Members of the Council’s Transport and Environment Committee were treated to a training session from the Cargo Bike Movement in the Meadows before setting off for the City Chambers with the Running Out of Time baton. Here, they were presented Edinburgh-specific ‘climate warming stripes’, which were created by the University of Reading and demonstrate the progressive heating of the city.

This is one of a series of events in the Capital to help celebrate Clean Air Day, which this year highlights the impact poor air quality can have on our mental health.

Air pollution causes up to 36,000 deaths in the UK and while its effects on physical health, such as asthma, heart disease and cancer, are widely known, recent research has revealed that it can also damage the brain and the mind.

Councillor Scott Arthur, Transport and Environment Convener, said:

“We all want to be able to breathe clean air, but Clean Air Day really brings home the damage air pollution can have on both physical and mental health, particularly that of the most vulnerable members of society.

Through initiatives like the Low Emission Zone, schemes to support cleaner business fleets and improving electric vehicle infrastructure the Council is working to reduce polluting vehicles, but it’s also about changing the way we travel.

Joining in on the Running Out of Time relay highlights how far we need to go to tackle climate change, and road traffic is one of the biggest sources of carbon emissions here. By investing in projects to support more sustainable travel by foot, bike or public transport – whether it’s completing the tram line to Newhaven or improving walking and cycling routes – we’re paving the way to achieve our Net Zero 2030 goals.”

Running out of Time co-founder Dan Thompson said:

“There’s a lot of negativity and fear around climate change but what we wanted to do was to change the narrative to celebrate and highlight the sterling work already being carried on around the UK to inspire others that it is worthwhile trying to change the status quo and take action.

The relay will use the power of sport to literally connect the many incredible projects taking place with an unbroken chain of participants.”

The annual Clean Air Day campaign encourages people to learn more about the effects of air pollution and to take action to reduce their own impact, for example by leaving the car at home and making journeys by foot, bike or public transport.

Throughout the week we have been sharing our own efforts to improve air quality, beginning on Monday, when the Transport Convener presented local tour company Rabbie’s with a certificate to celebrate them becoming the 300th member of Edinburgh’s ECO Stars scheme. ECO Stars helps companies to run fleets in the most efficient and green way.

On Tuesday, we joined with Spokes to help host the first Bike Breakfast since 2019. Here, Living Streets, Sustrans and other organisations were on hand to share information on walking, wheeling and cycling in Edinburgh and Police Scotland and the Bike Co-op provided bike checking and security advice.

On Wednesday we unveiled five brand new fully-electric bin lorries – the first in the Council’s fleet.

Later this week, on Saturday, we’ll be supporting the Edinburgh Canal Festival with information and advice on active travel and on how you can take part in our consultation on actions to deliver Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan.

Find out more about Clean Air Day and the Running Out of Time relay. Take part in the consultation on actions to deliver Edinburgh’s City Mobility Plan.