Case Study - September 2023

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

The third in a series of case studies on volunteers in the De'ils On Wheels community bike workshop.

This volunteer is retired and has volunteered with De'ils On Wheels since Autumn 2016 so almost 7 full years. They believe his last certificate for the number of hours they have contributed was for 750 hours volunteering in the workshop and they are clearly justifiably proud of that.

Improved health and well-being

“I’m very happy to be there. It gets me out of the house and passes my time. I really enjoy it.”

Increased knowledge, confidence and skills

“I really enjoy learning about new bikes my own bike is 30 years old. I was originally told about the bike workshop at the Whiteinch Centre and they knew I used my bike and was interested in bikes and I’ve never looked back.”

“It takes a wee while to learn it all, the Workshop Manager gives me lots of guidance. I’ve been to Clydebank College to do my bronze level (bike maintenance certificate) there is sliver and gold to follow, not sure when that will happen, but its good to know about all the strange bikes out there and I’m still learning.”

"I was originally told about the bike workshop at the Whiteinch Centre and they knew I used my bike and was interested in bikes and I’ve never looked back.” De'ils On Wheels volunteer

More connected to the community

“I enjoy being part of the cycle skills training with the kids. They really enjoy it and its better than sitting at home. Once when I was out I stopped to help a kid with a puncture but I noticed the brakes and other bits needed fixed so I was able to do that for him. He was chuffed with that and when he saw me later he was waving at me.”

More involved in community life

“I saw on Facebook that there was a game of Poker for Points, not for money, not gambling. It happens in local pubs and I go to that now. I use my bike to get there and back especially since the buses at night are unreliable its much easier just to use the bike. It’s great fun and I go every Thursday evening now to pubs or different local venues.”

“At one point I joined the led cycle rides but I hurt my back and stopped going and never got back into it.”

Recycling materials

“Well we recycle everything. They even showed me that we can cut up inner tubes across the way and make elastic bands for holding things together. All the Aluminium is separated out - everything is recycled.”

Environmental Impact

“Well I use my bike all the time. I’ve even taken it to Stornoway where my Dad comes from. He gave me the bike and I still use it and so I took it there.”

Feedback about the workshop

“Well we need more space, everything else is fine. I’m going there now because we’re having a clear up week which was needed.”