1. CYCLING
SCOTLAND
NEWS
ISSUE 09 SPRING 2009
ISSUE 09 SPRING 2009
New Cycle to School
Campaign Launches
A new campaign area. Parents often discourage cycling
to make cycling to to school because they are concerned
school an easier and that the roads are too busy. The Cycle
Friendly Zones campaign aims to address
more pleasant experience
this by directly communicating a message to
for children has launched. drivers to give kids cycle space and encourages
Cycling Scotland has created Cycle Friendly cycle friendly driving.
Zones around schools in 5 local authority areas in
Scotland to make sure kids have enough space on The campaign will consist of a large scale outdoor
the roads to cycle. The project, which takes place media campaign using billboards, posters, lamp post
in Fife, Renfrewshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire banners and radio to spread the message, and will be
and East Ayrshire, aims to encourage more children supported by a cycle to school day during Bike Week
to cycle to school by removing some of the barriers in June to encourage kids to cycle in to school in the
that currently exist. Cycle Friendly Zones. Cycling Scotland’s team of
stunt bikers, The Riderz, will also be making visits to
Research shows that cycling to school has schools in each of the local authority areas, to get kids
grown hugely in popularity in recent years. The enthused about cycling to school. The Riderz stunt
Scottish Household Survey showed levels of team features Scottish YouTube stunt bike sensation
cycling to school at 1%, but a new study by Sustrans, Danny McAskill, whose film Inspired Bicycles
which directly surveyed huge numbers of Scottish recently took the internet by storm, clocking up
school children shows the proportion of kids cycling to over 1.5 million hits. Check out the film at www.
school regularly at a much higher 3%. However over youtube.com and search for ‘Inspired Bicycles’.
30% of children say they want to cycle to school, so The campaign will take place from late April
there is still room for significant growth in this until mid-June.
1

2. Cycle Friendly Schools
A whirlwind of activity has taken place around the Cycle Friendly Schools
award since launching in April last year.
Lord Sebastien Coe presents Lochside Primary with their Cycle Friendly School Dougie the Doonhammer’ presents
Award, accompanied by (L-R) chair of Sport Scotland Louise Martin, Erl Wilkie, Lochabriggs Primary’s award to
Cycling Scotland, Harry Stewart and Fraser Coupland, pupils at Lochside Primary, pupil Euan Murgatroyd and John
Lindsay Brunton, Cycling Scotland and Shona Robison MSP. McDowell, Deputy Head.
11 schools have now achieved Cycle Friendly to inspire future Olympic champions. Lord The scheme has been a clear success at
School status, and many more are currently Coe commented: “Scotland has a double inspiring kids to get out on their bikes, but
going through the assessment process. opportunity to secure a social, economic thanks to a recent competition, it has also
The first school to receive the award was and sporting legacy from the London 2012 been inspiring their more artistic sides. The
Rosewell Primary School in Midlothian Games and the Glasgow 2014 Games. Cycle Friendly Schools Poster Competition
in October 2008. Cycling Scotland Chief Both events will deliver inspiring sporting was launched in February to promote the
Executive Erl Wilkie presented the award performances but the legacy starts now. scheme, and invited pupils across the
amidst a specially organised day of cycling Projects like the cycling and walking country to design a poster showing what
activities and fun. initiatives at Lochside Primary School a cycle friendly school should look like. 3
will enable more people to make positive prizes are up for grabs – a visit from cycling
Hot on Rosewell Primary’s heels came changes in their lives.” stunt team The Riderz, a Wii Fit and a set of
Towerbank Primary in Edinburgh, Hill of bike for the whole family. The prizes have
Banchory in Aberdeenshire, Carnbroe in At Locharbriggs Primary, the award was provided ample motivation, as hundreds
North Lanarkshire, Seaview Primary in presented by School Travel Coordinator and hundreds of entries have swamped
Angus, Lasswade in Midlothian and Kirkton Fiona Lessels, ably aided by canine the Cycling Scotland mailbag in the last
of Largo in Fife. assistant ‘Dougie the Doonhammer’, the few weeks. The winner will be announced
team mascot of local football team Queen in April, and we’ll feature the winning entry
Pupils at two schools in Dumfries and of the South. in the next edition of the newsletter. In the
Galloway received visits from special guests meantime, check out the gallery on the right
to receive their awards. Lord Sebastien Coe Over 100 people have now been trained for a few examples.
dropped in to Lochside Primary in Dumfries to be Cycle Friendly Schools assessors,
to present the school with their award. meaning that a huge network of staff across
Lord Coe was visiting to promote physical the country can now audit schools to see if
activity and healthy eating as part of a drive they qualify.
