Cycling UK’s impact in Glasgow
Our work in Glasgow is removing barriers to cycling – whether it’s through free bike repairs for NHS staff, gifting bikes to families in need or helping young children take their first ride.
Thanks to funding through the Cycle Access Fund, and support from Connecting Communities and Play Together on Pedals, local residents are gaining confidence, skills and access to the bikes they need to travel more actively and affordably.
Connecting Communities comes to Glasgow
To celebrate the launch of the Connecting Communities programme in North Glasgow, we hosted a showcase event at Barmulloch Residents Centre on 29 July 2025.
The event brought together local partners, project participants and supporters – including representatives from funders SPT and Glasgow City Council – to mark the progress being made and highlight the power of cycling to connect people and places.
We’re grateful to SPT and Glasgow City Council for their continued support in making this work possible.
Guests had the chance to test ride bikes, join led rides and hear from those delivering and benefiting from local projects, such as Barmulloch Community Development Company, Bluevale Community Club, and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC).
We are delighted to get the chance to work with Cycling UK and provide cycling opportunities for people in Barmulloch. Having the proper infrastructure and knowledge will be crucial to help with the modal shift that is required.The team at Cycling UK have been amazing, and we look forward to working with them in the community for many years to come
Martin McElroy, Chief Executive, Barmulloch Community Development Company Ltd
Case study: NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
With support from the Cycle Access Fund, NHSGGC’s Active Travel Team has transformed how it operates, using an e-cargo bike instead of a car to travel between healthcare sites across Glasgow and beyond. Since October 2024, the team has cycled more than 300 miles, delivered 25 repair sessions and fixed more than 110 staff bikes.
“Getting the e-cargo bike has been a game changer for us,” said Claudio Pia, from the Active Travel Team.
We can cycle right into sites with everything we need – even the work stands. People are amazed at how much the bike can carry, and the pedal assist makes getting between sites really easy
This shift has saved staff time, reduced car use and helped frontline healthcare workers keep their bikes safe and roadworthy.
Case study: Bluevale Community Club
Glasgow-based Bluevale Community Club received 10 e-bikes through the Cycle Access Fund, enabling them to grow their inclusive cycling offer.
“Getting the 10 e-bikes has been great for our project,” said Project Manager Kenny Trainer.
It’s helped more people make more journeys by bike. One of our riders enjoyed the e-bike so much, he used the money he’d saved for a car to buy a bike instead – and now uses it for all his journeys
Case study: Women on Wheels
In Govanhill, we have supported Women on Wheels (WoW) to expand its community-led cycling offer: gifting recycled and new bikes to women and families facing financial barriers.
Through the Cycle Access Fund, WoW has:
- Gifted bikes to women through the Recycled Bikes and Individual Ownership strands.
- Supported family cycling, including school run journeys and a local bike bus.
- Expanded its bike library with new cycles and a child trailer.
“It’s still small-scale and a lot of admin,” said Holly Barwick, Women’s Project Lead.
But it makes such a difference to be able to say yes when someone asks for a bike
Spotlight on Play Together on Pedals
Our Play Together on Pedals programme is helping Glasgow’s youngest residents build confidence and skills through cycling – from preschoolers to early primary pupils and their families.
The programme runs community sessions, delivers structured activities in nurseries and schools, and trains early years staff to embed cycling into their settings. In Glasgow, the programme is funded by Glasgow City Council through the People and Places fund.
Key stats:
- 90% of pupils were riding independently by the end of the school programme – up from 29% at the start.
- More than 4,000 engagements delivered across the city.
- 30 adults trained to deliver Play on Pedals sessions.
- Pop-Up Bike Park sessions held in 13 schools.
A standout moment came in December 2024, when Santa delivered bikes to children at Whiteinch Primary and Bonnybroom Nursery – creating smiles and helping build cycling confidence just in time for Christmas.
“It’s the feeling of freedom you get on a bike,” said Bonnybroom headteacher Clair McLauchlan.
We hope eventually mums and dads will get a bike too – it’s a way for families to be much healthier and more eco-friendly
Measurable change
The impact of these initiatives is already clear across Glasgow.
Survey data from Cycle Access Fund participants showed:
- Regular cycling increased from 59% to 90%.
- 87% started cycling for journeys they previously made by car.
- 88% said the support helped them feel safer.
- 88% reported increased physical activity.
Nationally, Connecting Communities has shown similar results, with regular short-trip cycling rising from 35% to 59% and 74% of participants saying they’re now more likely to cycle for transport.
We are committed to expanding access to cycling in Glasgow: working with local partners to improve infrastructure, confidence and access to bikes.
From early years to e-cargo bikes, the charity’s work is helping more people travel actively and unlock the freedom that cycling can bring.
If your organisation is interested in applying for funding or getting involved with Cycling UK’s programmes in Glasgow, visit the Cycle Access Fund page or contact Suzanne Forup, Head of Behaviour Change and Development Scotland, to explore partnership opportunities.
