Case Study - April 2021

This case study has been kindly completed by Elspeth Gracey, who is one of our valued Community Green Team volunteers.

The following is a case study of one of our adult led cycle ride participants. The case study highlights the positive impact that cycling has had in their life. 

Cycling History

The participant was a relatively new rider and had taken three lessons elsewhere in Glasgow.

Although they had previously applied for the cycle to work scheme they had never actually been able to do that.

What participant hoped to gain

They wanted to gain more confidence in cycling and increase their fitness. They were previously involved in a range of fitness activities but as a result of a long term health condition they felt that cycling would be a good form of non load bearing exercise.

"I like keep fit and thought cycling would be good for me without damaging my joints"

"I wanted to be able to go for a wee cycle ride for a few miles but wasn't keen to do it on my own"

IMPACT

Knowledge, Skills and Confidence

They feel they picked up lots of 'tips and hints' not just from Ride Leaders but also from other participants. "Other folk will say stuff like 'here's what to do with this hill coming up' "

Their own bike was heavy with only 3 gears and they have learned that a lighter bike with more gears would be a better option. Luckily a friend was able to lend them such a bike and they really appreciate the difference.

Describing specific things they have learned they said "I've learned how to sit properly on the bike, about gears for up and down hills, safety checks, about the brakes, the M test, tyre pressures etc, I'd never have known that otherwise and probably would just have got on a bike and thought I'll give it a go"

Learning about safe cycle routes has also been helpful.

"I wanted to be able to go for a wee cycle ride for a few miles but wasn't keen to do it on my own"

In terms of confidence they spoke of asking another participant about what routes the rides were likely to take and was told they had been to Bowling and back. They said "I've surprised myself about what I can do now. Well I know people drive to Bowling but I didn't think I'd be cycling there, but I couldn't believe it we went to Bowling and back and I did it ok. I surprised myself."

"Being in the group helps. You're not going to say 'I'm not going' you just do it, you just need to go for it"

"The cycle leaders are very good at asking if we are ok with it all"

"I've also been out on my own round Kelvin Walkway"

Health and Wellbeing

They had noticed when they were on regular rides that from time to time their legs or arms were a little sore from unused exercise but they also noticed that each week they were not quite so sore and was able to go further more easily.

They also appreciated that the group might divide into a faster and slower group so that there was no pressure to do something they weren't comfortable with. They said "The group accommodates different ages, different abilities, different backgrounds"

Do you feel more connected to your community

"I suppose I know more people and more routes if that counts as getting to know my community more."

A sense of control and resilience

"I'm definitely more determined and won't be put off so easily"

"I'd say I have more determination - I just get on with it - being with other people helps with that, we encourage each other and get on with it"

"Even at the weekend I had an arrangement to go out and it was raining but I wouldn't cancel it. I got soaked but I did it and feel better for it."

Impact on the Environment

"I'll be more likely to cycle to work, so that's good and will have a bit of an impact"

"I wouldn't be keen to be in busy traffic on Byres Rd or Great Western Rd but on safe routes I'd like to do more and as the weather improves I hope I will"

"Well I know people drive to Bowling but I didn't think I'd be cycling there, but I couldn't believe it we went to Bowling and back and I did it ok. I surprised myself."

Anything else

"It's a good thing to have found."

"It's free."

"It's a very welcoming group, really flexible"

"It's been very worthwhile thing for me, really positive"

"If more people knew about it I'm sure they'd use it too"

Their final response was...

“I can’t say enough positive things about the cycle led rides and hope that came across. I’m really glad that I found out about it and it has totally changed my outlook on cycling.”

The adult led cycle rides are supported by Glasgow Community Cycling Network and Glasgow City Council and the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places fund and we are grateful for their support.

More info about the led rides

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