2

3. Cycling Scotland Chief Executive Erl Wilkie
presents the first ever award to Rosewell Primary
Cycle Friendly Schools
Poster Competition Entries
3

4. Round the World Cyclist Mark Beaumont
kicking off Bike Week last year
Bike Week 09
The biggest cycling festival in the UK returns from 13 - 21 June, as over 1500 bike events
are set to take place as part of Bike Week. Over 43,000 Scots took part in over 230 events
last year, and there looks to be no shortage of activities to get involved with in 2009.
Thinking about planning
Events include: your own event?
If you are thinking about organising a
Two Capitals Ride Lockerbie Loop
Bike Week event, there is a dedicated
This 22 mile cycle ride runs between the old and Raise money for Children 1st with this 50 or
section of the Bike Week website just for
current Scottish capitals cities of Dunfermline 10 mile family bike ride through the beautiful
you. Head to www.bikeweek.org.uk
and Edinburgh and raises money for good Annan Valley in Dumfries and Galloway.
to download the organiser’s guide and
causes. Highlights include great scenery and Email lockerbieloop@msn.com for more
get ideas for events you could put on
a cycle across the Forth Road Bridge. Go to details.
and find out details of the free publicity,
www.prenticeevents.com to register.
giveaways and liability insurance that
There’s loads more happening across the
Bike Week HQ can provide you with.
Heaven or Hell country, with new events being added all
This fundraiser for Chest, Heart and the time in the run up to Bike Week, so to
For any support and advice you
Stroke Scotland gives riders the option of find out what’s going on ,keep checking the
might need, call Andrew Pankhurst
a 25 or 50 mile cycle along the Forth and website www.bikeweek.org.uk/event_
at Cycling Scotland on 0141 229
Union Canals from Glasgow to Edinburgh, search.php. For full listings of all Bike
5354.
Edinburgh to Glasgow, or halfway from Week events, look out for the Bike Week
either city to the Falkirk Wheel. For those pull-out supplement in the Scotland on
who fancy an even bigger challenge, Sunday, published on Sunday 7th June.
there’s the CHSS Ultimate Duathlon – the
longest Duathlon in Scotland. Go to www.
heavenorhell.org.uk to find out more.
4

5. Cycling Scotland is pleased to announce its new Chief
Executive. Cycling Scotland Marketing Manager Ian
Aitken will take on the role when current CEO Erl Wilkie
retires in May 09.
Ian has been at Cycling Scotland since early Speaking about his new appointment, Ian
2004, having joined the team as Company commented: “I’m delighted to be taking over
Secretary. His previous background had from Erl Wilkie as Chief Executive of Cycling
been in IT and accounting. Ian took on Scotland. I’ve been fortunate to have seen
the role of Marketing Manager in 2005 the organisation develop over the past 5
and has since led all of the organisation’s years and I am looking forward to working
communications campaigns. Ian has been to deliver an environment in Scotland where
New Chief
responsible for growing the annual Pedal cycling is an attractive and practical option.
for Scotland event from attracting around I look forward to working with the staff,
1000 riders to almost 6000 over a period of the board, stakeholders and the Scottish
executive 4 years, alongside successful campaigns to
promote Cycling to School and Bike Week,
Government to make sure that happens.”
at Cycling
which attracted over 42,000 participants
in Scotland last year. Ian will now take
charge of leading Cycling Scotland’s
Scotland overall activities and will focus on building
upon successful partnerships with key
stakeholders and local authorities.
