Cycling UK’s impact in Ayrshire
Nationally, our Cycle Access Fund (CAF) supports individual bike ownership for people who couldn’t otherwise afford a cycle, as well as shared-use schemes like bike libraries, pool bikes and subscriptions that widen access.
It also funds recycled bikes for people on low incomes, low-cost repairs that keep bikes on the road, and better cycle parking and storage so having – and using – a bike is genuinely practical.
CAF support is delivered by organisations embedded in their communities, so help is close to home and easy to access.
This week we hosted a showcase event in Ayrshire to highlight the benefits of CAF in the region. We brought local community groups, independent bike shops and partners together to share what’s working and to plan what comes next.
The event opened with an overview of our work in Scotland, followed by spotlights from CAF partners and beneficiaries from Ayrshire who brought the impact to life.
Representatives from local bike shops and repair organisations shared their perspectives, describing how independent shops can make affordable access real for people who need it most.
Partner case studies
Mapes of Millport (Isle of Cumbrae)
Mapes has kept locals and visitors pedalling since 1946. Now owned and run by Scott Ferris, the shop is a community fixture: summer hires for visitors, low-cost repairs for residents year-round and a ‘look out for each other’ ethos that predates any funding.
During the pandemic, Mapes serviced more than 400 bikes through the Scotland Cycle Repair Scheme. Today, CAF funding helps the team repair bikes for people on low incomes and recycle donated bikes to get more neighbours moving.
One recipient was Patrick, who works in social care on Cumbrae and visits up to 15 clients a day:
On the days I walk my rounds, I do about 20,000 steps. A 20-minute walk between clients becomes a five-minute cycle
When his old bike failed, Mapes provided a recycled, fully refurbished hybrid through CAF:
I thought there must be a catch. But there wasn’t. I got a lighter, faster bike – and it’s made such a difference
Patrick’s experience echoes wider feedback across North Ayrshire.
By receiving the bike it has enabled me to attend my place of work with no travel issues which has also saved me a lot of money. I’m very grateful for receiving the bike, it has helped with my health and finances too
Recycled bike recipient
I use my bike for commuting, both socially and for work. I need to keep my bike in a good state at all times. The discounted price helps me financially as I’m only able to work part time due to age and health
Repair recipient
Over the years, Mapes estimate they’ve donated more than 300 bikes to people who needed them. With CAF, that legacy is growing – helping older residents stay active, key workers keep to time and families manage the cost of living.
Arran Eco Savvy
On Arran, CAF support has helped Arran Eco Savvy expand and future-proof its electric bike offer so more people – residents and visitors – can choose active, low-cost local travel.
Working with Dales Cycles (Glasgow), the team added e-bikes in a wider range of sizes to suit smaller and taller riders, making the fleet more inclusive and the loans more practical for everyday use.
We now have e-bikes to suit smaller and taller people, making the fleet more inclusive and better able to serve our island community
Emma Tracey, Active Travel staff member, Arran Eco Savvy
We feel incredibly lucky to have received this timely funding from Cycling UK. It will help keep the e-bike fleet resilient, and the service from Dales Cycles has been second to none
Juliette Walsh, Arran Eco Savvy
For island life – where distances are short but hills, weather and ferry timings can complicate trips – electric bikes unlock reliable, door-to-door journeys for work, appointments and social visits.
The Eco Savvy model pairs access with confidence: try-before-you-buy loans, a supportive cycle-buddy offer and free maintenance that keeps people rolling.
We’re thrilled to see the positive impact our funding is making on Arran. Projects like Eco Savvy’s e-bike scheme show how cycling can empower communities to live happier, healthier and greener lives
Emily Ryder, CAF Programme Manager,
What’s on Arran now (CAF supported):
- Electric bike loan scheme for everyday trips and leisure, plus an e-bike library offering longer-term refurbished loans.
- Affordable bike scheme on a pay-what-you-can basis to reduce cost barriers.
- Free maintenance and repairs for Eco Savvy bikes or people’s own cycles.
- Cycle-buddy scheme with trained leaders to build confidence on local routes and roads
This work in Ayrshire is made possible thanks to funding from Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). We’re also grateful to our local partners, independent shops and community groups who make everyday cycling possible.
If you’re interested in learning more, applying for funding or exploring partnership opportunities, visit the Cycle Access Fund page or contact our team.
About Cycle Access Fund
Cycling UK’s Cycle Access Fund helps support those people who are least likely to have access to cycles. It provides funding for organisations in Scotland to buy cycles and equipment, for repairs and recycling or for parking and storage.
