Cycling UK’s Connecting Communities programme to close in six locations
The affected locations include Inverclyde, Helensburgh, Dumfries & Galloway, East Sutherland, Caithness and Dunoon. In Dunoon, many of the services previously offered by the Bothy will continue under HITRANS and Dunoon Community Development Trust, though Cycling UK will no longer be involved in this work, and the Connecting Communities programme itself will not continue.
Since its launch, the programme has played a vital role in supporting people to gain confidence in cycling, access free bike maintenance, and take part in social rides and walking activities. Through partnerships with local organisations, the initiative has encouraged more people to integrate active travel into their daily lives.
For Freshta, that freedom was life changing. Originally from Afghanistan, she had always dreamed of riding a bike but never had the opportunity. In June 2024, she reached out to Inverclyde Bothy, part of Connecting Communities, determined to finally make it happen.
With the support of the Bothy’s cycling development officer, she learned to ride independently in just one session. Now, every ride builds her confidence, and with a donated bike, she has embraced cycling as a form of exercise, independence, and connection.
Riding my bike makes me smile all the time. It’s so much fun learning something new and having a reason to get outside. Cycling gives me a feeling of freedom
Suzanne Forup, Cycling UK’s head of behaviour change and development Scotland, said:
“We regret to share that due to external funding not being renewed, Cycling UK’s Connecting Communities programme will come to an end in six locations across Scotland. The programme has made a significant impact, supporting thousands of people to integrate cycling, walking and wheeling into their lives. While we share the disappointment of the communities affected, we are incredibly grateful to the volunteers, participants, and partner organisations who made these projects a success.
Cycling UK remains fully committed to promoting active travel across Scotland and will continue working to create more opportunities for cycling, walking, and wheeling.”
As part of Cycling UK’s commitment to ensuring communities continue to benefit, the organisation is exploring asset transfers and sharing opportunities to relocate bikes and equipment to locations where similar programmes continue to run.
For more information on the closure or to find out about other behaviour change programmes, please contact Suzanne Forup.
