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A national campaign designed to encourage thousands of people to cycle for everyday journeys has launched in Stirling.
The Big Bike Revival, an award-winning programme developed by Cycling UK, helps people in Scotland to bring their bikes back into use by providing bike health checks, sharing maintenance know-how, and giving people more confidence in the saddle.
Partnered with 50 community groups and bicycle recycling centres across the country, the project aims to reach 20,000 people to encourage them to get cycling again, and to replace short car journeys with the bike.
Big Bike Revival events across Scotland include led rides, puncture repair workshops, basic bike maintenance, cycle health checks, cycle skills sessions, and route planning, all of which are free to access. As well as this, local community clubs will be set up and supported to provide ongoing encouragement and opportunities for those new or returning to cycling.
The Scottish Government has a vision to see ten per cent of everyday journeys undertaken on cycles by 2020; The Big Bike Revival will provide support and activities to encourage more people to get cycling to help achieve this vision.
Humza Yousaf, minister for transport and the Islands said: “The Scottish Government is investing over £450,000 in Cycling UK’s Big Bike Revival to promote cycling within communities and helping people to breathe new life into their old bikes.
“Cycling is healthy, cheap, fun and good for the environment. This exciting new project will provide a significant boost to community-led cycling and bicycle recycling projects right across the country.
“I look forward to seeing the Big Bike Revival and its partners continue to grow, and to getting even more people to get back in the saddle in the future.”
After two successful years in England, the Big Bike Revival is now extending into Scotland with funding from Transport Scotland.
Cycling UK’s head of development Scotland, Suzanne Forup, said: “Cycling is a transformational activity for many reasons and through the Big Bike Revival we’re looking to inspire 20,000 people to experience the joy and freedom a bike ride can bring.
“We all remember how fun and enjoyable a cycle ride was when we were kids, and that same feeling can be captured as an adult, too. By building on the previous successes of the Big Bike Revival, we’re working with local community groups across Scotland to encourage participants to get back on their bikes and experience the benefits of cycling first hand, as well as support them to swap the car when it comes to short, everyday journeys.
There are hundreds of events and activities planned across the nation. To find Big Bike Revival events, visit www.bigbikerevival.org.uk
