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Spokes Cycle Map, East Lothian |
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Friday, 13 August 2004 |
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This project involved the formation and distribution of a comprehensive and detailed cycle map of East Lothian.
Overview
PROJECT SUMMARY
This project involved the formation and distribution of a comprehensive and detailed cycle map of East Lothian. The Cycle map was developed by SPOKES, the Lothian Cycle Campaign and voluntary organisation. The map was designed to compliment existing maps of West Lothian and Midlothian as well as meeting demand from the local community and tourists.
KEY PARTNERS
No other partners were directly involved in the project.
FUNDERS
Viridor Landfill Tax Credits - £10,000
I & H Brown - £3,000
Tyne/Esk Leader+ - £2,100
SNH - £2,000
Plan
NEED
The project was established to address the need for a dedicated cycle map of East Lothian. Demand for such a map had been evident from the success of two earlier maps in Midlothian and West Lothian, and from the frequent requests for a similar map for East Lothian.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this project was to form a map that highlighted quiet roads, cycle lanes, tracks and busy roads. It would also show gradient and distances between junctions as well as places of interest such as cycle shops. On the reverse of the map there would be town plans and logos of sponsors.
It was hoped that the map would benefit local tourism in the area and encourage cycling activity in the local community.
AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The overall aim of the project was to print and distribute a dedicated cycle map of East Lothian. The map was to be ready for sale for June 2003 to meet the rise in summer tourists to the area.
Progress
GETTING ESTABLISHED
The project has been a continuation of work carried out by SPOKES, the Lothian Cycle Campaign and voluntary organisation. In total the publication process of the East Lothian cycle map took two months.
IMPLEMENTATION
The project completed its aim of printing and distributing a cycle map of East Lothian in June 2003. Due to previous experience of producing maps in Midlothian and West Lothian the project faced no difficulties and was completed to schedule.
FUTURE STEPS
Now that the map has been completed it will continue to be printed and distributed to meet local demand. Revenue from cycle map sales will ensure the longer-term re-production of the map, illustrating the projects sustainability after funding support.
Review
THE PROCESS
The project has not only involved the local population, as the lead group is the SPOKES voluntary organisation, it has also engaged with various funding bodies listed.
Furthermore the map has proved beneficial to local primary schools in East Lothian. They have been able to utilise the detailed information provided in the map for educational and leisure purposes.
THE OUTCOMES
The project has been successful in accomplishing its aim of producing a map within its target timescale.
The cycle map is likely to encourage and promote cycling in the area, and to produce a range of benefits including:
- improved health through increased physical activity;
- reduction in traffic congestion;
- reduction in noise pollution; and
- progress in addressing social exclusion.
THE LESSONS
A key component of this project's success has been the experience of the lead body SPOKES in producing similar cycle maps. This has allowed the organisation to draw on its expertise, local contacts and overall experience to deliver a highly beneficial product on time and on budget.
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