iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

We second that. 👏 Big thanks to @banzaiedinburgh.bsky.social @portyenergy.bsky.social @thebikestation.bsky.social, The Cycling Gardeners, Pedals and all those that shared advice and bikes!

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Ember E11 assisted 35 mile trip back from Braemar to village last Wed. Linear cycles and walks made possible by e-bus. @spokes.org.uk @highlandcyclists.bsky.social Another cyclist got off at ski-centre to head back by Glen Isla. Two bikes bookable per bus though.

Ember E11 bus for Aberdeen. Mountain bike in foreground. Invercauld Hotel, Braemar in backgound.

Cairngorm mountains, looking towards Glen Tilt with Ben Dearg. Single track and narrow in places.

High land rover track with hills in background. On route to Glen Fearnate beyond Fealar Lodge.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

• Yesterday we delivered this Czech made Azub trike featuring Bosch CX & Rohloff. • Today we're only open till 11 due to family event. (JBG may be around). Sorry for any inconvenience. • Tomorrow we'll be at the Meadows from 11 till 2pm. Meet up with existing and future customers. Details in poster.

Azub TiFly e-trike parked in front of Laid Back Bikes shop.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

2026 street 'furniture' in Marchmont is changing. • New 'smart' post boxes from privatised Royal Mail company. ✉️ 💌 (Using correct Scottish crown with no royal initials here of course!) • VOI city rental bike park and van man replenishing batteries. Arguably city's biggest public transport upgrade.

Royal Mail Scotand 'smart' parcel post box on Warrender Park Road.

VoI bike park maintenance on Warrender Park Road.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Van-free UA delivery is convenient with a Brompton folding bike. Goes in through rain tent side window with room for extras. @edfoc.bsky.social

Black Urban Arrow cargo bike with pink/orange Brompton folding bike inside passenger box.

Strava map and info for delivery of cargo bike. 10.91 miles in 52 minutes. Elevation gain 270 feet.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

Can't beat a cargo bike fly by. St Peter's Place still closed at junction but bikes can get through cones with care or access canal via the ramp. Open today for all flavours of Urban Arrow and more. 🍧 🍨 Repairs and maintenance during week by Joe's Bike Garage. Details on our homepage.

Urban Arrow family cargo bike crossing canal bridge at Viewforth. Black Urban Arrow in foreground.

Urban Arrow Breeze longtail e-cargo bike outside Luca ice cream parlour in Bruntsfield, Edinburgh.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

There's something lovely when all three buses we rely on (71+E11+E1) run late at same time. 😆 Means plenty of time to cross the many highways around Dundee! Lovely evening for travelling electric (first 7 miles diesel). Trip up had two bikes booked on board. One E-bike, one manual. @spokes.org.uk

The 'City of Discovery' with V&A in background.

Interior of Ember e-bus with space for a booked wheelchair or bike in foreground.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Q. How low can you go? Last decade we shifted quite a few of these red metallic folding Sprint 26 models from Inspired Cycle Engineering (Not yet on BlueSky 😞). Still available in 2026 with or without a motor. A. Around 25cm seat height with excellent stability and visibility. (Model for sale)

ICE Sprint 26. Non electric folding recumbent trike from 2014.

Urban Arrow Flatbed transporting folded ICE Sprint 26 trike.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

On Wed lots of other two wheelers on A93 to Braemar. (54miles round trip). Recliner = low energy = comfort, plus only fun road bike I have 😆! Steepest bit slow but Strava average. Downhill rapido. Av 14.5mph twice by Glenshee Ski. Well done to Peak Tour LeJoG riders 80 mile ride slogging up north.

Glenshee Ski Centre with M5 CHR parked against snow pole.

Old military road near Braemar heading south towards Cairnwell.

Strava board of time taken to ride over Cairnwell by those that care to use Strava. Fastest are crazily fast. 350 riders in 2026 so far.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

You did however break free ⛓️ from the chain gangs and tackle Talla ahead of the crowd. 👏 👏 👍 Your Optma didn't need to draft of course, as aero profile way lower than uprights saving you lots of watts. Did you not average 23mph + !? Optima moved on to UAs. Parts box arrived this week with logo.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Signs of renewables are everywhere in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 . Signs of renewal less so. Perth station must be one of the most decrepit city stations on ScotRail's network? One access ramp closed this morning. Leaky gutters and general neglect. Too many diesel trains surrounded by surplus electricity.

Massive wind turbine towers at Leith for offshore windfarm.

Prime agricultural land beside Bridge of Earn hosting solar panels.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Yesterday was helping at a big horse + People's Procession event from Holyrood Park up the High Street. Spotted a couple of our cargo bikes, taking families into park. Shop UA can also be seen parked in last shot. Ideal for keeping extras & packed lunch! Spent day being asked about buses & toilets!

