History

2021

Over a thousand people took part in four free, beginner-friendly Pedal for Scotland events held in Ayr, Lerwick, Highland Perthshire and Falkirk between August and October 2021.

Each event was held on a route that was marshalled, closed to traffic between 5 and 8 miles long.

They provided a welcoming, safe and fun environment for people new to cycling and families. These were organised by local community organisations and helped to showcase local cycling infrastructure and routes.

The events were accessible to everyone, with adapted bikes available to hire.

Feedback from the events was very positive, with 72% of participants giving the route top marks in a post-event survey and 73% giving the same highest marks to the atmosphere of the event.

Pedal for Scotland also funded nine, smaller capacity, new cycling events across Scotland, from Dumfries & Galloway in the south, to the Highlands & Islands in the north.

2020

This was to be the first year of Pedal for Scotland’s evolution into free local events across Scotland.

However, due to the global Covid-19 pandemic, it was not possible to host events in 2020.

Instead, we opened a fund for community organisations to apply for grants to organise free, beginner-friendly cycling events when it was safe to do so.

2019

More than 8,000 people from around the world got on their bikes on Sunday, 8 September 2019, to celebrate Pedal for Scotland’s last ride.

With participants ranging in age from a nine month-old (on a tag-along) to an 82-year old, riders completed more than 325,000 miles.

2019 marked the 20th anniversary of Pedal for Scotland, which has grown from 425 participants in 1999, delivering an estimated £1.1m for the Scottish economy every year.

The closed-road Glasgow-Edinburgh ride has created a legacy for cycling in Scotland:

• Health impact - thousands of people have been inspired to take up cycling or cycle more often in training for the event.
• Charity fundraising - participants have raised millions of pounds for good causes, most recently tackling child poverty. This year, event organiser Cycling Scotland joined forces with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), SAMH (the Scottish Association of Mental Health), Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and the STV Children’s Appeal in an effort to encourage friends, families and colleagues to get on their bikes and set a new fundraising record.
• Funding impact - large amounts of value-in-kind and sponsorship to the sector, for example advertising on STV that helped to promote cycling nationally.
• Diversity of participants - people of all ages and abilities have pedalled for Scotland, including celebrities, Government Ministers, refugees and charity fundraisers.
• Inspiring cycling events - across Scotland there are now more mass participation cycling events of different types with greater public awareness than ever before.    
• More people cycle - cycling has become more popular since the first Pedal for Scotland in 1999, at least doubling. In Scotland, more people now cycle than play football.

From 2020, Pedal for Scotland will evolve into shorter, local and free events in an effort to help more people enjoy cycling, regardless of income.

2018

Nearly 7,000 people took to their bikes on Sunday for the nation’s largest cycling event. With participants ranging in age from a one year old on a tag along to 88 years old, riders completed a combined total of 294,000 miles.

Capital Scotland Breakfast Presenter Des Clarke took part on the 45-mile route on closed roads from Glasgow to Edinburgh as one of the 5,200 riders doing the Classic Challenge.  Des only learned to cycle earlier this year at the age of 37 years and is delighted to have taken part in his first Pedal for Scotland.

Many participants were raising money for our official charity partner, The STV Children's Appeal, who work to help children and young people affected by poverty. 

2017

Scotland’s Minister for Transport and the Islands, Humza Yousaf MSP, led the charge from the Glasgow Green start line, joined by a host of STV stars including Peter and Roughie and Heart FM's Breakfast presenter Robin Galloway.Over 10,000 people on bikes showed their pedal power this year as they took part in Pedal for Scotland – celebrating 19 years of Scotland’s biggest bike event. 

Many participants were raising money for children and young people affected by poverty by supporting the event’s official charity partner, The STV Children’s Appeal.

2016

Over 10,000 people on bikes showed their pedal power this year as they took part in Pedal for Scotland – celebrating 18 years of Scotland’s biggest bike event. Scotland’s Minister for Transport and the Islands, Humza Yousaf MSP, led the charge from the Glasgow Green start line, joined by X Factor star Nicholas McDonald and a host of STV faces including weatherman Sean Batty, antiques expert Natasha Raskin and STV Glasgow presenters Jennifer Reoch and David Farrell. Heart Breakfast presenters Adele Cunningham and Robin Galloway also joined the party.

Many participants were raising money for children and young people affected by poverty by supporting the event’s official charity partner, The STV Children’s Appeal.

2015

In 2015, on our 17th anniversary, around 10,000 riders took part over 6 rides across Scotland. Pedal for Scotland took place on 5th, 6th and 13th September with six rides to choose from catering for all ages and abilities.

The event kicked off on 5th September, when Glasgow Green played host to the 6 mile Wee Jaunt Glasgow. On 6th September, Pedal for Scotland’s main event day featured the 50 mile Classic Challenge ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh, the colossal 110 mile ride Big Belter from Glasgow to Edinburgh via the stunning Southern Uplands, the 9 mile Wee Jaunt from Kirkliston to Edinburgh and the 4 mile Wee Jaunt circular route round Murrayfield. Pedal for Scotland then travelled to Aberdeen a week later on 13th September when the 6 mile Wee Jaunt Aberdeen returned to Duthie Park for a third year.

