Edinburgh showcase celebrates how access to cycling can change lives

By Martin Hofschroer
Eight helmeted cyclists pause with their bikes beside the sea during a group ride in Edinburgh.
Cycling UK brought community organisations and grant recipients together at North Edinburgh Arts to celebrate the impact of the Cycle Access Fund and other programmes helping people across Scotland to walk, wheel and cycle

The showcase focused on the Cycle Access Fund, which provides grants to community organisations to help more people access bikes and overcome the practical and financial barriers to cycling. 

Guests heard from Cycling UK staff, community organisations and grant recipients about the difference this support has made. The day also gave people the chance to share ideas, make new connections and experience local active travel opportunities. 

A Cycling UK staff member speaks to seated guests beside a screen showing the event agenda.
Dr Emily Ryder, Cycle Access Fund Programme Manager, welcomes guests to the Edinburgh showcase

Opening up access to cycling

During 2025-26, Cycling UK distributed £302,999 through the fund in the SEStran area, which includes Edinburgh and the Lothians. We worked with 40 organisations across the region. Together, they gave 1,501 people access to a safe and suitable cycle and completed 801 repairs.

For people facing rising household costs, support with a repair can make the difference between continuing to cycle and having to stop.

One person who received repair support from Edinburgh and Lothians Regional Equality Council commented:

It is one less stress added to life. With bills piling up, it is difficult to prioritise getting your bike serviced. It is a nice and friendly service with like-minded people who are very caring and understanding. I don’t know what I would do if they were not available anymore

A helmeted woman rides a cargo bike while other guests try different cycles outside North Edinburgh Arts.
Trying cargo bikes during the outdoor activities

Learning from local organisations 

The showcase included contributions from organisations supporting people and communities in and around Edinburgh.

Guest speakers and panellists included Anita Aggarwal, Manager at R2 Network; Charlotte Bunting, Senior Services Manager at Cyrenians; Fiona Burness, Link-Up Development Manager at North Edinburgh Arts; and Carol Howard-Williams, Project Officer at Banzai.

Their organisations are helping people overcome different barriers to cycling and active travel. The event created space for them to share what works and discuss how organisations can continue to reach people who may not see cycling as an option.

Following the presentations, guests could join activities including a led ride, a walk and an opportunity to learn more about cargo bikes.

Four women take part in a panel discussion, with one speaking and three seated beside the event presentation screen.
Guest speakers share their experiences of supporting cycling and active travel

Creating happier, healthier and greener lives

Guests also heard about Cycling UK’s wider work in Scotland, including Connecting Communities and Play Together on Pedals.

Connecting Communities gives people practical support to walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys, leisure and adventure. This can include led rides, health walks, cycle maintenance, cycle loans and opportunities to try electric, non-standard and cargo cycles.

Play Together on Pedals helps young children and the adults around them discover the fun of cycling.

Together, these programmes show how the right support can make cycling possible for more people, whether that means repairing an existing bike, helping someone find a suitable cycle or giving a child their first chance to ride.

The Cycle Access Fund receives funding from a Scottish government People and Place grant, administered and supported in the south-east of Scotland by SEStran.

Scotland Cycle Access Fund

Further reading