A Brief History of Cycling

1920s-1930s

Scots could purchase a bike for around £4 for their commute to work.

1939-1945

The Women’s Land Army in Scotland extensively use bicycles to move around the countryside during WW2.

1952

The Scottish National Cyclists’ Union (SNCU), the Scottish Cyclists’ Union (SCU) and Scottish Amateur Cycling Association (SACA) amalgamate to form the Scottish Cyclists’ Union (SCU); now known as Scottish Cycling.

1961

Ken Laidlaw of Hawick Cycling Club becomes the first Scot to finish the Tour de France.

1982

At six years old, Edinburghborn Sir Chris Hoy MBE is inspired to start riding a BMX after seeing the film E.T. He is later recognised as the world’s most successful track cyclist with six Olympic gold medals, two Commonwealth and 11 World titles.

1984

Robert Millar (above) finishes fourth in the Tour de France, winning the coveted polka dot King of the Mountains jersey.

1993

‘Flying Scotsman’ and time trial specialist Graeme Obree (below) breaks the World Hour Record (51.596km) on his ‘Old Faithful’ bike, and is crowned UCI World

1990s

From Sutherland to Dumfries & Galloway, pioneering trail builders begin the evolution of Scotland’s world class mountain bike trails.

2004

Paisley-born Paralympian

Aileen McGlynn OBE (above) breaks the flying 200m women’s tandem world record, with her pilot Ellen Hunter. She goes on to win a haul of records and medals, including eight golds in Paralympic Games, UCI Para-Cycling World Championships on road and track, and European Championship competitions.

2005

The official opening of the purpose built 7stanes mountain biking trail network (Glentress/ Innerleithen, Ae, Mabie, Kirroughtree, Dalbeattie, Glentrool and Newcastleton) within Forestry and Land Scotland forests (below).

2007

Borders ace Ruaridh Cunningham becomes the first British rider to be crowned Men Junior UCI Downhill Mountain Bike Champion at the UCI World Champs at Nevis Range.

2009

After a short-lived career in athletics, Aberdeen’s Neil Fachie OBE enters the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championship for the first time. With his pilot, he takes the first two of many gold medals, setting a new world record in the Kilo.

2011

Peebles Cycling Club (PCC) becomes the largest mountain bike kids’ club in the United Kingdom with almost 100 young riders joining each week. The club is still going strong.

2013

Scottish cyclist Katie Archibald MBE (right) makes her GB debut at the European Track Championships, winning the gold medal in the Team Pursuit, and breaking the record twice. Today, she has a haul of 20 golds at the European Track Championships, an all-time record.

2017

Scottish long-distance rider Mark Beaumont sets a new world record for cycling round the world, completing the over 18,000-mile journey in 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes.

2018

Highland lass Jenny Graham smashes the women’s around the world cycling record, completing her self-supported 18,413-mile journey in just 124 days!

2020

Borders man Reece Wilson (above) blasts down the course to win the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Leogang, Austria.

2020

The late Rab Wardell, coach and Commonwealth Games cyclist, sets a new West Highland Way record (96 miles) of just 9 hours, 14 minutes and 32 seconds.

2022

91-year-old cyclist Rita Montgomery receives the prized Scottish Cycling Badge of Honour from Scottish Cycling, in recognition of a lady who championed women’s cycling in Scotland long before it was popular or given parity.

2023

The UCI Cycling World Championships takes place for the first time in Glasgow and across Scotland.

GLASGOW: A UCI BIKE CITY SINCE 2019

Glasgow’s vision is to create a vibrant bike-friendly city where cycling is accessible, safe and attractive to all. This vision is part of an overall effort to make the city more liveable, and has led to the development of a new Transport Strategy, Active Travel Strategy and Liveable Neighbourhoods Plan. By delivering a practical city network and encouraging positive community engagement, Glasgow is transforming its streets into welcoming environments for all bike users. Residents are encouraged to choose active travel as their preferred means of transport, in line with the city’s ambitious goal of achieving net zero carbon by 2030.

The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be a catalyst in Glasgow and throughout Scotland to inspire real and lasting change in people’s approach to cycling as a sport, a healthy transport solution and a powerful tool against climate change and other global threats.