Goran’s e-bike commute beats traffic, cuts costs and boosts his health

Growing up in Kurdistan, Goran loved early-morning rides to buy bread for his family. But in Scotland, busy roads, congestion and the daily struggle to find a parking space at Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary made travelling to work by car exhausting.

I always wanted to cycle, but driving to the hospital in the morning was stressful and parking was difficult

Seeing colleagues at the Royal Infirmary arriving by bike gave him the nudge he needed to explore cycling again. Through Connecting Communities, Goran was able to borrow an e-bike and try cycling to work from his home in Danderhall. The difference was immediate.

Cycling to work takes around 10–15 minutes, whereas before it took longer in the car because of congestion. I feel happier and healthier when I cycle to work. I’ve also saved money by not taking the car

Encouraged family cycling

Using the traffic-free paths through Wisp and Little France Park makes his commute smoother and safer, and he appreciates the feeling of being out in the fresh air rather than stuck in queues.

The change has rippled into family life too. Seeing their dad enjoy cycling has encouraged Goran’s children to ride more, and when the weather allows they now travel to school by bike together. 

It's helped my kids to do more cycling as they see me do it more and enjoy it

Cycling has boosted Goran’s wellbeing and confidence, and he talks more with neighbours and colleagues about his rides. He’s keen to give something back as well: 

It definitely made cycling more attractive to me. I'm happy to contribute to this project through voluntary work, time permitting

Positive changes

He still sees room for improvement around Danderhall Hub, where morning traffic can be heavy and dedicated cycling infrastructure is limited, but overall he feels very positive about the changes he’s made.

I think this experience has made me healthier and happier. I smile more when I am on the bike

Connecting Communities support has helped Goran turn an everyday journey into something that saves time and money, cuts stress and inspires his children to ride too – showing how access to an e-bike can make cycling a realistic choice for busy working families.

Connecting Communities receives funding from a Scottish Government People and Place grant, administered and supported in the South-East of Scotland by SEStran.