.

But do these cyclists actually know that the cycle lanes block access for disabled people and create new dangers? Would they be so positive then, or would they be keen to look at alternative options?

Could it be that the council’s and Sustrans’ use of language and images relating to Spaces for People means that many cyclists don’t realise this is an issue?

Please continue sharing this petition – now at an amazing 16,500 signatures!