“Absolutely buzzing”: How Cycle Access Fund is bringing families together in Edinburgh
The Ripple is a trusted community hub in Restalrig, a densely populated area of Edinburgh with good cycle links but where people are struggling financially. The organisation supports people of all ages, offering everything from food support and health activities to services for older people, children and families.
Since 2021, Cycling UK has supported the Ripple through Access Bikes and now the Cycle Access Fund. This funding enables adults who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford a bike to get one – whether for transport, wellbeing or riding as a family.
This year, after receiving bikes for young people through Scottish Cycling’s Rock Up and Ride programme, the Ripple identified a new need: parents who wanted to join in on family rides but didn’t have bikes themselves. Youth Services Manager Danielle Ward successfully applied to the Cycle Access Fund to fill that gap.
Working with Halfords, the Ripple provided four adult bikes, supporting family cycling and local journeys. Since then, the bikes have been well used and well loved. The Ripple’s cycle group has offered family rides and built confidence among new riders.
Mary’s story
Mary's two sons received bikes from the Ripple, but she’d never had one herself. She says:
It was really great to get a shiny new bike and go out cycling as a family. I love it and would never have been able to afford a bike like that
Now, Mary uses the traffic-free path near her home to ride with her sons – and has even inspired her mum to start cycling too.
It keeps the kids off screens and gets us all out in the sunshine. We’re loving it and are looking forward to the summer with a bike
She’s still building confidence on the roads and is supported by the Ripple Cycle group for local journeys. While cycling to work isn’t possible due to distance, her bike has become part of everyday life.
Sylvia’s story
Sylvia’s 12-year-old son also got a bike through the Ripple, but without one herself, they couldn’t cycle together. With help from the Cycle Access Fund, Sylvia now rides with her son, whether it’s for leisure or shopping. She comments:
I have a car, but if I don’t really need it, I don’t use it. The bike is cheaper and easier for most trips I make
She’s a confident cyclist who avoids busy roads by using Edinburgh’s network of shared paths. Although she had to leave her part-time job to focus on studying, she’s hopeful that her next role will be within cycling distance.
Money is tight right now, so I never could have bought a bike. I’m hoping I’ll be able to cycle to work when I graduate
Thanks to the Cycle Access Fund, families in Restalrig are discovering the joy of riding together – building confidence, connection and new routines that are here to stay.
