How Edinburgh Is Becoming More Bike Friendly

Famous for its dramatic landscape and abundant natural beauty, Scotland’s capital is taking the next step towards a greener future by launching a long-awaited cycle hire scheme. With at least 600 bikes to be scattered across the city, zipping across Edinburgh will soon be easier than ever.

Set to be launched at the height of the tourist season in summer 2018, Edinburgh will be following in the footsteps of the likes of London and Glasgow, which have well-established cycle schemes that have been widely lauded as both an environmental and public health benefit. Though the cost for using the scheme has not yet been finalised, its predecessors in other cities usually boast a number of options, from a day ticket to a monthly membership.

Moreover, as roads become deadlocked during the chaos of the festival season in August, residents and tourists alike will celebrate having a more convenient option for weaving through the city. Campaigners and city planners have also expressed unqualified enthusiasm about the project, noting that they hope the scheme will result in less traffic congestion in the city centre and more bike paths on main roads.

The cycle scheme is part and parcel of a major push for greener infrastructure and decision-making in Scotland. This October, the Scottish government broke away from their English counterpart and banned fracking on the grounds that it would result in ‘unjustifiable environmental damage’ – a significant move for a nation heavily reliant on natural gas. Likewise, Ullapool has become the first village in the UK to become a plastic straw-free zone, after an earnest campaign led by primary school students and spread across social media with the hashtag #NaeStrawAtAw.

So next time you’re in Edinburgh, think twice before jumping in that cab or waiting for that bus. Let’s move forward in the right direction.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.