Paula’s first e-bike sparks a new love affair with the countryside

When Paula first heard about Connecting Communities sessions in Moray, she had one clear goal: she wanted to learn how to ride a bike confidently and safely. If it went well, she hoped to buy a bike of her own.

I have never had a bike or really been interested in riding one. But I wanted to see if I could do it. If I was successful, I would buy a bike

 

At the sessions, Paula met Cycling UK Development Officer Paula Campbell, who took time to understand what she needed. Rather than putting her straight onto a single bike, Paula Campbell brought along a range of cycles so she could experiment.

I was able to use different bikes, for example normal bikes and electric bikes, to see what suited me best

 

Step by step support

That patient, step-by-step support made a huge difference. As her balance and handling improved, so did her confidence on the road. Before long, she was riding independently and knew which type of cycle worked for her.

I can now ride my own electric bike and go out feeling safe and confident, which I could not before

 

What began as a test has become something much bigger. Cycling has turned into a new hobby that Paula genuinely enjoys. She rides for pleasure along local routes where she would previously have walked, and she now joins friends and her husband on rides she would have missed out on before.

I can now enjoy cycling with friends and my husband, which I was unable to do. It helps with mental health and cycling in the countryside helps to lift your spirits. I would also say that I can now cycle safely on a road

 

Building confidence in the countryside

Living next to the Speyside Way, Paula has miles of traffic-free countryside to explore. The well-maintained route, supported by the local council, gives her a safe and scenic place to build up her confidence and fitness.

Cycling gets me out of the house, keeps me fitter and is good for my mental health

 

She is clear that the support she received from Connecting Communities – and from Paula Campbell in particular – has been central to this change.

Paula was exceptional and gave me the skills to ride safely. She anticipated what I needed and brought a variety of different bikes to try until I found one that suited me. She has a wonderful way with people and great patience and knowledge around bikes. I know for a fact I would not have done this without her

 

Thanks to that support, Paula now has a bike she loves, the confidence to use it on local roads and paths, and a new way to spend time with people who matter to her.

Thanks to funding from HITRANS and support from Moray Council, Connecting Communities in Moray is helping more people like Paula build cycling confidence, discover e-bikes and find a new source of everyday wellbeing.