Horses at Holyrood after the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches

Cycling family with two bikes on cycleway in Holyrood Park.

Nihola ekectric Family Trike in Holyrood Park.

Chinese an Ukranian participants at the 2026 People's Procession.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Chain is well hidden. The power side will go through a chain tube direct to right side of a Rohloff. Left side of hub links to a rear axle with differential I think. Chain return is guided up into a level tube beside frame with idlers to direct. Not a PERS chainless bike yet (as some ICE trikes are)

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Veloe offer a decent spec with Shimano equipment at competitive price point. Other colourways available with Bosch. Choose between Multi and Multi Lungo. Made in Milan 🇮🇹

Graphic showing both Veloe models in Espresso colours.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Yesterday caught up with one of our reclined trike users (with e-assist) & joined them for an 18 mile cycle into Glen Isla. Coffee & cake at the Glenshee (Lair) Cafe. Cycled 15 miles to cafe at 17mph av + 7.5 miles back 19mph av. M5 CHR a lot of fun to use. Non electric but low energy (sometimes!).

Glenshee Cafe with tractor and reclined bike parked in front.

Reclined e-trike with loch and boathouse in background.

Strava route to cafe via Bridge of Cally.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

People want stuff. I used to think it was just junk food but modern economy is all about delivering quickly. If it wasn't bikes, would be something else. Some places have pavements cluttered with robotic delivery caddies. Would rather have imperfect humans (like all of us). @workersobservatory.org

Guardian article about bike delivery 'gig economy'.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

Yesterday had to do a pick up at the Western and drop off a gluten free prescription for Mrs LB. • The day before it too over 30 mins to do the journey one way using a No. 22 bus with short walk. 🚌 • Yesterday it took half the time on the shop e-cargo, including a detour to Tollcross pharmacy.⚡️🚲 👍

Faster bike journey infographic from Strava.

Bike parks at Western General Hospital Edinburgh. Another red cargo bike parked at further away stand. A green Urban Arrow in foreground.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

There's no doubt that cycling would be poorer without @spokes.org.uk In the pre-web era they were central to getting things done and having some fun events too. Our daughter loved BikeFest in the Meadows around 2001. Ten years earlier Spokes campaigned to lift the ScotRail bike ban. Images (c)Spokes

Image of 'BikeFest' cycle parade on Princes Street in 2001. These were often led by 'Gandalf' on his home built recumbent bike.

Image from Spokes Lothian display board covering the lifting of the ScotRail bike ban in 1991.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Off road to Glen Tilt via Gleann Fearnach. Track gets rough then dissappears beside loch. 😆 But a decent non electric 29'r is the way to get through - light enough to carry. Wee paddle through river with boots hung on bars. Then easy run down to Blair Atholl for ☕️ 🍰 & back by Pitlochry & Moulin.

Grassy track with bike alongside going towards Beinn a' Ghlò

48 mile map of route around Southern Cairngorms.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

We don't get many 'Frozen' models here. Internet build for local family. Yes it is a toy but it seems to be liked. Bendy plastic brakes. 'Disney' work that well. 😆

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Veloe Lungo Multi heading out. New customers living out east. ❤️ Steps Assist. Steel frame made in 🇮🇹 Italy. 24" front 20" rear •Polisport MIK system rear seat. •Basil MIK system front basket (Rabbit secured with zip ties)

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

Your occasional reminder that your children can pedal with you too. From 2009 onwards we sold a few Circe Helios tandems. A brilliant short, adjustable tandem (generally unpowered). Also with cargo rack extra to swap with stoker saddle. Now though the market wants longtails like the Breeze it seems?

Circe Helios separable compact tandem with Steps E-assist.

Urban Arrow Breeze longtail cargo bike with Bosch E-assist.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Livin' on a prayer! 😆 Bon Jovi are playing on an Edinburgh Festival Friday. The trams aren't fully functional. Buses are stacked up in George St. 🎶 🎵 New UAs needed moving to storage near Haymarket. Borrowed Brompton was handy to carry along with extras. Colleague does have big s/h van but non LEZ.

Map of urban cycling routes from Marchmont to around Haymarket.

Brompton folding bike with Urban Arrows.

Brompton folding bike with accessory boxes loaded on an Urban Arrow cargobike.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Public transport priority meets driving reality at Cramond Brig. Now being overtaken by cyclists. 😆

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

First time on an Ember bus using old Forth Road (public transport and cycling/ walking) Bridge. Traffic jammed up on the new Queensferry Crossing. Bus running late on M90. Festival and Bon Jovi Murrayfield concert coincide. 🌙 🌚 🌔

View of Queensferry Crossing bridge from Ember bus.

