Cycling UK's impact in Aberdeenshire

Through initiatives like the Aberdeenshire Bothy and the Cycle Access Fund (CAF), we’re helping residents overcome barriers to cycling and fostering a culture of cycling for short, everyday journeys.

Our recent showcase event at the Newton Dee Camphill Community in Aberdeen brought together local residents, community leaders, and Cycling UK team members to celebrate these achievements and discuss future opportunities. 

The event highlighted Cycling UK’s efforts across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire and offered attendees the chance to hear directly from programme participants and local collaborators. 

Aberdeenshire Bothy

Since its launch in 2019, the Aberdeenshire Bothy has been at the forefront of Cycling UK’s mission to make cycling accessible to everyone. This award-winning initiative provides skills training, confidence-building activities, and community events to help residents embrace cycling as a way of life.

Key achievements 2023-24:

• Delivered 228 cycling activities and six health walks, engaging over 1,400 participants.
• Hosted 44 led rides, 32 better biking sessions, and 101 family cycling sessions, helping participants improve fitness and confidence while discovering new local routes.
• Won the 2023 Scottish Transport Award for Excellence in Walking, Public Realm, and Cycling. 

Case study: James (Jim) Mortimer 

At 70, Jim was seeking a way to regain his fitness after health issues and Covid-19 lockdowns halted his running. He discovered the Bothy’s led rides in Ellon via a Facebook post and quickly became a regular participant. 

These weekly rides became a cornerstone of his routine, helping him regain fitness, confidence, and social connections.

Jim has since returned to running, pedaling up hills he once struggled with, and even uses his bike for local errands. “I love the whole atmosphere of the Bothy and the activities,” he says. Jim has also become a volunteer Walk Leader and encourages others to join the rides.

Case study: Norma Edwards 

Norma’s cycling journey transformed after attending an Aberdeenshire Bothy presentation in 2022. Once hesitant to ride after moving to Scotland, she gained confidence through the Bothy’s beginner-friendly rides and bike maintenance workshops. 

Norma now cycles to work, plans and leads community rides, and uses her e-bike for everyday trips, saying:

The Bothy rides helped hugely with my confidence. I’m now cycling for social visits, work, and recreation—and I’ve even become a volunteer Ride Leader

Funded in part by Paths for All under the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme, the Bothy aligns with Aberdeenshire Council’s goals for reducing car journeys and supporting healthier lifestyles. 

Cycle Access Fund

The Cycle Access Fund (CAF) builds on the success of Cycling UK’s previous initiatives, Access Bikes and the Cycle Share Fund, to expand cycling access across Aberdeenshire.  

Launched in 2024, the CAF combines the best elements of these earlier programmes, providing grants for individual ownership, shared-use cycles, recycling, and repairs. This comprehensive approach makes cycling more accessible to a wider audience in Aberdeenshire and beyond.

Access Bikes impact (2022-2024):

• £108,000 in funding: Through Access Bikes, we supported six organisations across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, funding cycles, repairs, and necessary equipment for individuals facing economic challenges.
• Over 75 cycles provided: Including recycled bikes, making cycling affordable and practical for those who needed it most.

Participant testimonials:

My cycle is essential to my independence; I wouldn’t be able to get out as much without it

Aberdeen Foyer participant

Thanks to this scheme, I’m now commuting by bike, saving on fuel and tax

Gordon Rural Action participant

Now, as part of the new Cycle Access Fund structure, local organisations are receiving funding to support various types of cycle access across the Nestrans region, helping more people cycle affordably for everyday journeys.

Cycling UK is continuing its impactful work in Aberdeenshire with both the Aberdeenshire Bothy and CAF:

• Aberdeenshire Bothy: To date, the Bothy has delivered over 250 cycling activities and 20 Health Walks.
• CAF: Ongoing funding supports regional organisations in providing cycles, repairs, and training, helping over 60 new participants across the Nestrans area so far this year.

Award-winning recognition and continued success

The Aberdeenshire Bothy’s success was celebrated with a win at the 2023 Scottish Transport Awards in the “Excellence in Walking, Public Realm, and Cycling” category. This award recognises the positive impact of the Bothy on local active travel. 

Participant testimonials:

The Bothy has transformed how I use my bike—it’s now part of my everyday life

Bike maintenance workshops were brilliant. I now feel confident tackling basic repairs

Community leaders:

The Aberdeenshire Bothy is a model for encouraging cycling within the community. This award is a testament to its transformative impact

Cllr Alan Turner, Infrastructure Services Committee Chair

Projects like the Bothy address one of the biggest barriers to cycling—confidence—and empower people to make lasting changes

Cllr Isobel Davidson, Vice-Chair

This award is a fantastic acknowledgment of the impact the Bothy has had on people’s lives. Our team and volunteers are dedicated to supporting anyone who wants to cycle, and we’re thrilled to see the difference it’s making in Aberdeenshire

Cycling UK’s Suzanne Forup, head of behaviour change and development Scotland

Join us in creating lasting change

Cycling UK remains committed to working with Aberdeenshire Council, Nestrans, Paths for All, and other partners to promote cycling and active travel. With each programme, we’re helping build a more sustainable, healthy, and connected community.