Cycling UK’s impact in Inverclyde

Cycling UK is continuing to transform Inverclyde through its Connecting Communities project and the new Cycle Access Fund, which replaced the Access Bikes programme this year. Connecting Communities unites Cycling UK’s Rural Connections and The Bothies projects to support active travel in rural and remote areas of Scotland. Inverclyde Bothy, a key location, continues under the Connecting Communities banner, offering a familiar space at Gourock train station that encourages walking and cycling. 

The Bothy in Inverclyde provides a welcoming hub for cycling and walking, offering led bike rides, cycle confidence sessions, health walks, bike maintenance workshops, journey planning, skill-swapping evenings, inspirational talks, and volunteering opportunities. It focuses on inclusivity, helping people of all abilities embrace active travel for commuting, leisure, and adventure.

Key achievements April – June 2024:

Connecting Communities had a successful start, making significant progress towards its targets by utilising the experience of its dedicated delivery team.

• 1,279 engagements with people
• 31 cycling activities delivered
• 82 walking activities delivered
• 5 volunteers recruited

Connecting Communities engaged underrepresented groups, including New Scots and those with mental health challenges, with referrals from SAMH and a joint walk with Your Voice during Mental Health Awareness Week.  

It delivered six led rides with partners like Community Tracks and recruited five new volunteers, two of whom trained as cycle ride leaders for tandem riding. The project also supported the opening of new cycle infrastructure in Gourock, hosting a visit from Patrick Harvie, Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel, and Tenants' Rights. 

Inverclyde Bothy 2023-24 highlights

• Over 150 cycling activities with 500+ attendees
• Over 250 Health Walks with 3,500+ attendees

Inverclyde Bothy Health Walks, led by Cycling UK and funded by NHSGGC and Paths for All, provide free, accessible walks for all ages and abilities. The network includes regular Health Walks and Buggy Walks for parents, supporting local groups in creating their own community walking initiatives. 

2023 highlights:

• Participation growth: 284 Health Walks delivered with 3,671 attendances; 91 new walkers. Buggy Walks introduced in June 2023 attracted 179 participants.
• Health and wellbeing: 84% of participants became more active; 63% reported improved physical health, and 57% noted better mental health, with many managing anxiety, depression, and diabetes.
• Social connection: 84% met new people, and 27% felt less isolated, fostering community belonging and reducing loneliness.
• Active travel: 61% started walking more for everyday journeys; 78% replaced some car or taxi trips with walking, supporting sustainable travel habits.

Explore the full report for more insights. 

Participant Feedback:

• Cycling: “I was really happy to take part in the cycle maintenance session – [staff] were brilliant and I will go for some longer cycles now that I know how to change a puncture.”
• Health Walks: “I now choose to walk rather than drive […] several times a week and sometimes a day.”
• Buggy Walks: “Attending the walks really aided my confidence after having a baby and helped me feel less isolated.” 

Sarah’s story: rediscovering freedom and confidence on two wheels

Sarah hadn’t ridden a bike since childhood, but when she moved from Glasgow to Inverclyde in 2021, she reached out to the Inverclyde Bothy, determined to rekindle her love for cycling. Initially, her journey was halted by the pandemic and staff illness, but Sarah’s passion for cycling never wavered. In 2023, she returned to the Bothy, eager to pick up where she had left off.

In Glasgow, Sarah had struggled with cycling due to the busy urban environment and lack of secure bike storage, a common challenge for many. But in Inverclyde, she saw an opportunity to try again—this time with the support of the Bothy and an e-bike. Meeting the new Development Officer, Sarah started her journey with trepidation, feeling anxious around traffic and unsure of her abilities. Yet, with a few confidence-building sessions, she found herself cycling independently, progressing from traffic-free paths to quiet roads.

Inspired by her progress, Sarah wanted to own a bike of her own. With guidance from the Bothy, she accessed her employer’s cycle-to-work scheme and purchased an e-bike, which soon became her main mode of transport. Working at Inverclyde Hospital—a steep climb and difficult commute without a car—Sarah faced significant challenges when her bus route was withdrawn. But with her e-bike and support from the Bothy, she planned and practised her route through a Buddy Ride, gaining the confidence she needed to cycle to work.

Now, Sarah cycles everywhere: to work, the supermarket, the garden centre, and even evening classes. She’s braved winter commutes and embraced a newfound freedom to explore further than ever before. 

Sarah’s reflections:

The benefits of using my bike are immense. I’m saving money on train journeys and my fitness has improved. A previously sore back is a thing of the past, and my mental health has improved along with my physical health. When I am on my bike, it always puts a smile on my face.

Sarah’s story is one of resilience and transformation. She not only overcame her initial fears but also found joy, improved health, and a renewed sense of independence. Her journey with the Inverclyde Bothy is a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact that cycling can have and how, with the right support, anyone can rediscover the thrill of two wheels. 

Gordon’s comeback: finding strength and community through health walks

Gordon Kay, 76, joined the Inverclyde Bothy’s Health Walks in May 2022 and has since attended 33 walks, becoming a regular at the Bothy’s Wednesday morning walks and monthly socials. Despite battling long Covid, which left him in ICU and fighting for his life, Gordon’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of staying active.

After working in physically demanding jobs until age 69, Gordon’s battle with Covid in 2020 drastically altered his life. He spent three weeks in a coma and had to relearn how to walk. Although he gradually regained his strength, the long-term effects of Covid left him with severe lung damage and balance problems, making the thought of joining a walking group seem impossible.

Gordon first heard about the Health Walks at a community café, where Project Coordinator Jenni encouraged him to try the ‘Stroll’ group, designed for those needing frequent rests. With some hesitation, he agreed to give it a go and found a group of people who shared his pace and challenges. The walks not only reintroduced him to exercise but also brought back the joy of socialising.

Reflecting on his experience, Gordon said, “If you are talking and walking, you don’t realise how far you have gone.” He is grateful to the Walk Leader volunteers and advises others, “Give it a try—the company makes all the difference. Socialising is the main thing; it’s more important than the exercise.”

Jenni adds, “Gordon is a regular in the ‘Stroll’ group, known for his humour and homemade tablet. He’s an inspiration to us all.”

Gordon’s journey highlights the importance of community and the simple act of walking and talking. His story shows that it’s never too late to reconnect with what you love and find strength in shared experiences. 

Replacing the Access Bikes programme, the Cycle Access Fund aims to increase cycling in Scotland by providing grants for bikes and equipment through four strands: Individual Bike Ownership, Shared Use, Recycle, and Repair. The fund supports organisations in providing bikes and accessories to those who might not otherwise afford them, promoting health, wellbeing, and sustainable travel.

Access Bikes 2023-24 Inverclyde impact:

• 13 individual bikes (main fund)
• 8 shared cycles (non-standard cycle fund)
• Recipient quote: “Means everything to me, changed my life for the better.”
• Increased cycling for journeys, improved motivation, reduced isolation, and better fitness.