View of Forth Rail Bridge from Ember bus.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

The Leamington Lift bridge is planned to be a centre feature of developments around the canal. A favourite cut through by cyclists heading towards Meadows. Architects impression of 'Leamington Square' project. (c) 7N Architects

Architects impression of Leamington Square project. (c) 7N Architects

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Direct but 'not quite right' Fountainbridge infrastrucure. Observed while moving tyres to garage. • Avoid steps - cycle on grass • Use 'not quite joined' Grove St. one way cycle crossing - cycle on pavement • Be aware that traffic can turn right as you go straight ahead. @spokes.org.uk @edi.bike

Photo of cargobike, loaded with tyres at the steps on way to Leamington Lift Bridge, Edinburgh.

Photo of cargobike, loaded with tyres at the cycle crossing at Grove St, Fountainbridge, Edinburgh.

Strava map showing direct route to Grove Street as designed in structure plan.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Todays reward. Looking towards Cairngorms from moor.

Evening view of Highland road crossing moor.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Short day at shop meant maximum bike shuffling (with ghosting) around our miniscule shop and storage. Did a nice route along Temple Park which is now an unofficial 'play street'. Young boarders & skaters ❤️ the smooth surface and have chalked up their appreciation. 🌞

Urban Arrow Breeze with 1960s Raleigh as a 'ghosting' companion. Urban tenemented street with children playing evident in background.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

So anyone want a well looked after Czech 🇨🇿 made Azub full suspension TiFly trike? One of only two in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ! Features titanium 'active' front wheel frame and fully equipped with Rohloff and dynamo lights. Joe's Bike Garage can electrify. Folds as well. Go on... you know you want it! 👍 (£3k ono)

Image of rare 'hand made in Czechia' aluminum and titanium folding full suspension, fully equipped trike. Grey frame with red detailing. Rohloff, Schlumpf gearing with SON lights front and rear. Azub TiFly = The 💪 Works.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Laid Back Shop will open after 11.30 today as travelling down to city this morning. Sorry for any inconvenience caused. Family visit on at moment. Multi-modal commute using Urban Arrow over Moulin moor. So easy. Lots of traffic going to Kirkmichael Highland Show. Daughter has entered a cake 🎂

Urban Arrow cargo bike on Highland road. Hills in background

Urban Arrow at Pitlochry Station bike racks.

LNER train arrives once a day heading to London King's Cross

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Back on train north. Parked folder beside touring bike with huge panniers on. ScotRail IC7s level bike space is great. Thanks @spokes.org.uk campaigning! these trains have four level and two hanging spaces. Folders don't need booked. Only gripe. Couldn't activate return m-ticket on ScotRail app. 😞

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

🎪 Mission improbable. □ Meet customer after taking their Czech custom made bike into Waverley which has an e-bike parking ban. □ Carry folding Azub recumbent bike to load onto Lumo train. □ Watch Lumo refuse a cello but honour their 'folding bikes ok on board' policy. Mission accomplished. 👍

Azub folding bike ready to go on Lumo train.

Urban Arrow e-cargo bike in Waverley station with bike racks and Lumo train in background.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Monday was gridlock by Aberfeldy and Kirkmichael as A9 traffic diverted to go round closure at Dunkeld. HGVs were still thundering by roadside cottages at 10pm as huge backlog. 😠 Faster parallel rail exists but single track. Time it was upgraded to reduce road reliance. @futureeconscot.bsky.social

Facebook Image of Road Closed at Dunkeld sign from Traffic Scotland

Map of Ember E-bus route from Pitlochry to Perth on A9 - around 42 minutes

Map of ScotRail route from Pitlochry to Perth on Highland Line - around 32 minutes

Comparison of train versus bus showing a 10 minute saving. A9 will have roadworks for several years as this section is improved. Ideal time for modal change.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Ember now have eight Inverness buses on detour by Aberfeldy. If you're heading from Pitlochry to Perth or vice versa the train is good option although these will be packed.

Live map screenshot of Ember e-bus diversions between Perth to Pitlochry due to A9 blockage.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Bus travel is great - but reliant on main roads staying open. Crash at Hermitage / Dunkeld has blocked A9. We're on Ember bus and can see on tracking four E-buses off route near Aberfelldy running 80 minutes late. Another stream of traffic going south via A924 and A93 through Kirkmichael.

Map of Ember e-buses diverted due to crash on A9.

Map of Ember e-buses diverted due to crash on A9 with predicted timing.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

If you want to discover how easy cycling is, run a half marathon! 😆 Raising money for www.peoplesfundraising.com/fundraising/... Working in 🇵🇸 🇺🇦 and more. Please donate 🙏 if you can! 21km from Prestonpans to Musselburgh 130mins. Daughter as escort. Coast road closed - many participants took train.

