Scotland’s Stories 2018–2019 Working with communities to enable more people to cycle for everyday journeys
Introduction Big Bike Revival Scotland 2018–19 The Big Bike Revival is all about supporting people to get back on their bikes and to cycle regularly. In its third year, the project has once again inspired thousands of people in Scotland to take up cycling. The Big Bike Revival has enabled people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to get cycling, and feel the benefits that come along with that. From improved mental wellbeing to closer community ties, and from promoting physical health to building friendships, cycling really can change lives. The people who know local communities best are those who live, work and play there, which is why we support local groups to run cycling activities in their own areas. Our team of seven locally-based development officers ensures that hands-on support is available to every group taking part in the Big Bike Revival. We aim to reach people in the most disadvantaged communities, who are less likely to cycle. This year, 25% of participating groups were from Scotland’s most deprived neighbourhoods (SIMD, 2016).
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Through our grassroots approach, in 2018/19 we provided support, advice and funding to 105 fantastic community groups and organisations. Forty of these groups received specialist training to upskill them to deliver cycling activities. We had a huge programme of Big Bike Revival events, with over 20,000 people taking part in cycling activities. From Shetland to the Scottish Borders, people right across Scotland were given the encouragement to start making journeys by bike. Our support doesn’t end there; we encourage groups to make their impact sustainable through our Community Cycle Club scheme – which provides tailored support and access to training, insurance and networking opportunities. We’re proud to have a network of 115 Community Cycle Clubs across Scotland. We hope you’ll enjoy reading the stories of some of the individuals and groups that have felt the positive benefits of riding their bikes.
The Big Bike Revival across Scotland
Big Bike Revival Groups Community Cycle Clubs
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Cycling to better wellbeing Peloton Wheels Sometimes cycling groups aren’t really about cycling. Riding a bike is also a way to help people improve their lives.
The diverse group of women who took part included several who hadn’t cycled for decades, some with low cycling confidence and others who wanted to overcome previous negative experiences.
“Cycling is another tool for improving women’s confidence, their self-esteem and for building social connections.” So says Jane Milne, a women’s wellbeing coach and leader of Peloton Wheels cycling group.
Jane recognised that cycling groups can sometimes be intimidating. Therefore, every session ended with an open conversation, so that the women could share their experiences during the ride in a supportive space. This acted as a springboard to talk about challenges in life more generally as well.
Through Big Bike Revival activities, the group has supported women to tackle isolation, boost their self-confidence and even overcome panic attacks. This isn’t a group for super-keen cyclists, but rather those looking for a welcoming environment to give cycling a go. As Jane explains: “It’s all about the joy of being on your bike with other people who are all there to support each other.” Before the Big Bike Revival, the group was just an idea in Jane’s head. She liked the idea of creating a wellbeing group around cycling, but wasn’t sure where to start. She was introduced to her local Big Bike Revival Development Officer, who helped her to put together a plan. Over the summer, the group ran sessions over four weeks, supporting participants to learn basic cycling skills and build confidence. 4
The group’s inclusive ethos was always to the fore, Jane says: “When you’re in a little group and somebody gets a puncture, we all have a laugh about it and support each other. Doing it on your own isn’t as much fun!” As the sessions went by, the progress was plain to see. Jane picks out one woman in particular: “She started not being able to go out and cycle at all. By the end, she was actually encouraging and supporting some of the others who’d never cycled before.” Big Bike Revival support also enabled the group to access training including Cycle Ride Leader and Roadside Repair, to ensure they can continue running social rides.
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When you’re in a little group and somebody gets a puncture, we all have a laugh about it and support each other. Doing it on your own isn’t as much fun!” Jane Milne, Peloton Wheels
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Owen finds his confidence HOPE for Autism Owen is 11 years old and on the autistic spectrum. Fear held him back from cycling without stabilisers, until Big Bike Revival sessions helped him find his balance, and his confidence. Owen’s mum, Jen, explains that he struggles to maintain focus on anything – other than computer games! – and that his balance isn’t terribly good. At one of the sessions Owen attends at local charity HOPE for Autism in Airdrie, Jen heard about their cycling lessons, which are part of the Big Bike Revival.
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“Owen has had a bike since he was three,” says Jen, “and whilst he could ride one with stabilisers ok, he wasn’t always terribly keen.” She goes on: “As he got bigger, we got him a bigger bike without stabilisers, but his overwhelming fear or something – I’m not exactly sure what his thought process was, but something stopped him from even getting onto a bike without stabilisers. This bike just stood in the garage for two years, and he refused to go anywhere near it. He reverted right the way back.” When Owen did finally venture onto the two-wheeled bike, his mum explains it didn’t go very well: “His thought process
After less than an hour he was cycling by himself. He was over the moon! That bike that’s sat there for nearly three years, he can now get out and about on!” Owen’s mum, Jen
was so negative, it was going into overdrive and his balance was really unsteady. I was trying to hold him as we were going around the garden, which wasn’t easy as he’s a big boy – he’s the same height as me. “As much as I’m trying to stay calm and keep him calm, it just wasn’t working.” This was when Jen remembered the cycling sessions.
