Car Club recommendations - Edinburgh

maggiesoup

Due to congestion and roadworks everywhere in Edinburgh I've given up my car.  I can cycle to most places but with the weather beginning to turn I must consider other forms of transport for the two or three times a week I need a car for a few hours.  Any suggestions either Car Club or anything else not open to the elements!

Herzlos

The only one I'm aware of is https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/carclub

But some of the car rental places can do short term rentals if you live near one. The price of rental cars is a bit crazy at the moment though so you're probably cheaper going for a combination of bus/tram/train/taxi.

daveyjp

I can recommend Enterprise Car Club.  I have access to their vehicles as pool cars and never had an issue using them.

JohnM5206

really good bus service might fill the gap?

maggiesoup

The  problem is that I have appointments at a certain time and I can't rely on public transport to get me there.  The bike is fantastic as I can go in bus lanes & no problems parking but, like last night in torrential rain, I got soaked to the skin but got there on time!

custardy

maggiesoup said:

The  problem is that I have appointments at a certain time and I can't rely on public transport to get me there.  The bike is fantastic as I can go in bus lanes & no problems parking but, like last night in torrential rain, I got soaked to the skin but got there on time!

time to invest in good water proof cycling gear.
I used to be a 365 day a year cycle commuter across Edinburgh.

maggiesoup

Indeed, and a high viz vest and LOTS of lights.  I'll look like a Christmas tree but I'll get there for a car does !

sheramber

My son cycles to work through Edinburgh all year.  He says it is quicker than driving as he avoids all the traffic jams.

The only time he gets a lift is in strong winds and uses the bus in snow.

He does wear cycling gear and has a change of clothes to change into at work.

maggiesoup

Yes, I have to say there is a huge sense of oneupmanship when I cruise passed a long line of traffic and moreso as cycles are allowed to go right to the front at traffic lights.  Although I can't say I felt that on Tuesday late afternoon in the horizontal rain with my glasses steaming up!  Would have quite liked to have been in a nice warm car.
Heyho, can't have it both ways   

Herzlos

custardy said:

maggiesoup said:

The  problem is that I have appointments at a certain time and I can't rely on public transport to get me there.  The bike is fantastic as I can go in bus lanes & no problems parking but, like last night in torrential rain, I got soaked to the skin but got there on time!

time to invest in good water proof cycling gear.
I used to be a 365 day a year cycle commuter across Edinburgh.

It's still nice to occasionally turn up to something dry and not sweaty.

I can cycle to work because there are showers and a change of clothes there, but I can't say I'd do the same if I was visiting a hospital, or business meeting somewhere else.

Sometimes it'd be nice to take a passenger, or a cake or something and have it arrive dry and in tact, too.