Cairngorms Trust, Cairngorms National Park Authority and Cycling UK worked together in 2020-21 to grant local residents of Aviemore and Strathspey free loans of e-bikes in the Active Cairngorms E-bikes project.

The e-bikes offered an alternative to motor vehicles for short, everyday journeys and increased access to transport in a rural area with some limitations to its public transport offering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

ACE was funded through the EU LEADER funds as part of a vision to become carbon neutral within the confines of the park. Our programme was particularly designed to support people who may not otherwise be able to able to access a bike of their own, whether for reasons of health, affordability, or due to a lack of knowledge or support. During the project, 38 local residents borrowed e-bikes for one to four months each.