ProFiLe: erl Wilkie
Erl Wilkie retires as Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland
on 31 May this year, after managing the organisation Erl Wilkie has been chief executive of
since its inception. Cycling Scotland since its inception in 2003
His retirement will mark the end of a long back into shape. It was on the training Erl’s role in the Walking and Cycling
and varied career that led Erl to become runs for these events that he developed section also meant he was responsible
a passionate advocate of sustainable and a detailed knowledge of Glasgow’s path for line managing the Scottish Cycling
integrated transport. With a background networks, which inspired him to write a Development Project – a small scale
in civil engineering, Erl started his career book, Glasgow’s Pathways, that became forerunner of Cycling Scotland. Through
working for the private sector on ports and a bestseller. The book was a number 1 the foundation of a national Cycling Forum
harbours, in far flung locations like Bahrain, Scottish non fiction bestseller, and led to set up by the then-Scottish Executive, Erl
South Africa, Canada and Ecuador. On Erl writing a series of books for walking was able to submit a business plan for
settling back in his home town of Glasgow, and cycling routes across Scotland. This the creation of a national cycle promotion
Erl joined Strathclyde Regional Council prompted Strathclyde Regional Council agency that would build upon the work of
as part of the team dealing with ports to offer Erl the position of Team Leader the SCDP. The bid was successful, and
and harbours, looking after a stretch of for Walking and Cycling in 1992, where he Erl was appointed as Chief Executive of
coastline bigger than that of France, with began his career in active travel. Through the newly formed Cycling Scotland in
over 2000 marine installations under their this new role, Erl became a director for September 2003. Of his time at Cycling
remit. Erl moved into land transport when the international cycling conference Velo- Scotland, Erl commented: “I have been
he took on the job of raising the bridges City, and was instrumental in bringing the very happy to lead this organization the
on the Glasgow to Ayrshire railway line to conference to Glasgow and Edinburgh in past 6 years, and under my governance it
allow for electrification. 2001. Erl organised the Scottish Velocity has gone from strength to strength. I have
Conference, putting him in the unique every confidence Ian Aitken will build upon
Around this time Erl had given up playing position of being the only person ever to be that success to develop the organisation
rugby and became overweight, prompting employed by both Edinburgh and Glasgow further in the future.”
him to take up marathon running to get City Councils simultaneously.
5

6. Chewin’ The Fat and Still Game star Ford
Kiernan got on his bike to encourage people
across Scotland to sign up for this year’s
freshnlo Pedal for Scotland
freshnlo Pedal for Scotland
Scotland’s biggest and best The ride will also be supported by Sustrans,
bike ride returns after a whose excellent off-road cycle path network
sees riders make their way along the last
triumphant 10th anniversary
stretch into Edinburgh on picturesque and
on 13 September this traffic-free surroundings.
year, so sign up today.
Registration is now open for The freshnlo Pedal for Scotland is delighted
the healthiest and best day to announce Maggie’s Cancer Caring
Centres on board as our new official charity
out of the summer.
partner. Still Game Star Ford Kiernan
Andrew Pankhurst and Ian Aitken accept a
2008 saw Pedal for Scotland scale new (pictured) is a supporter of Maggie’s and certificate from Alastair Campbell on behalf
heights as over 5700 riders took on the 55 mile got on his bike on 16 April to encourage of riders who raised money for Leukaemia
Research.
