A newly published report has highlighted the work of Sport Aberdeen in helping more people across the city access cycling, build confidence and overcome barriers to cycling participation.
The Walking and Cycling Index 2025 report, which was published this month, is funded and supported by Transport Scotland and coordinated by Walk Wheel Cycle Trust. The report, which also received support from Aberdeen City Council, provides insight into how people in Aberdeen travel and what would encourage them to walk, wheel and cycle more often.
The figures show strong interest in active travel across the city. While 94% of Aberdeen residents walk or wheel, 34% currently cycle with 44% saying they would like to cycle more, demonstrating an opportunity to increase participation.
Sport Aberdeen’s Community Sport team is helping support that ambition through the Aberdeen Cycle Hub @ Seaton and wider community cycling programmes, which aim to make cycling more accessible for people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. The team runs Scottish Cycling’s Rock Up & Ride project, offering a pathway to recreational cycling, as well as the Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies in partnership with Grampian Disability Sport. Both projects are currently funded by Nestrans, via the People and Place Programme.
The new report highlights the work of Sport Aberdeen staff Laura Benson and Fiona Smith, who deliver community cycling initiatives designed to increase the number of people getting involved in cycling and remove barriers that can hold people back including lack of confidence or knowledge of bike suitability, as well as logistical issues with transporting bikes.
Laura’s work focuses on supporting residents in priority areas including Northfield, Seaton and Torry, while ensuring opportunities remain open to anyone who wants to take part. The programme particularly aims to encourage participation among women and girls as well as families and groups under-represented in cycling.
For many participants, the sessions provide a first opportunity to learn to cycle in a supportive and welcoming environment. Some of those are parents who are keen to learn so they can cycle alongside their children, who may already be cycling at school or within their communities.
Laura, who is Project Activator for Cycling with Sport Aberdeen, said: “A lot of the people we work with have never had the opportunity to learn to cycle before. It’s really rewarding to see someone build their confidence and realise that cycling is something they can enjoy with their family or friends.
“Accessibility is important to us so bikes and helmets can be borrowed for free. Our sessions are about creating a welcoming space where people feel comfortable giving it a go.”
Fiona’s work with Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies (GICB) focuses on addressing practical barriers that can make cycling difficult to access. The group was set up to help people get active and engaged with cycling through free adapted cycling sessions which take place in traffic free environments with participants welcome to cycle as much or as little as they wish.
Sessions are led by qualified ride leaders who provide support and advice in a safe space to help people find what works best for their needs. A wide range of people attend regularly as a fun weekly activity, while others use the opportunity to try different types of cycles and develop their cycling skills.
Fiona, Lead Project Activator, Sport Aberdeen, said, “For many people the biggest barriers to cycling are access to the right bike and having a safe place to try it.
“We have set up inclusive cycling hubs around Grampian, and we want to get more people enjoying the health and social benefits of cycling.
“Seeing participants come back each week and grow in confidence is what makes the programme so special.”
With many Aberdonians saying they would like to cycle more often, initiatives that improve access to bikes and safe cycling spaces are helping more people take the first step.
Mark Pain, Community Sport Manager, Sport Aberdeen, also commented, “Cycling should be something that everyone feels able to enjoy, regardless of their background, confidence or experience.
“It’s fantastic to see the work of our Community Sport team recognised in the Walking and Cycling Index 2025 report and we’re proud to help more people across Aberdeen discover the benefits of cycling, in conjunction with our wider partners, including Grampian Disability Sport and Scottish Cycling.”
Anyone interested in getting involved in cycling through Sport Aberdeen’s Cycling Hubs, which also run adapted cycling sessions at Catto Park Athletics Track in Peterhead and the Deveron Community and Sports Centre in Banff, can find out more by contacting: communitysport@sportaberdeen.co.uk or searching for “Sport Aberdeen Community Cycling” on Eventbrite or the Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies Facebook page www.facebook.com/grampianinclusivecyclingbothies.