From long bus rides to leading rides: EJ and Silvers’ e-bike journey in Glasgow

EJ first heard about Connecting Communities at a drop-in session in Glasgow. Curious about e-bikes, he tried one out – and loved it so much he signed up for a loan on the spot.

The following week, his close friend Silvers came along too. The pair do almost everything together, so cycling around the city was the perfect next step. After a try-out session, Silvers also took out an e-bike loan.

Both are studying at a local college in Glasgow. For EJ, the e-bike has been life-changing: instead of a 90-minute bus journey, he now cycles to college in around 40 minutes, saving time and money while getting fresh air and exercise before class.

Our wellbeing and overall health have improved since cycling to college, and we feel less isolated

 

Cycling has made it easier for them to visit friends in the evening without worrying about missing the last bus. With the extra boost from an e-bike, hills feel manageable and longer trips across the city suddenly seem possible.

When we arrive at college, we feel excited – and we don’t have to worry about missing the bus. Because it’s an e-bike we can cover more distance and it’s easier to get to places

 

They’ve also valued the support from the local Development Officer:

She is very kind and helpful and makes us feel comfortable

 

Through Connecting Communities they’ve learned how to ride more safely on the road and how to look after their bikes. 

EJ, in particular, has thrown himself into volunteering – helping with bike maintenance and will soon be supporting led rides. Because he lives close by, he often drops in to lend a hand, which gets him outdoors and helps him feel less isolated.

With encouragement from the project, EJ has now completed a Cycle Ride Leader course and a Velotech Bronze course organised by partners in the city. 

He’s looking forward to using his new skills as a volunteer with the Connecting Communities project in Glasgow.

In partnership with Glasgow City Council this project is supported by funding from Transport Scotland through the People and Place Programme.