2014

Over 10,500 riders Pedalled for Scotland in 2014. Rides took place in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen across three gloriously sunny weekends in September.

Around 8,000 people on bikes showed their pedal power on 7th September as they took part in the 47 mile Challenge ride, the 110 mile Sportive and two Family rides of 9 and 4 miles. Over 6,500 riders took part in the 47 mile Challenge Ride and over 700  took the on the 110 mile Sportive, which takes a different route through the Southern Uplands and features over 2,400 metres of ascent. In addition, around 600 riders took part in family-friendly events in Edinburgh.

2013

8th September, 2013: Over 12,000 cyclists took part in Scotland’s biggest bike ride to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Scotland’s largest mass participation bike ride.

Transport Minister Keith Brown was joined by round the world cycling superstar Mark Beaumont, STV presenters Sean Batty and Raman Bhardwaj and The Angels’ Share star Paul Brannigan on the startline of the 2013 freshnlo Pedal for Scotland, in partnership with Decathlon

Over 12,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities tackled 5 different rides which included the 47 mile Challenge Ride between Glasgow and Edinburgh, the 110 mile timed Sportive, the Edinburgh Family Ride which allowed younger cyclists and their families to join the last nine miles of the Challenge Ride route and finish in style at Murrayfield Stadium and for the first time the Aberdeen Family Ride (15th Sep).

Over £105,000 was raised  for charity partner the STV Appeal.

2012

9 September, 2012: A summer of cycling heroics reached its peak with over 8500 people saddling up to join Mark Beaumont and Transport Minister Keith Brown riding the Pedal for Scotland event.

Participants rode their way through a combined distance almost equivalent to the moon and back across two events. Over 7600 cyclists of all abilities tackled the 47 mile Challenge ride between Glasgow and Edinburgh while over 800 people finished the 110 mile timed Sportive ride through the Southern Uplands which this year featured 2400m of ascent to pose an even stiffer challenge.

£750,000 has been raised for 4 year official charity partner Maggies.

Photo featuring Graeme O'bree and Charline Joiner at the launch event in Glasgow Green

Awards

2012 – UK Event Awards – Nominated for Best Sports Event

2011

Almost 8,500 cyclists of all ages and abilities got out on their bikes and joined Pedal for Scotland Glasgow to Edinburgh ride and 6,000 people took part in the Pedal for Scotland Sky Ride Glasgow with Graeme Obree, Aggie MacKenzie and Lorraine Kelly. The Glasgow to Edinburgh ride finished at Murrayfield Stadium for the first time. freshnlo Pedal for Scotland won the Grand Prix and Best Sports Event at the UK Event Awards at Wembley Stadium.

£139,099 was raised for the main charity partner Maggies.

Awards

2011 – Marketing Society Star Awards – Gold Star – Best Use of Sponsorship

2011 – Scottish Event Awards – Best Sponsorship

2011 – UK Event Awards – Best Sports EventAlmost 8,500 cyclists of all ages and abilities got out on their bikes and joined Pedal for Scotland Glasgow to Edinburgh ride and 6,000 people took part in the Pedal for Scotland Sky Ride Glasgow with Graeme Obree, Aggie MacKenzie and Lorraine Kelly. The Glasgow to Edinburgh ride finished at Murrayfield Stadium for the first time. freshnlo Pedal for Scotland won the Grand Prix and Best Sports Event at the UK Event Awards at Wembley Stadium.

£139,099 was raised for the main charity partner Maggies.

2010

Over 9000 people cycled from Glasgow to Edinburgh in 2010’s record breaking event. The 51-mile ride began at Glasgow Green and finished at Victoria Park, Edinburgh and the event won Best Sports Event, Best Event in an Outdoor Space and the Event Management Grand Prix in 2010 Scottish Event Awards. Participants included round-the-world cyclist Mark Beaumont, Miss Scotland Nicola Mimnagh, cyclist Graeme O’Bree, Kaye Adams and Aggie MacKenzie.

A new 100 mile Sportive ride was added to the event with 683 taking the longer route to Edinburgh through the Southern Uplands and over 300 took part in the first family ride in Glasgow Green.

£231,789 was raised for the main charity partner Maggies.

Awards

2010 – Marketing Society Star Awards – Gold Star – Event Marketing

2010 – Marketing Society Star Awards – Gold Star – Best SME Marketing

2010 – UK Event Awards – Best Sports Event

2010 – National Outdoor Events Association, Best Scottish Event

2010 – Scottish Event Awards – Best Sports Event

2010 – Scottish Event Awards – Best Outdoor Event

2010 – Scottish Event Awards – Event Management Grand Prix

2009

Pedal for Scotland 2009 attracted over 7,000 riders. Piper Andy Low piped the riders off from the starting point, with a little help from stunt bike sensation Danny MacAskill.  Elaine Brewer, 30, from Dennistoun, was one Glaswegian who enjoyed her day in the saddle.

She said: “This was my first Pedal for Scotland event but it won’t be my last.

It was pretty tough, especially the last ten miles as we came into Edinburgh.

