£2 million in Cycling Friendly funding available in 2021

Workplaces, social housing providers, communities, universities, colleges, and secondary schools across Scotland can apply now to the £2 million grant funding allocation from Transport Scotland, which supports more people to cycle.

In 2021, new opportunities are available for retailers and health and social care organisations, and applications are encouraged from these areas.

The Cycling Friendly programme offers expert, tailored one-to-one support and funding to make it easier and more accessible to cycle in the places that people work, live, study, and spend time. Organisations can apply for up to £25,000 in grant funding to install or improve facilities, subject to available funds.

Applicants can apply for a range of initiatives, such as installing or upgrading facilities for people cycling such as bike parking or buying pool bikes and maintenance equipment.

Kath Brough, Head of Behaviour Change at Cycling Scotland, says:

“Between March 2020 and March 2021, cycling rates increased 47 per cent across Scotland. This shows an appetite from the public to take up cycling, and to continue this healthy lifestyle change.

“Through the Cycling Friendly programme, including grant funding, we can support people across Scotland to cycle for everyday journeys - because every journey cycled counts.

“We are encouraging organisations across the country to contribute to a green recovery as we move on from the Covid-19 pandemic. Swapping from driving to cycling is a vital way to tackle the climate emergency and is incredibly beneficial for physical and mental health and wellbeing.”

Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust – Caerlaverock Centre received grant funding through the Cycling Friendly Employer Fund, to tackle rural transport barriers and encourage staff, volunteers, and visitors to cycle to work. The funding helped them to install a shower and changing facilities, and sheltered bike storage.