Community
Cabinet Secretary announces funding to get communities cycling
6 November 2018
Projects across Scotland will benefit from support to get more people on their bikes.
28 organisations across Scotland have received over £330,000 through our Cycle Friendly Community Development Fund. The money has been provided by Transport Scotland and is delivered through Cycling Scotland in order to provide greater access to bikes and even more opportunities to cycle.
By providing additional access and opportunities, this funding supports local projects to use bikes as tools to bring different and diverse communities together, supporting the charitable aims of many of the organisations awarded funding across Scotland.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson made the announcement during Cycling Scotland’s annual conference on 6th November. Commenting on the announcement, Mr Matheson said “It’s encouraging to see a range of organisations across Scotland seeking to use cycling to bring communities together. There are so many personal and environmental benefits that come with choosing to cycle. We have doubled the active travel budget so that with our partners we can create additional opportunities for people to choose sustainable travel options like cycling. By continuing to fund innovative projects like this, we can continue to build an Active Nation, where more people and communities can enjoy the many benefit of walking and cycling”
Pete Mills, Development Officer at Cycling Scotland said “We’re supporting communities across Scotland to use cycling as a way of achieving their aims. From projects that support mental health to those that tackle homelessness, the funding will support the purchase of bikes, equipment and maintenance tools as well as provide training and promote projects locally. We’re excited to give more people across Scotland access to bikes and the opportunity to cycle.”
Rashid Khaliq of SoulRiders, who are based in Glasgow and will receive funding, said “Our vision is to create a stronger community, using the enjoyment of cycling to engage them. The mix of nationalities we work with is incredibly diverse – Pakistani, Syrian, Chilean, Sri Lankan, Iranian to name just a few - and we find that our cycling projects help to overcome social isolation and makes so many men and women feel healthier, fitter, stronger and happier.”
Coupar Angus Cycle Hub is another project to be awarded funding and Development Officer Grant Murdoch said: “From the very start, the Hub has been about the community and connecting people, families and generations. Our events have become popular staples of the social calendar and parental involvement in training classes has taught new skills and confidence. The funding and recognition from Cycling Scotland gives the Hub a boost and helps position cycling as a viable means of commuting and accessible leisure activity.”