Aim is to bring people together through cycling
Glasgow based charity Bike for Good has launched a new online service, not previously seen before in Glasgow.
The service will connect people in Glasgow through cycling. People that can cycle are encouraged to sign up and create their profile.
They can contact others to chat and arrange cycling together, or share skills and routes. It’s free to join and available for both new and experienced cyclists.
Bike for Good recognised that this sort of online network was missing from Glasgow and would help grow the cycling community across the city. They felt it was an ideal way for people to meet other cyclists and improve their cycling experience socially, particularly as we come out of lockdown.
Bike for Good CEO Gregory Kinsman-Chauvet said: “Glasgow has a great cycling community and we hope that Pedal Pals will bring new people together. If you’re new to cycling, riding with other people can help you build up your confidence and learn more about cycling.
“We urge everyone to sign up, it’s completely free and it’ll help people get out more, learn new skills and make new friends. We hope this service will encourage more people to commute by bike regularly and create sustainable change in Glasgow too.”
According to recent surveys, 25% of the UK population have felt lonely in lockdown, demonstrating the impact of social isolation on people’s mental health. However 61% reported that being kind to others or receiving kindness has had a positive impact on their mental health.
Research also shows that going outdoors, visiting green spaces and doing regular exercise all positively impacts our mental health. Pedal Pals is an excellent initiative combining all of these and encouraging people to socialise more whilst exercising outdoors.
Bike for Good ran a pilot test with their service users, volunteers and staff prior to the launch. They were met with entirely positive feedback from everyone that took part and went for cycles with a Pedal Pal. Pilot users said that it helped them get outside more and learn new cycling routes.
