Triple heart bypass survivor gets Aberdeen back on bikes
Peter has cycled for many years. On a ride he collapsed and later needed triple heart bypass surgery. Recovery took time. Once life felt more normal, he wanted to reintroduce cycling to his routine as part of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
He began with an electric bike to rebuild fitness. When he felt ready, he moved back to his standard bike.
Peter also wanted to help others who were starting from low fitness or dealing with health issues. His idea was simple: offer very easy, organised rides that anyone could try.
He was a qualified ride leader but was unsure about insurance for group rides. He contacted Cycling UK for advice and support. That call set his plan in motion.
It has got me back out on my bicycle again. I like to take people out on small routes of approximately four to five miles
Fraser Govan, Cycling UK’s Development Officer in Aberdeen, helped Peter understand how to run safe, insured led rides. With that guidance Peter regained confidence to lead small groups on scheduled rides through Hazlehead Park.
Keeping routes short and flat means people can join at different levels. Some riders are very fit. Others can manage only a couple of miles at first. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged.
The rides are about more than distance. People chat, share tips and swap local knowledge. That social element keeps people coming back.
With the support of Cycling UK’s Development Officer in Aberdeen, I have regained the confidence to take small groups out. Talking to the group, building relationships and giving encouragement helps people go cycling regularly
Peter has seen clear results. One rider was struggling with mental health and said that, without the ride that day, he would have stayed in bed. Short rides can be a first step toward new habits. For some, they are a bridge to longer club rides. Others are happy to keep enjoying gentle outings close to home. Both are wins.
The rides have also linked people to other help. A few participants tried a bike loan and joined confidence-building sessions. That gave them the skills to join Peter’s rides and, in some cases, progress further.
Peter has put time into local outreach. He shares ride details on Facebook and on the Nextdoor app. He uses simple leaflets and posters. He also supports pop-up information stands.
One stand at NHS Grampian’s Foresterhill site created interest in cycling and the Cycle to Work scheme. These conversations raise awareness and give people a friendly first contact.
The rides have attracted a lot of interest. Promotion on social media, Nextdoor, leaflets and posters has helped. Pop-up stands have led to good discussions too
Volunteering has given Peter a clear focus. He enjoys planning easy routes, welcoming newcomers and watching people grow in confidence. He wants to keep volunteering for as long as he can.
His goal is simple. Help more people discover that short, regular rides can lift mood, improve fitness and make everyday travel feel more possible.
I want to stay on as a volunteer as long as I can because it has given me another interest in life. I would like to see more people come out cycling with us
Peter plans to offer more short runs in different parts of the city. He would also like to set up general information stands in places like shopping centres. The aim is to meet people in familiar settings and make it easy to ask questions and get started.
He also has views on what would help. Aberdeen’s cycling network would benefit from maintenance as well as new routes. Many lane markings are worn and hard to see. Junctions and signals could work better for people who cycle. Safer and clearer routes would help more residents give cycling a try.
Connecting Communities activity in Aberdeen is possible thanks to support from Nestrans and Aberdeen City Council. Their backing helps local volunteers like Peter offer simple, friendly rides that make everyday cycling feel within reach.
