Neil Russell of Adaptive Riders Collective is Scotland’s ‘Cycling Champion of the Year’

Now in its eighth year, the national awards are organised in partnership between Cycling Scotland, Sustrans, Cycling UK and Scottish Cycling, to celebrate those who are having a significant impact in supporting cycling across Scotland.

Neil’s selection was a unanimous decision by the panel, recognising his outstanding contribution through the Adaptive Riders Collective in ensuring that cycling becomes more inclusive and accessible, and his success in helping bring communities together from across Scotland.

Neil, who was born with spina bifida, had his right leg amputated when was 18. He was introduced to a hand-cycle by a friend in 2015, finding it a valuable way of continuing to cycle and access the outdoors.

It was upon meeting dozens of other adaptive riders from across Scotland at a 2022 racing event, that Neil was inspired to set up the Adaptive Riders Collective as a community interest organisation, with the aim of bringing people together and helping others access the benefits offered by adaptive cycles.

Now in its third year of activity, ARC hosts weekly sessions in Callander, welcoming people of all experience levels for led rides through nearby woodland trails using adaptive cycles. Keen to expand opportunities for people in other parts of the country to take part in adaptive cycling – often for the first time – Neil has taken the Collective’s work on the road, bringing “come and try” sessions to communities near Balloch Country Park, Linlithgow, Dundee and other locations.

Neil Russell, Scotland’s Cycling Champion of the Year, said: “It’s such a surprise, to be honoured up there with some fantastic winners from previous years. It’s quite overwhelming. It’s really affirming that the Collective is being recognised for what it’s doing - to know our tough work is having an impact and that we’re on the right track.”

“There’s a huge social element about what we do, as well as the physical and mental health benefits. We have people with MS, spinal injuries, or people who have difficulties which have come on later in life. It can be hard to find a new normal. We have people talking and riding together, supporting each other in a gentle way. Sharing knowledge and experience and building one another’s confidence.”

“Cycling gives me freedom and access to the outdoors and a wider world that, otherwise, I would never be a part of. I want our work to keep growing and to keep reaching more people. My thanks to everyone who nominated me for this award.”

A spokesperson for the awards panel said: “We are thrilled to celebrate Neil and the hugely positive impact his work has brought to many lives across Scotland. In helping more people to access the benefits of adaptive cycles – often for the first time – Neil and the Adaptive Riders Collective have helped develop a new community and support more people to grow their confidence and social connections through cycling. It is inspiring to come together with partner organisations to recognise this success in making cycling more accessible and inclusive.”