Big Bike Revival to get thousands of people in Scotland cycling for every day journeys

The Big Bike Revival, an award winning programme developed by Cycling UK, formerly CTC the national cycling charity, helps people in Scotland to bring their bikes back into use by providing bike health checks, sharing maintenance know-how and giving people more confidence in the saddle. 

Partnered by fifty community groups and bicycle recycling centres across the country, the project aims to reach 20,000 people to encourage them to get cycling again and to replace short car journeys with the bike. 

Big Bike Revival events across Scotland include led rides, puncture repair workshops, basic bike maintenance, cycle health checks, cycle skills sessions and route planning, all of which are free to access. As well as this, local community clubs will be set up and supported to provide ongoing encouragement and opportunities for those new or returning to cycling.

The Scottish Government has a vision to see 10% of every day journeys by cycle by 2020 and The Big Bike Revival will provide support and activities to encourage more people to get cycling to help achieve this vision. 

Humza Yousaf, Minister for Transport and the Islands said:   

“The Scottish Government is investing over £450,000 in Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival to promote cycling within communities and helping people to breathe new life into their old bikes.

“Cycling is healthy, cheap, fun and good for the environment. This exciting new project will provide a significant boost to community-led cycling and bicycle recycling projects right across the country.

“I look forward to seeing the Big Bike Revival and its partners continue to grow, getting even more people to get back in the saddle in the future.”

After two successful years in England, the Big Bike Revival is now extending into Scotland with funding from Transport Scotland. 

Cycling UK’s Head of Development Scotland, Suzanne Forup said: 

“Cycling is a transformational activity for many reasons and through the Big Bike Revival we’re looking to inspire 20,000 people to experience the joy and freedom a bike ride can bring. 

“We all remember how fun and enjoyable a cycle ride was when we were kids, and that same feeling can be captured as an adult, too. By building on the previous successes of the Big Bike Revival, we’re working with local community groups across Scotland to encourage participants to get back on their bikes and experience the benefits of cycling first hand, as well as support them to swap the car when it comes to short, every day journeys.”

With hundreds of events planned across the next six weeks and centres spread across every local authority area in the country, the Big Bike Revival aims to bring thousands more bikes back into use. 

Angela Barron, Chief Executive of Recyke-a-bike, a bike recycling centre taking part in the Big Bike Revival said: 

“Day to day, we do see how a forgotten bike can change someone’s life. At Recyke-a-bike we refurbish neglected bikes, give them a new lease on life and get people cycling again. We work with people of all ages and backgrounds, and we believe that cycling is and should be an affordable and accessible way for everyone to travel. 

“It’s fantastic to be involved with the Big Bike Revival and working with people from the Stirling community and further afield to help them rediscover their bikes and the benefits of cycling. We’ll be holding events and activities until the end of October to help people overcome barriers to riding.”

Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus, who has just finished a successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe, is supporting the Big Bike Revival and encouraging people to get back on their bikes.  She said: 

“I’m very honoured to have been asked to be an ambassador for this wonderful campaign. I want to get fit and healthy and the Big Bike Revival is a fun and environmentally friendly way to do just that.

"If I can give it a go, you can, too. Even if it’s to cycle to your local shop or park with friends and family, or if you’re adventurous you can ditch the car and cycle to work. No matter how short a journey, get on your bikes and ride.”

There are hundreds of events and activities planned across the nation. To find Big Bike Revival events, visit www.bigbikerevival.org.uk