Play Together on Pedals
Play Together on Pedals is a playful, inclusive programme that helps preschool and early primary-aged children – and the adults around them – to enjoy cycling.
Through fun, supportive sessions in nurseries, schools and communities, we help families build confidence, develop key life skills, and discover the joy of getting active together.
Where we work
Play Together on Pedals is currently delivered in:
- Glasgow – funded by Glasgow City Council through the People and Places fund.
- North and South Lanarkshire – funded by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) through the People and Places fund.
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What we offer
The programme has four main areas of focus, working together to create long-term change and help children and families build positive, active habits from an early age.
1. Community sessions (ages 2.5–10)
Our free, drop-in community sessions offer learn-to-ride support for preschoolers (ages 2.5–5) and early primary children (ages 6–10).
These sessions are playful, welcoming and parent-friendly – encouraging the whole family to get involved. Children can borrow bikes, try balance skills, and work towards pedalling independently at their own pace.
I just saw her one day pedalling past me – it was fantastic
Parent
2. Skills sessions in nurseries and schools
We run fun, structured cycling sessions in nurseries and primary schools—mainly with P2 pupils. The focus is on building balance, coordination and confidence through play.
This is really important for kids. It gives them a sense of pride, confidence, and self-esteem, working towards going to pedal bikes before they’ve even gone to school
Headteacher Clair McLauchlan
3. Early years staff training
We provide training and resources to help nursery and early years staff become certified Play Together on Pedals instructors.
This builds sustainable, embedded cycling support in local communities, and allows practitioners to tailor delivery to their own setting. Many use the training across learning areas – from physical literacy and wellbeing to communication and teamwork.
The first question when the kids come in is: ‘Are we getting the bikes out today?'
Nursery Practitioner
4. Grant funding for local organisations
Early years settings and community organisations can apply for small grants to help deliver sessions.
These can be used for equipment and storage which supports inclusion, long-term delivery, and a strong cycling culture in each community.
Who is it for?
Funders and policymakers
We’re building healthier, more active communities – one pedal at a time. If you're interested in supporting local delivery or scaling impact, we’d love to talk.
Email PTOPinfo@cyclinguk.org to discuss opportunities.
Nurseries and schools
If you’d like to host sessions or apply for support, you can register interest now.
Submit an Expression of Interest
Instructors and cycling educators
We’re always looking for people who want to help children build confidence on a bike.
Contact PTOPinfo@cyclinguk.org to learn about upcoming opportunities.
Parents and carers
Want to find out about sessions near you, or help your child learn to ride?
Join our mailing list to get updates and tips.
About us
Play Together on Pedals is delivered by Cycling UK, with support from Cycling Scotland and Play Scotland.
Since launching in 2014, the programme has helped more than 8,000 children in Scotland learn to ride and supported hundreds of families and educators to build lasting, active habits.
You can keep up to date with Play Together on Pedals on Facebook.