Rajendra

Aberdeen is a beautiful place to live, and cycling is the best way to see it.

Rajendra Regmi, an academic based at the University of Aberdeen has grown so much love for cycling he’s inspired friends and family to join him.

Growing up in Nepal he cycled a lot, although not always on the right size bike for him. “Back then, it was hard to access different size bikes. My father cycled so I would use his bike, you made do with what you had.”

Help from the Aberdeen Multicultural Centre

Living in Aberdeen, Rajendra relied on running to keep fit but it was an introduction to a local charity, the Aberdeen Multicultural Centre, by a friend that was his gateway back to cycling.

The Aberdeen Multicultural Centre is great, they run so many programmes about cycling, health awareness and the environment. I learned so much about how cycling can benefit not only my health but the environment as well.

In addition to helping introduce him to cycling, the Aberdeen Multicultural Centre was able to keep Rajendra on the road. “I’ve benefited from cycle workshop services where they help with oil and checking brakes. They also provide spare parts such as lights.”

Another local charity, ONCW (Organisation for Nepalese Culture and Welfare), helped source an appropriate bike for Rajendra to get started re-discovering cycling. “They do so much work inspiring the local community to cycle by distributing bikes”. 

Cycling for fitness, commuting and pleasure

After adding cycling to his fitness regime – “you can go further and see more than running” – Rajendra has found a place for cycling in many aspects of his life.

I commute to work on my bike most of the time and get out of Aberdeen at the weekends.

An inspiration for friends and family

Rajendra has even managed to inspire friends and family to join him on two wheels. “There are so many amazing places to visit around Aberdeen. Me, my friends and our families took a day trip to Crathes castle along old Royal Deeside Railway line. I’ve also visited Fyvie Castle, Banchory, Dyce and many other places.”

A great advocate for cycling in Aberdeen, Rajendra says “cycling in Aberdeen is great. While I’ve grown a lot in confidence, I try to plan routes that include cycle lanes.

“Aberdeen and the North-East of Scotland is such a beautiful place to live. Cycling is the best way to see it. Cycling can contribute so much to your own health while also being environmentally friendly.

If I’m able to inspire someone else to try cycling, I’ll be happy. You’ve got nothing to lose.

Aberdeen Multicultural Centre received funding from the Cycling Friendly Community development fund.

Cycling Scotland offers a programme of expert support, including funding from Transport Scotland, to help workplaces, social housing providers, communities, schools, campuses and NHS health boards across Scotland be more cycling friendly and attain nationally accredited awards.