But it was worth it and you get a real sense of achievement knowing you have cycled from one side of the country to the other.”

£233,633 was raised for the main charity partner Maggies.

Awards

2009  – Scottish Event Awards – Best Sports Event

2009  – Scottish Event Awards – Event Management Grand Prix

2008

Taking place on the 14th of September the weather stayed perfect for the ride, cloudy and dry so not too hot. The event, attended by 5,700 riders, was started by Mark Beaumont who had just cycled 18,000 miles around the world, “I really enjoyed taking part in the ride, talking to cyclists on route and hearing great enthusiasm about cycling from both experienced and new riders. Pedal for Scotland is a great event for the whole family and it’s fantastic to see so many people taking up the challenge.”

£145,000 was raised for Leukaemia Research.

2007

Pedal for Scotland 2007 saw the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Wellbeing Nicola Sturgeon MSP and Alastair Campbell start the ride at a slightly wetter than wet Glasgow Green. However, it did not stop over 4000 riders from cycling the 50 mile journey from Glasgow to Edinburgh on the 16th of September.

£138,000 was raised for Leukaemia Research and finished at Victoria Park in Edinburgh for the first time

2006

2700 riders took part including Nell Nelson and Tony Doyle, up a staggering 1200 from the previous year, which made the event Scotland’s biggest ever mass bike ride. The cycle from Glasgow to Edinburgh on Sunday, 27 August raised funds for Leukaemia Research, the official charity partner for Pedal for Scotland 2006. The event had tremendous support and was started by The First Minister. Jack McConnell commented:

“Pedal for Scotland is a great Scottish event, and it’s very encouraging to see a huge increase in participants this year. The record number of cyclists taking part proves that cycling is an increasingly popular pastime as people think more about their personal health and our environment.  But it’s also good to see so many people giving up their Sunday to raise money for Leukaemia Research.  I hope the fundraising will break records too.”

The event was also sponsored by the Tour of Britain, T- Mobile and Marshalls Pasta and was run in conjuntion with a criterium race in George Square and the start of the Tour of Britain with Ian Aitken taking over the management of the event.

The event finished at Roseburn Park in glorious sunshine.

£117,000 was raised for Leukaemia Research.

2005

28th of August: Pedal for Scotland partnered with the Tour of Britain to create a cycling weekend. A criterium race took place in George Square on Friday evening with Pedal for Scotland’s slightly controversial change in direction with the ride starting in Edinburgh and finishing in Glasgow.

The ride was started at Roseburn Park by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh Lesley Hinds. Unfortunately this meant the record 1500 riders were cycling into the prevailing westerly wind, and so despite a great event all round, the format was changed back to Glasgow to Edinburgh forever after.

£115,000 was raised for official charity partners Barnardos and CHILDREN 1st

2004

The very first year that Cycling Scotland took over the event which started in George Square Glasgow and ended at Meadowbank Stadium Edinburgh on the 19th of September. The event attracted over 1060 participants and was managed by Michael Adiscott from Cycling Scotland.

£95,000 was raised for official charity partners Barnardos and CHILDREN 1st.

*Do you have an image from our 2004 event? We'd love to see it. Why not drop us an email info@pedalforscotland.org

2003

Nearly 950 took part in this year’s Pedal for Scotland which was held on the 14th of September.

£90,000 was raised for official charity partners CHILDREN 1st

2002

Approximately 900 people took part in Pedal for Scotland on the 15th of September, including 29 riders from Sun Micro Systems based in Linlithgow. Official charity partners for the event were Barnardos and  CHILDREN 1st events and volunteer manager, Laura Peacock, said: “We are thrilled to have raised so much money to help Scotland’s most troubled children. CHILDREN 1st are very grateful for all of the participants who helped to raise sponsorship money in the 2002 event.”

£50,000 was raised by the charity CHILDREN 1st

This was the first year that the website www.pedalforscotland.org was created.

2001

The 16th of September was the date for the Pedal for Scotland 2001 which saw 1013 riders taking part, including a 16 strong team of Dutch riders who entered while on a visit to Velo-city.

£45,000 was raised for official charity partners Barnardos and CHILDREN 1st.

2000

470 people registered for the event on the 17th of September which ran from George Square to Meadowbank Stadium with a Pasta Party in Linlithgow. It was a bright but overcast day with a mild westerly wind. Transport services for riders and their bikes were supplied by First Bus and The Scottish Transport Regimental Army.

£40,000 was raised for Barnardo’s(Scotland) and CHILDREN 1st who were the official charity partners.

Do you have pictures from 2000? We would love you to share them.

1999

Thanks to the hard work and efforts from the team, headed up by Gareth George, who came up with the idea for the event, Brian Curtis and George Di Ponion, in association with the Scottish Cycling Development Project (SCDP), the first event took place. 425 cyclists set off from George Square in Glasgow and finished at Holyrood Park. The event raised £60,000 for 16 different charities and marked the start of the now biggest bike ride event in Scotland.

*Do you have an image of the very first Pedal for Scotland? We'd love to see it. Why not drop us an email at info@pedalfroscotland.org