Building confidence and improving health through our Connecting Communities programme

James is 58 and lives and works in Midlothian. Although he first learned to ride a bike at the age of 37, cycling had never felt natural or comfortable for him. Over the years he'd only been out on a bike around 25 times. A fall caused by hitting a pothole ten years ago further reduced his confidence and cycling became something he avoided rather than enjoyed.

Working from home as a team manager for a local council, James found himself becoming less active and increasingly isolated. His fitness had declined and during this time he was told by his GP that he was at risk of prediabetes. As he explains, 

my fitness levels had dropped, I work from home and was becoming more isolated… and I was keen to get back on the bike.

Building skills and confidence

James joined our Connecting Communities programme through the 'Couch to 10 Miles' course delivered at Glencorse Centre in Midlothian. The course provided a supportive and structured environment, helping him return to the basics of cycling. With guidance from our development officer, Kirsty, he gradually rebuilt his confidence, balance and road awareness over the four week programme. Reflecting on this, James said:

Kirsty took me back to basics and built my confidence again.

Since taking part, James has seen significant improvements. He now cycles regularly and feels much more confident on the road, including riding in the centre of Edinburgh and on rural routes. He's developed a more defensive riding style, allowing him to keep away from most potholes, and is better at anticipating hazards. “I am already much more confident,” he says, adding that he now rides more often and with greater awareness. He's also learned how to check his bike before use and carry out basic maintenance.

Health and wellbeing impact

The impact on his health has been particularly important. James is fitter, has lost weight and feels more balanced and capable on the bike. Cycling has become an enjoyable and positive part of his routine rather than something he avoids. He describes having “the bug now” and says: 

I can’t wait to get out there and I feel much healthier and fitter already as a result.

One of the most significant milestones for James has been cycling the 13 miles from his home to his office. This was something he would previously have never considered, relying instead on the car or bus. Completing this journey, including on busy roads, marked a major turning point in his confidence and independence. As James puts it, “riding my bike the 13 miles to my office was a very big deal for me.”

The change has also influenced how he thinks about travel more broadly. 

Taking the bike feels healthier and like I’m doing the right thing for the environment.

The social aspect of the programme has also made a difference. Meeting others on the course helped reduce feelings of isolation and he now occasionally cycles with friends. At a time when he was spending long periods sitting alone while working from home, this connection and shared experience were especially valuable.

Overall, James’ experience highlights how tailored, community based support can help people overcome barriers to activity. Through the Connecting Communities programme, he's moved from low confidence and limited activity to regular cycling, improved health and a renewed sense of enjoyment and independence.

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