“He was over the moon with himself! That bike that’s sat there for nearly three years, he can now get out and about on! “My aim is to get a bike myself so that we can all go out together. It’ll be nice to get Owen away from computer games for an hour! It’ll be the ‘Three Amigos’ all out on their bikes shortly!”
She took Owen along and left him in the capable hands of Majella and Sarah from HOPE for Autism, who she can’t praise highly enough: “Their input and their skills were a million miles away from what I was doing – after less than an hour he was cycling by himself!”
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2018/19 in numbers
2018–2019 in numbers
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20,234 PEOPLE TOOK PART
714 Dr Bike/ M-check sessions
128 led rides
6 bike donation/ swap events
5 learn to cycle events
10 security bike marking/safety sessions
7 free bike hire/loan events
14 accessible bike try-out sessions
24 confidence-building sessions
17 family cycling sessions
22 electric bike try-outs
5 journey planning sessions
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Community Cycle Clubs across Scotland
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organisations funded, including 50 for the first time
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25% of groups supported
in the most deprived neighbourhoods in Scotland (SIMD, 2016)
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groups upskilled through specialist training
LedLed rides andand bikebike maintenance sessions increase people’s confidence rides maintenance sessions increase people’s andconfidence skills, which leads to increased levels of cycling:levels of cycling: and skills, which leads to increased One of the ladslads enjoyed the cycle maintenance aspect of “One of young the young enjoyed the cycle maintenance theaspect Big Bike Revival – he’s now using his bike to get to and to from of the Big Bike Revival – he’s now using his bike college. He knows how much money he’s saving travelling from get to and from college. He knows how much money he’s Barrhead college.”from Barrhead to college.” savingto travelling LEAP event in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire LEAP event in Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire People challenge their assumptions by trying out accessible and e-bikes: It was my first time on anassumptions electric bike,by and I was, t best, sceptical People challenge their trying out aaccessible and at first! However, wasfirst verytime impressed! It would make my e-bikes: “It wasI my on an electric bike, and I was, otherwise possible.” at best, impossible sceptical atcommute, first! However, I was very impressed! It Getting Better event in Shotts, North Lanarkshire would makeTogether my otherwise impossible commute, possible.”
Getting Better Together event in Shotts, North Lanarkshire The Big Bike Revival can be the start of something much bigger! It started a train of events, because it was an enormous success! Bike the start of something muchSo bigger! WeThe hadBig over 50Revival adults can andbe youngsters on the led ride… that started a train of events, because it wassomething an enormous just“It led to Bute Community Cycling becoming much more permanent on the The Big Revival grant, success! We had overisland. 50 adults andBike youngsters on thefor ledus, justride… launched something.” So that just led to Bute Community Cycling becoming something much moreevent permanent on theBute island. The Big Bike Bute Community Cycling in Rothesay, Revival grant, for us, just launched something.” 9 Bute Community Cycling event in Rothesay, Bute
Breaking down barriers Aberdeen Multicultural Centre A group in Aberdeen is taking part in the Big Bike Revival to bring people together and break down obstacles to cycling. There are many barriers that prevent people in his local area from taking up cycling, according to Dr Narayan Shrestha from the Aberdeen Multicultural Centre (AMC). “For some people it’s a lack of confidence; others don’t know good local cycle routes or how to maintain their bike,” he explains. “Some people don’t have access to a bike at all.” AMC is a local charity that encourages integration and co-operation between communities within the city and promotes the sharing of different cultures and languages. As part of this work, the organisation helps to break down barriers and encourage people to cycle. Having first taken part in the Big Bike Revival in 2016, their cycling activities – and the interest in them – have grown and grown. AMC are also part of the Cycling UK Community Cycle Club scheme, through which members have received training – including Cycle Ride Leader and First Aid. Dr Shrestha says this has given 10
them increased skills and confidence to help others to take up cycling. It’s also supported them to run their cycling activities throughout the year. As part of their Big Bike Revival activities in 2018, AMC held a multicultural bike rally, with a host of activities taking place. This attracted participants from a diverse mix of economic and cultural backgrounds, all of whom were keen to give cycling a go. The event was an opportunity for people to have a free Dr Bike check-up, get tips on safe cycling techniques and find out about good cycling routes in Aberdeen. Everyone then headed off on a group ride that was designed to be accessible for all. Dr Shrestha has seen first-hand the impact of helping people to overcome barriers to cycling. He explains: “People are now being more active and keeping fit. Now, they go by bike instead of taking the car – for example many of our members are cycling to the shops, which also reduces fuel bills.” With the undoubted enthusiasm of Dr Shrestha and his fellow group members, and with a variety of activities on offer, the demand from people to try cycling seems unlikely to slow down anytime soon.
