Cycling UK’s impact in Lanarkshire

Through grants for bikes, equipment, and repairs, the fund has enabled individuals and community groups to adopt cycling for everyday journeys, improving their health, well-being, and social connections.

To highlight the success of the initiative, Cycling UK hosted a Cycle Access Fund Showcase at CamGlen Bike Town in Rutherglen on 3rd October 2024. The event brought together local residents, organisations, and partners to celebrate the lasting impact of cycling in the region. 

A brief history of the Cycle Access Fund

The Cycle Access Fund combines the best elements of two key initiatives—Access Bikes and the Cycle Share Fund—to maximise its impact.

• Access Bikes, launched in 2021, provided affordable bikes to low-income individuals. By 2022, the programme had evolved to offer grants to community organisations for purchasing bikes, proving highly successful.
• The Cycle Share Fund, introduced in 2023, enabled shared-use cycles, including e-bikes and non-standard cycles, allowing more people to experience cycling without the financial burden of ownership.

In 2024, the Cycle Access Fund streamlined these programmes, offering grants for individual ownership, shared-use cycles, recycling, and repairs, making cycling more accessible to a wider audience.

Access Bikes

Achievements in Lanarkshire

In the past year, before the transition to the Cycle Access Fund, Access Bikes achieved the following results in Lanarkshire:

• £46,000 awarded to six organisations
• £41,000 via the main fund
• £5,000 via the recycled fund
• 19 refurbished bikes distributed
• 41 individual bikes provided through the main fund

Beneficiary feedback:

One recipient of a refurbished bike shared:

I'm so happy with my bike—it has improved both my physical and mental health, making me a healthier, happier version of myself. I have more energy and patience as a mum. This individual had never cycled before but now rides weekly for everyday journeys, such as shopping and appointments. The bike has increased their confidence, motivation to cycle, and reduced feelings of isolation, all while improving overall fitness.

Another recipient of an individual bike from the main fund reflected: 

This bike has allowed me to start cycling again, and it has been an absolute joy to receive. After suffering from Long Covid, I stopped cycling, but this bike offers the comfort I need to support my balance and ease the pain caused by the illness. It’s exactly what I needed to help me cycle more and improve my health. I’m so grateful; it has brought back the freedom that cycling gives.

This participant, recovering from Long Covid, also noted that the bike has not only improved their physical health but also boosted their confidence. They plan to begin cycling for local journeys as their fitness continues to improve. 

Case Study: LEAP and Access Bikes 

LEAP Project is a charity dedicated to helping older people stay independent and active. Through a partnership with Cycling UK's Access Bikes programme, LEAP introduced cycling to its members, many of whom hadn’t cycled in years or lacked access to a bike.

Lysanne Erlings, Learning & Leisure Coordinator at LEAP, led the initiative, organising weekly cycling classes that saw growing participation and enthusiasm. She said:

We want to help older people stay independent and active for longer. Cycling is a great way to do this, so we included it in our newsletter. We started with eight participants who showed up every week, rain or shine! One woman, hesitant at first, became a cycling champion and encouraged others. The Access Bikes programme was amazing—many couldn’t even afford a second-hand bike before.

The programme had a significant impact on participants, improving their confidence and health. One man who hadn’t cycled in 55 years now rides between towns and plans to surprise his family by joining them on a cycling holiday in Ireland. Another participant, recovering from Long Covid, said cycling helped her regain her strength.

Participants also benefited from reduced pain, increased motivation, and improved fitness. "One gentleman’s ankle pain disappeared thanks to cycling," says Lysanne.

The Access Bikes programme sparked wider interest in cycling within the community. "One woman found new shared paths and was eager to explore them. Friends and family are also getting involved, helping with bike storage and other support," Lysanne notes.

LEAP’s experience shows that age is no barrier to cycling. Lysanne highly recommended the programme: 

It’s been so easy to manage, and the accessory funding has been fantastic. Participants are proud of their bikes, and even in cold, wet weather, they’ve kept showing up. The impact has been incredible.

Through Access Bikes, LEAP participants not only gained access to cycling but also built stronger social connections, improved their health, and embraced a more active lifestyle. 

Cycle Share Fund

Achievements in Lanarkshire

Before its conclusion, the Cycle Share Fund made a significant impact in Lanarkshire:

• £324,044.94 awarded to 12 organisations
• Around 200 new users reported within a 6-month period (likely higher)
• Supported bike libraries and cycle subscription schemes across the region

Main Beneficiaries:

• Local community members
• Young people
• Individuals with lower confidence
• Children’s residential house residents
• People with Parkinson’s disease
• Families within Afghan and ethnic minority communities
• Vision-impaired adults
• Individuals affected by Low Emission Zones (LEZ)
• Disability groups

Beneficiary Feedback:

People are able to come and use a bike that is too expensive for them to purchase themselves, but actually gets them outside and cycling.

It’s enabling people to get out cycling who would not normally be able to do so.

Paul doesn’t drive but helps out the local community on a daily basis—he used to walk 9 miles to where he volunteers. With access to an e-bike, he can make the journey faster and said he felt safer.

The future of the Cycle Access Fund in Lanarkshire

With ongoing support from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) and local organisations, Cycling UK is committed to expanding the reach of the Cycle Access Fund in Lanarkshire. By providing more bikes, increasing repair services, and encouraging shared-use cycling options, the fund will continue to support cycling in the region, ensuring that more people can enjoy its benefits.

SPT chair Stephen Dornan said:

SPT is proud to support Cycling UK’s work in Lanarkshire through the Cycle Access Fund, delivering cycling and wheeling activities to local people and communities. These initiatives support those who would otherwise be unable to participate in cycling without assistance, offering cycle confidence sessions, family rides, and cycle loans. We are excited to continue working with Cycling UK to create more opportunities for local residents to experience the freedom and benefits of cycling.

Looking forward, Cycling UK aims to work with more local organisations to deliver tailored cycling solutions for Lanarkshire’s diverse communities. Whether through individual bike ownership, shared-use cycle schemes, or bike repairs, the Cycle Access Fund is making cycling accessible to all.

If you’re interested in applying for funding or learning more about Cycling UK’s projects in Lanarkshire, visit the Cycle Access Fund page or contact the team to explore partnership opportunities.