Cycling UK’s Aberdeenshire Bothy shortlisted for national award

The Scottish Transport Awards 2023 recognise excellence and innovation in transport. The Aberdeenshire Bothy, which is a partnership between Cycling UK and Aberdeenshire Council, has been shortlisted in the ‘Excellence in Walking, Public Realm and Cycling’ category.

The Bothy provides tailored support to people to help them overcome barriers to cycling and walking, often working with people on a one-on-one basis.

These activities include Better Biking confidence sessions for adults, led rides, e-bike try outs, family sessions and route-planning support. The project offers bike maintenance sessions to equip people with the knowledge to carry out small repairs on their bike.

The Bothy also brings together and supports local organisations that currently promote cycling activities or would like support in doing so.

A recent participant survey found that 67% of respondents who had taken part in Bothy cycling activity were cycling regularly, up from 32% beforehand. Findings also showed that 41% of respondents with access to a car had started cycling for some journeys they previously would have made by car.

The project – which is funded by Smarter Choices, Smarter Places – prioritises working within six target towns in Aberdeenshire: Ellon, Fraserburgh, Huntly, Inverurie, Peterhead and Portlethen.

This well-deserved recognition is testament to the skills and hard work of our staff and volunteers who make the Aberdeenshire Bothy what it is

Suzanne Forup, Cycling UK’s head of development for Scotland

Suzanne Forup, Cycling UK’s head of development for Scotland, commented: "This well-deserved recognition is testament to the skills and hard work of our staff and volunteers who make the Aberdeenshire Bothy what it is.

“They are determined to help people overcome the barriers they face to doing more cycling and walking, with a strong focus on personalised activities – often on a one-on-one basis – to build up confidence. Hundreds of people in Aberdeenshire are now enjoying the many benefits of regularly cycling and walking thanks to this project.”

Councillor Isobel Davidson, chair of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, added: “Aberdeenshire has enormous potential to lead when it comes to cycling and wider active travel and these projects clearly demonstrate that we are already well on that path to success.

“I would like to thank all those who participated in our travel behaviour change pilot study and would encourage everyone to look out for future Aberdeenshire Bothy activities which continue to offer excellent cycling support for people of all ages and abilities.”

Supported by the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland, Network Rail and the Railway Industry Association, the Scottish Transport Awards will take place on 22 June in Glasgow.