challenge from Glasgow to Edinburgh. Blessed riders to raise funds for the charity. Maggie’s
with great weather, record numbers and centres offer anyone whose life has been Members of Cycling Scotland staff and
kicked off by round-the-world cycling legend touched by cancer a welcoming place to get board were invited to a ceremony at
Mark Beaumont, 2008 was undoubtedly the help and support. You can help support this Glasgow City Chambers in November to
greatest Pedal for Scotland yet. 2009 boasts great charity by raising sponsorship money celebrate the £400,000 the event raised
plenty of changes that will help to make the for completing the ride, so you can get fit, during its three year charity partnership
event bigger and better. The ride returns have fun, and help others all at the same with Leukaemia Research from 2006 to
this year as the freshnlo Pedal for Scotland, time. You can register for the event now 2008. Charity Patron, former Downing
as we welcome Robert Wiseman Dairies, at www.pedalforscotland.org Street communications manager,
who produce freshnlo on board as headline novelist, broadcaster and blogger
sponsor, so expect a nice cold glass of the Alastair Campbell hosted the ceremony
white stuff as you cross the finish line. As and paid tribute to the event and the
the UK’s first semi-skimmed milk, freshnlo sum of money raised. The event’s
has a proud history of supporting mass fundraising has contributed significantly
participation events, and is the perfect to the building of a new research facility
Organised by Supported by Official Charity Partner
partner for the country’s biggest bike ride. at a hospital in Glasgow.
6

7. Community Cycling Fund
12 innovative community
cycling projects are being The successful projects are:
launched across the
Lifecycles across Whitecrook and cycle training and maintenance classes to
country thanks to funding
Clydebank encourage more families to cycle.
from Cycling Scotland’s A series of cycle maintenance, training
Community Cycling Fund. and organised rides to improve the health Get On Your Electric Bike
The fund was launched last and motivation of young and long term This project encourages older, less able
year to help small scale unemployed people run by Clydebank and partially disabled people in East
Housing Association. Dunbartonshire to enjoy bike rides along
community projects get
cycle and canal paths, by using a small
off the ground. Projects Pedal 4th fleet of light-weight electric bikes that offer
were graded on levels of A series of graded led cycle rides to pedal assistance on longer journeys.
innovation, support for the provide patients at Clackmannan County
community, how well they Hospital with physical exercise to help Greenlink Mountain Bike Club
overcome mental health problems. Cycling Scotland provided funding to
would promote cycling, how
set up a mountain biking club in North
they supported individual ReCycke-a-Bike Lanarkshire in an area where community
development and promoted The funding allowed this Falkirk based facilities and resources are sparse.
health gain and the level of bike recycling social enterprise to give
ongoing sustainability of out 250 sets of bike safety accessories to Shetland on Wheels
customers buying a bike for commuting, Shetland Islands Council received funding
the project.
to further incentivise cycling to work. to provide a cycling programme for young
people, including training, maintenance,
Independence Options Clydebank equipment and risk-assessing graded
This charity supports adults with learning cycle routes.
difficulties to be more integrated and
active within their local community. Community Cycling in North Glasgow
The funding from Cycling Scotland has This project encourages young people
enabled them to buy an essential storage from deprived areas in North Glasgow to
facility so they can continue to provide take up in cycling to improve their health
on and off road cycle training and bike and fitness. The money will be used to
maintenance classes to their service recruit and train 4 cycle ride leaders.
users.
Maps, Mechanics and Minds
Bridges Project This initiative to promote cycling in Haddington
The Bridges Project works with young will provide maps showing local cycle routes
people aged 14-21 from East and Mid and provide maintenance sessions to get
Lothian who are in transition or at risk of local residents out using their bikes.
exclusion. The funding has allowed them
to continue their programme of cycle East Glasgow Community and
training, which supports young people’s School Cycling Partnership
personal development. This community partnership used funding
to buy bikes for cycle training courses as
South City Families on Wheels part of its programme to improve health
Details for the 2009 Community This organisation promotes good physical and well being and community cohesion
Cycling Fund will be announced in and mental health in South Edinburgh, in this deprived part of Glasgow.
mid 2009. and received funding to provide led rides,
7

8. Pedal for Scotland has grown hugely in
popularity in recent years
Has Cycling reached
a Tipping Point? Richard Moore
Could 2009 be cycling’s this, but before the 1970s, running as a running magazine recently claimed he was
1981? Or could it be next participation activity – that is, running for in the 1960s, a decade before “the dynamic
fun, rather than for the bus – was about as formation of a new culture of running.”
year, or maybe 2012?
popular as skinny-dipping in the North Sea.