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People are now being more active and keeping fit. Now, they go by bike instead of taking the car – for example many of our members are cycling to the shops.” Dr Narayan Shrestha, Aberdeen Multicultural Centre
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The grassroots approach Development Officer Q&A Our seven locally-based development officers are key to the Big Bike Revival’s grassroots approach, providing hands-on support and guidance to community groups right across Scotland. Here, three of them – Jeff, Ralph and Esmond – share their thoughts on what makes the project special.
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How would you describe your role? Jeff: We work with a wide range of local groups, third sector organisations, religious communities and so on. We find out what their problems are – it could be lack of community cohesion and poor health, or more specific things pertaining to getting local people on bikes. We then tailor a programme of support that meets the needs of that group. Esmond: Cycling ticks a lot of boxes in terms of health and social benefits, but I often get people involved by promoting just hanging out with your pals on your bike!
What kind of support do you provide? Ralph: Sometimes groups just need a little spark of inspiration to get started. We provide lots of advice and help with the planning of events. We’re also on hand with practical support, like showing people local routes to get from A to B on a bike safely and confidently. Esmond: We can provide free access to training, to make sure you have the skills and knowledge you need. This might be Cycle Ride Leader training, so you feel confident to lead a group ride, or Roadside Repair so you’ll be able to get home if someone has a puncture or minor mechanical issue. Jeff: Facilitating networking and promoting local cycling forums is an important part of the job too – putting local groups in touch so they can get strength and support from each other.
What do you enjoy most about the Big Bike Revival? Ralph: Spreading my passion for cycling, making a difference and seeing people smile! Esmond: Seeing the impact. I went along to an event at Kirknewton where they were having a bike swap, a Dr Bike, and loads of other activities to get people cycling. It was lovely to be directly in the community that I’d helped fund and to talk to local people. I really got to see the benefit of what was happening. What’s your advice to groups unsure about getting involved? Esmond: Start with what you’ve got – for example, a local bike shop that’s on board or a group of keen volunteers. Then identify what’s missing; Big Bike Revival support and funding can help to fill that gap. Just go for it! Use our support to give it a shot! Jeff: You don’t need to have done cycling activities in the past either, we support lots of groups who are getting involved for the first time. Get in touch with your local development officer to talk through your ideas and take it from there!
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Big developments on Bute Bute Community Cycling When Dave Hayes moved to the island of Bute in 2017, he envisaged spending his retirement relaxing. It hasn’t turned out quite like that … Dave has been a cyclist for years and he is keen to encourage everybody to get on a bike and have a go! This passion led him to identify a gap on Bute – a group to put on activities and events to galvanise people into riding a bicycle – and the idea of Bute Community Cycling was born. The problem? How to get the group off the ground.
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At this point, Dave was introduced to Ralph Jessop, the local Big Bike Revival (BBR) Development Officer with Cycling UK, and the idea of holding a BBR event on Bute was born. With a ‘nothing to lose’ attitude, Dave and a few like-minded friends formed the group and applied for a grant. In July 2018, Bute saw its first led ride from Rothesay town centre to the Mount Stuart Estate. On a beautiful summer day, over 50 adults and youngsters took part. “It was just an enormous success!” says Dave. The hugely positive feedback from the event encouraged Bute Community Cycling to establish themselves more permanently. The group’s committee of five started actively looking for funding,
I can’t highlight enough how important the Big Bike Revival was. It was the catalyst to develop something that we had in our heads, but didn’t know how to take the first steps. And to have the financial backing – otherwise it would have been really, really small.” Dave Hayes, Bute Community Cycling
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and thinking about how to encourage local people to take up cycling. They considered all the barriers people face, because as Dave notes: “For me, cycling is 75% confidence. It’s confidence being able to navigate through traffic; it’s confidence that if I go to the other side of the island, I’m alright if I get a puncture.”
Through much hard work, they’ve now managed to expand and secure significant funds, including from the National Lottery. They are working with local schools to establish cycle training for under sixes – the first on the island; and to refurbish over 60 bikes to lend out and store on the Mount Stuart Estate.
Through BBR, Bute Community Cycling have, to date, accessed a programme of training to upskill their members. But, Dave says, just as importantly, “it’s all about the connections – the networking.” For instance, through Cycling UK, the group met with Cycling Scotland and secured funding for three all-weather cycling repair stations.
Quite an achievement in nine months!
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Thank you to Transport Scotland for funding the Big Bike Revival in Scotland. www.facebook.com/CyclingUKScotland @CyclingUKScot #BigBikeRevival www.cyclinguk.org/bigbikerevival
Cycling UK is a trading name of Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC) a company limited by guarantee, registered in England no: 25185. Registered as a charity in England and Wales charity no: 1147607 and in Scotland charity no: SC042541. Registered office: Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX.