Access to Bikes for Young People
Cycling Scotland
Aberdeen City
Aberdeenshire
Increased access to bikes and opportunities to cycle
Increase proportion of journeys cycled
Referrals to road cycle training for young people
More positive attitude towards, and in support for, cycling
The project will align delivery with key delivery partners to ensure both scalability and value for money. A key priority focus will be working where there is new or existing cycling infrastructure to maximise connectivity and impact. Different bike loan and ownership models will be available to best meet the respective needs of the young people, ensuring inclusion and accessibility.
Funding will be directed to meet evidenced need and increase affordable access to bikes for children and young people who need a bike and would otherwise be unable to access one. This programme will enable continued delivery of the Access to Bikes for Young People Programme working with organisations and delivery partners experienced and successful in delivering the Transport Scotland Free Bikes pilot and Cycling Scotland Access to Bikes for young people fund with:
- increased access to bikes and opportunities to cycle, reducing inequalities.
- increased proportion of journeys cycled.
- more positive attitudes towards, and support for, cycling.
- referrals to other programmes such as Bikeability Scotland, the national cycle training programme for school children or equivalent on road cycle training for young people.
- the project will work with partner organisations, building on successful delivery models, to support young people by providing a bike or access to a bike.
- the project will provide support partner organisations with a framework for monitoring as well as expertise and guidance.
Find out more about Cycling Scotland's work across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire through the People & Place Fund
Project Updates
Quarter 4
This year Cycling Scotland worked with BeCycle, Dyce Academy, Loirston Primary and Tyred and Cranky to increase access to bikes for young people.
BeCycle have provided bikes and cycling support to 2 communities, Woodside in Aberdeen City and Kintore. In both areas they have been working with established partners to provide bike loans and ongoing maintenance young people they have identified in both communities. 34 bikes and associated accessories have been provided, 17 bikes for each site. The bike loan schemes are oversubscribed.
Dyce Academy received support to replace a fleet of bikes for school pupil use after their previous bike fleet was stolen. 15 new bikes and helmets have been provided to support 20 – 25 young people to ride to school. The school identified beneficiaries, and these include refugees from Ukraine as well as young people in deprived communities close to the school who would otherwise not have access to a bike.
Loirston Primary School’s Parent Council have worked with Cycling Scotland and the council to provide a fleet of 10 bikes as well as secure storage and cycle training accessories. Bikes have been purchased bikes and a contractor scheduled to install and fit out the storage container.
Tyred and Cranky have provided 45 responsibly sourced bikes to young people and families who would otherwise not have access to a bike. Good quality second hand bikes have been sourced and refurbished to a high standard. By providing good quality second hand bikes the project aims to reduce waste and to encourage re-use, leading by example.
By working with organisations embedded in their communities Cycling Scotland have been able to positively impact young people who would otherwise have been more difficult to identify. Supporting local organisations also provides longstanding support to those who have been provided with a bike.
Quarter 3
We are continuing to support previously awarded projects to deliver, including Dyce Academy, Tyred and Cranky and BeCycle.
Loirston Primary School are working in partnership with the parent council and a group of parents who are Cycle Trainers to deliver Bikeability 1 and 2. This partnership working has identified many pupils lack confidence cycling and do not own or have access to a bike. They have applied for a fleet of bikes, helmets and accessories and a container for storage to support pupils that don’t have access to a bike. There are plans to work with other local youth groups including scouts and guides groups.
Quarter 2
Dyce Academy project awarded and work to procure bikes underway following receipt of grant funding at end of August 2024.
The Access to Bikes project, developed in partnership with Tyred and Cranky, will provide 45 high-quality refurbished bikes to families and young people who otherwise would not have access to one. The recipients have been identified through collaborative efforts with various partner organisations that already have established relationships with these individuals. Partners include Active Schools Coordinators within educational settings and Aberdeen Foyer, working with the Vinery in Banff to support young people facing homelessness, unemployment, and poverty. Bikes will help recipients access educational and employment opportunities.
Application received from BeCycle for 30 bikes to meet requirements of approx. 60 beneficiaries working with Fersands and Fountain Community Project.
Quarter 1
Inception meeting held with Nestrans on 22nd May 2024.
A meeting was held with Cycling Scotland and Cyclehub to ensure alignment with other Nestrans Access to Bikes planned funded activity to benefit young people. Discussions underway with further and higher education institutions following up on successful relationships through Cycling Friendly campus programme. Project bid in development with Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC).
Dyce Academy has developed project bid to provide 30 children with access to a bike and request for funding.
Engagement with further schools to improve and install cycle storage facilities commenced June to be followed up on new school term.