Urban Foresight worked with Angus Cycle Hub to develop and deliver a pilot project to support young people to engage in cycling.

Our initial task was to secure funding. We reviewed various funding opportunities and developed a proposal which secured a grant from Transport Scotland.

We then provided specialist project management support to help deliver a pilot for a central bike distribution centre for the Angus and Dundee areas.

The project offers support to children, young people and marginalised families to help engage them with cycling, active travel, and activities to promote health and wellbeing. The aim is to develop a full-scale model that could be rolled out in other local authority areas across Scotland. 

Free, refurbished bicycles are provided to young people aged 4 to 16. Kids are also able to swap bikes as they outgrow their current one.

Accessories are also provided such as bicycle helmets, locks, and supporting materials such as cycling route cards.

The scheme is specifically targeted at children and young people that are in the greatest need. This includes deprived families, those who have rural access issues, and kids who are care experienced or are in care.

Dedicated cycling support officers are also able to assist kids on their journey, along with optional cycling clubs and events, and training. The project also provides dedicated bicycle mechanics and development workers across the region. 

Since the beginning of this project in 2021, over 500 bike and accessory packages to young people. This exceeded the initial target 4 months ahead of schedule.

Due to this success and our support, the project has received further capital investment to increase its delivery target and provide additional packages to young people. The pilot aims to support up to 1,000 children aged 4-16 years.

In supporting the delivery of the project we are responsible for reporting to the funding body, creating monthly and quarterly reports, reviewing and analysing data on referrals and bike delivery, identifying learning and successes, and the development of a business case to sustain and scale-up the pilot project. 

Image credit: Thomas Park