Cycling UK is running its Big Bike Revival project in Scotland for the first time after being awarded government cash

A national campaign designed to encourage thousands of people to make every day journeys by bicycle has launched in Scotland.

The Big Bike Revival, a programme developed by Cycling UK, aims to get 20,000 people from across the country back into the saddle before the end of October.

Partnered by fifty community groups and bicycle recycling centres across the country, the project aims to encourage as many as possible to stop making short car journeys and instead use their bike.

Events across the country to entice people on to their pedals will include special rides, puncture repair workshops, basic bike maintenance, cycle health checks, cycle skills sessions and route planning, all of which are free to access.

Cycling is healthy, cheap, fun and good for the environment.

Local community clubs will also be set up and supported to provide ongoing encouragement and opportunities for those new or returning to cycling.

The project has already run in England, where it is proving a success.

Cycling UK’s head of development in 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, every day journeys.”

The Scottish Government has a vision to see 10% of every day journeys by cycle by 2020 and is investing over £450,000 in the project through Transport Scotland.

Humza Yousaf, minister for transport said: “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, getting even more people to get back in the saddle in the future.”

With hundreds of events planned across the next six weeks and centres spread across every local authority area in the country, the Big Bike Revival aims to bring thousands more bikes back into use.

Angela Barron, chief executive of Recyke-a-bike, a bike recycling centre taking part said:

“Day to day, we do see how a forgotten bike can change someone’s life. At Recyke-a-bike we refurbish neglected bikes, give them a new lease on life and get people cycling again.

“It’s fantastic to be involved with the Big Bike Revival and working with people from the Stirling community and further afield to help them rediscover their bikes and the benefits of cycling.”