CYCLING UK’s Big Bike Revival, a national campaign in Scotland designed to encourage thousands of people to cycle for everyday journeys, is offering support to local community groups and volunteers in Stirling to get more people riding their bikes.

Established September 2016, the award-winning programme developed by Cycling UK and funded by Transport Scotland has been bringing bikes back into use and encouraging everyday cycle journeys in Scotland by offering free mechanics sessions, bike safety checks, confidence building classes, led rides, route planning and more.

Over six weeks in May and June, the Big Bike Revival partnered with 103 community groups and organisations to run around 500 cycling-themed events in every local authority area in Scotland which aimed to reignite people’s love of cycling.

In Stirling, local groups that participated in The Big Bike Revival included Callander Community Development Trust, Callander Youth Project, Braehead Primary School, Forth Valley Disability Sport, Recyke-a-Bike and Stirling Cycle Hub.

Events were varied and included electric bike taster sessions, route planning drop ins, led bike rides, bike maintenance workshops, adaptive cycle bike rides and even a bike-powered smoothie maker.

Danielle Fritzpatrick from Callander Youth Project said: “Callander Youth Project is very excited for the Big Bike Revival. Cycling is a quick, easy and cheap alternative to travel and most importantly – it is amazingly great fun.

"For our young people, BBR will help promote healthy living, build confidence in a skill and learn through new experiences. For us, it’s a no brainer.”

The initiative has reached thousands of people across the nation, and now that summer is here Cycling UK is looking to support local community groups, organisations and volunteers in Stirling to start their own cycling activities with community cycle clubs.

Community cycle clubs include family cycling clubs, groups that help build confidence and fitness for new riders, leisure riding, women’s groups or all-ability cycling clubs.

Every group is different and the Big Bike Revival team aims to support all kinds of community cycle clubs with whatever style of cycling they’d like to get involved with.

In 2016, Cycling UK worked with more than 50 groups to start their own cycling activities and this year is keen to work with another 50 organisations.

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands, said: “The Big Bike Revival, funded by Transport Scotland, has engaged thousands of people in cycling activities across the country in the past two years. Whether it’s led rides, or bike repair courses, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

"Cycling improves mental and physical health, offering a low cost and low carbon alternative to other modes of transport.

"More people on bikes means better air quality in our towns and cities by reducing the need to use motorised transport.

“We have steadily increased investment in walking and cycling since 2010, when our first Cycling Action Plan for Scotland was published.

"Our record level of spending on walking and cycling will continue for the duration of this Parliamentary term and we will continue working with partners, like Cycling UK, so that as many people as possible can enjoy the benefits of cycling and active travel.”

Community cycle clubs will be supported by their own Cycling UK Development Officer, and will be given free training and opportunities that include cycle ride leader, first aid and trailside repair courses.

Cycling groups will also benefit from affiliate membership to Cycling UK, free networking events to meet other likeminded people in their area, peer support and guidance, and of course the opportunity to enjoy cycling in a friendly, social group and help get more people riding from A to B.

Shona Morris, Big Bike Revival project manager said: “Since the Big Bike Revival was launched in September 2016, we’ve seen thousands of people attend our events across the length and breadth of Scotland and have been delighted at the positive feedback and comments from those who have dusted their bikes down and decided to get back in the saddle."