What Difference Does a Bike Make

‘This machine fights climate change’ is the campaign message from Pedal on Parliament 2021 – a campaign to make Scotland a cycle-friendly country! 

But what evidence do we, Glasgow Eco Trust, have of the difference a bike makes for people, place and planet? Well this is our wee story about bikes and the difference they make. This story is made from comments and feedback we have received from various people…

In the beginning...

…we accept donations of unwanted bikes...

"I benefitted from knowing that my unused bike could be restored and used by someone else."

"I didn't want my bike to go to waste. I knew it was repairable for someone else to use it"

...we refurbish them in our workshop employing local people and offering volunteering and training opportunities...

"I have gained confidence and it has given me experience of what it is like to be in work"

"Gave me a bit of direction during a time when I didn't know where I was going." 

...and then we sell them at affordable prices...

"A good bike at a reasonable price and helping the environment"

"I previously didn’t have a bike so now able to go cycling" 

...plus we also repair bikes…

"I had no one to fix my son's bike, so if it wasn't for this it would have been binned." 

..and then we teach people how to ride a bike... 

"I had never learned to cycle so I am pleased to have learned the basics of how to cycle." 

...and we take groups on led bike rides...

"Gets me out and physically active. I've met new people." 

...but...

"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." 

...so we join with others to campaign for better cycling and active travel for all... 

Pedal on Parliament; Walk Wheel Cycle Vote; Sustrans Scotland Cycling for Everyone; Go Bike; Streets for All Glasgow; Aye Cycle Glasgow; Glasgow Community Cycling Network and more… 

...because riding a bike is good for both physical and mental health... 

“It’s a definite plus. Getting out on the bike can help to lift my mood, I suffered depression before - now I just get out on the bike.”

"I am much fitter for cycling and have a bit more stamina."

"Meeting new people, making new friends, having a laugh and feeling connected, physically and mentally."

…and riding a bike is good for people, place and the planet!

“surely it’s obvious that prevention is better than cure and there should be better investment in local organisations doing this work.”

Glasgow Eco Trust and De'ils On Wheels

making a difference for people, place and planet

Photo by Nuno Ricardo on Unsplash