New Midlothian Cycle map now available

Tuesday September 15th 2020

Midlothian Spokes

Six year old Audrey with the new maps. Audrey’s dad, Ian, is a member of Spokes. Photo: Bill Kerr-Smith


Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Luke Jackson

The new Midlothian Cycle Map, produced by Spokes (the Lothian Cycle Campaign), has just been published. Fully revised and updated, the map includes all the new development that is happening across Midlothian. It is invaluable for cyclists and walkers seeking safe routes to shops, work or school and for leisure route planning, and is now available through bike shops, some bookshops and from Spokes.

The whole Midlothian area was surveyed by local Spokes volunteers and the mapping revised and updated by a skilled volunteer cartographer. Major updates and improvements to the map include all the new housing developments across Midlothian, contours and hill-shading so users can see the hill spots at a glance, and a redesigned front cover. The rear of the map has detailed plans of the main towns of Midlothian, along with updated visitor information on places of interest. The maps are printed on tear and water-resistant paper which is also fully recyclable.

A spokeswoman for Spokes said:

“It’s good to see that a voluntary effort by local cyclists, combined with support from public bodies, has produced a product of great benefit to local residents which will help support the local economy, local transport, leisure, health and tourism.”

The printing of the map was supported by Midlothian Council, SEStran and Sustrans Scotland. Members of the newly formed Spokes Dalkeith group recently handed over copies of the map to Provost Peter Smaill, and Midlothian Councillors Colin Cassidy and John Hackett.

Provost Smaill spoke for all three councillors when he stated:

“We welcome this initiative to keep Midlothian’s network of cycle paths – often the routes of our historic rail network – in good use. These routes act as a thread connecting so many sites of architectural and landscape interest, so that anyone who can get hold of a bicycle has dividends ahead in terms of local knowledge, as well as physical fitness.”

Jim Grieve, Partnership Director at SEStran, said:

“SEStran is excited to contribute to the SPOKES Midlothian Cycle Map, which will make it easier to navigate the paths and cycle tracks available in Midlothian. As we prepare to launch GO e-Bike in Midlothian, a public e-bike hire scheme, we hope that the map helps users explore the county through a healthier and more sustainable choice.”

John Lauder, Deputy CEO of Sustrans said:

“Sustrans has been delighted to once again support our partners at Spokes with the development and launch of the Midlothian Cycle Map. The significant rise in active journeys, in particular by bike, over the past few months has demonstrated the huge public appetite to make healthier travel choices. We hope this invaluable resource inspires more people to explore the exceptional National Cycle Network routes and active travel links throughout Edinburgh and the Lothians. “

Spokes has been producing cycle maps since 1987 which are much loved and valued by cyclists and pedestrians. The clear layout, colour coding of roads and cycle paths, and large scale maps of urban areas, make it easy to identify the safest and quietest routes.

The new Midlothian Cycle Map is now available from local bike shops for £6.95. Or order directly from Spokes on office@spokes.org.uk before the end of October 2020 to buy one map for £6 (postage-free) or £27 for 6 copies.

More information on all Spokes maps and sales outlets is at www.spokes.org.uk/spokes-maps

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