Father and daughter at Half Marathon Finish at Musselburgh Race Course

Prestonpans station with hundreds of runners on way to start of run at Meadowmill Sports Centre, Tranent.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Final folding post of the day. Brompton with Origami to compare unfolded. The former is really two thirds the size. Each have their merits.

Brompton folding bike alongside Azub Origami for comparison.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Not a fake shot. The bag really does contain the Azub with seat. 😆

Azub Origami folding recumbent bike in 'travel' bag (not for carrying too far).

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Yes... it is possible... seat is in but possibly easier to carry without in a separate bag. 👍

Azub Origami folding recumbent bike in travel bag (just).

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

How does the Azub fold... ? Probably most compact recliner on market. The custom underseat bags keep weight central and frees up the rack. There's a carrying bag too.

Azub Origami folding recumbent bike - folded with no tools required.

Azub Origami folding recumbent bike with underseat bag.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Cycling variety - only at LB. 🌞 A busy festival Saturday at the Capital's tiniest bike shop. Cargobikes do children & dogs. Test riding Urban Arrow Family + Breeze models 🇳🇱 from Netherlands. Azub Origami folding recliner handmade in 🇨🇿 Czech Republic. Bike skills on first time ride for BW mechanic.

Urban Arrow Breeze with two children on rear seat.

Urban Arrow Family with dog sat in front bucket

Azub Origami on test ride with mechanic from the Bicycle Works.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Cargobike - the natural choice for your family! 🌞 Test rides available.

Urban Arrow Breeze with two children on rear seat on test ride at Laid Back Bikes.

Urban Arrow Family with dog sitting in bucket.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Is Edinburgh Airport the best connected public transport hub in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿? Certainly feels like that from an Ember bus. Edinburgh Airport: 15.8 million passengers per annum. Edinburgh Waverley + Haymarket: around 26 million. Buses at door & tram short walk. @edinburghbug.bsky.social @davemccraw.bsky.social

Landscape view looking over to Edinburgh Airport with Forth Bridges in background and Park & Ride foreground.

View from window of an Ember bus approaching Edinburgh airport with parked planes in background.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

VOI bikes are now officially the fastest way to get across the city! Loads on tap beside festival venues. 🚲 🚴‍♂️ 🚲 🚴‍♂️

VOI rental bikes for hire at Edinburgh's Festivals. Made by Segway. They work.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Today's variety. Another UA x 2 out on city streets. Our e-trike out for an hour's test riding round Merchiston and Fountainbridge. Thanks to @banzaiedinburgh.bsky.social for introducing cargo bike choices to families around here.

Urban Arrow cargobike crossing Viewforth Bridge with Buroughmuir School in background

ICE e-trike front view with tenement in background

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Friday mayhem in the city centre doesn't hold up cycling too much. Run to Stockbridge using the the New Town 'LTNs'. Back up to George Street which is now a bus park. 🐌 🐌 🐌 🐌 Then round to Post Office. ebikes.scot bikes queuing in Forrest Rd. Then Meadows to LB via Tarvit St... NOW OPEN! (sort of).🎊

Custom e-bikes stuck behind a parked van at Post Office in Forrest Road

Strava map of pick up and delivery run using an e-cargo bike. Faster than a van but less popular as speed is not everything! Much better to sit in queuing traffic moaning about other drivers 🙄

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

LB Shop classic Raleigh with 3 speed Sturmey Archer. With a rear rack and swept back bars. Brooks saddle. Trade in from a customer in Lenzie.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

Broxden Park & Ride Perth is really too small for buses. 🚌🚍🚌 🚍🚌 🚍 McGill's Flix, Ember and CityLink compete in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 ... every inch is taken. P&R is also too narrow for buses to pass each other at entry (!) Lack of forward planning = slower travel. @scotnational.bsky.social @futureeconscot.bsky.social

Rival buses at Broxden. Two green diesel Flix buses on left with electric Ember bus on right of shot. Cars pass by in foreground.

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@LaidBackBikes @laidbackbikes.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Reviving rail. www.thenational.scot/news/2642771... "The A82 suffers congestion like the A9 with demand from locals, tourists & industry from Inverness & Fort William. Rail could remove pressure while offering panoramic views." (Edit) In 1900s slow travel was popular! Still is ...stuck in traffic. 😆

Viaduct above Letterfinlay on disused 'Great Glen' railway.

Map of railway with tickets to Fort Augustus and Loch Ness from Am Baile website. https://www.ambaile.org.uk/asset/49106/

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