Why 1981? Because that is the year when, That line borrows from Billy Connolly, but To consider how much attitudes to jogging
it is claimed by running enthusiasts, a it is another of the comedian’s jokes that have changed, imagine referring to the
multitude of popular trends converged, is more relevant. Connolly pointed out that 30,000 who run the London Marathon – not
the planets aligned, a critical mass was his home city of Glasgow doesn’t produce forgetting the thousands whose entries
achieved, a tipping point reached – and many world-class race walkers. “Where are returned – as a “lunatic fringe.” As an
jogging became (officially) mainstream. would they practice?” he asked – the illustration of how running as a participation
implication being that the strange gait of activity has moved from the margins to the
Now, many will claim that cycling as the race walker would leave them open to mainstream, the London Marathon, first
recreation or mode of transport has already mockery or even abuse. held in 1981, is the perfect example; and it
reached that point. Others – those still is not just a symbol of change – it has surely
reluctant to cycle, especially in cities – In the 1960s, recreational runners would have helped drive it.
might disagree. But as we approach 2012, felt similarly exposed. More recently, many
with one of the intended legacies of the cyclists could perhaps identify with that, too, But originally one of the key drivers in the
London Olympics being to increase the feeling at least a little self-conscious, not to running revolution was a public health
number of people who lead active lives, it mention vulnerable on our busy streets. And crisis, with publications and campaigns
seems a good time to take stock, and to let’s face it, it’s probable that some still do, in the 1970s warning slovenly Americans
wonder when, or if, cycling’s own tipping and are thus put off venturing out on a bike. that they should exercise more. In the
point might be reached… Most will agree, however, that the perception days before gyms became so popular,
of running has changed completely, and that running was presented as a cheap, easy
The parallel with running is revealing. Anyone those who jog for fun are no longer regarded option – and the message seemed to get
under the age of thirty might not appreciate as “the lunatic fringe,” as the editor of a through. A consequence was that running
8

9. etape
events proliferated, meaning that the One of the things these events have done
participation base grew exponentially, is to connect cycling as a fun, healthy
first in America, then worldwide. A new participation activity with cycling as a sport.
philosophy also formed around many of
these events that emphasised personal
achievement over competition with
Like the London Marathon, they can be seen
as drivers, as well as symbols, of cycling’s
apparent surge in popularity, and the
Caledonia
others. Whereas ‘competitive’ running had increase in the number of ‘serious’ cyclists.
previously been the preserve of a small But as with ‘fun’ running events, there are
elite, running in these new events became reasons to see the popularity of sportives
a participation, rather than competitive, as part of a wider trend whereby cycling is
activity – and that has remained the case inching towards mass appeal, in much the
to this day. same way that running did in the 1970s.
For many sportive riders, the events do not
Until recently, the idea of a London represent a first step to competitive cycling.
Marathon-type cycling event was They are, instead, a natural progression Rider making his way along the scenic 81
mile route of the Etape Caledonia
impossible. You simply couldn’t organise from riding for fun, which in itself might be
something that catered for so many different a progression from riding to work. In fact,
tastes and abilities, from Paula Radcliffe to it seems that most sportive riders have no
Scotland’s top sportive
the fun-runner, or cyclist, in the Winnie the desire to take part in organised races – it is ride, The Macmillan
Pooh outfit. But that has changed thanks the challenge of completing the ride, rather Cancer Support Etape
to the emergence of ‘sportive’ events – than competing against others, that appeals. Caledonia, has enjoyed a
non-competitive, mass-participation rides. As with running in the 1970s and ’80s, the
boom in entries this year,
According to the British umbrella body participation base of cycling is growing
Cyclosportive.org, Britain’s first sportive significantly, yet it is possible that organised
selling out its entire 3500
event was held around a decade ago, with events such as sportives represent merely entrant capacity.
200 riders. Now, they say, there are over the tip of the pyramid. The statistics support The ride, which takes place in Rural
100 such events in the UK, many of them this theory – in Britain’s largest city, London, Perthshire, has filled all of its available
attracting thousands of entrants, with the number of journeys by bikes has grown places months in advance of the event
2008 the peak year so far, and 2009 set to by a whopping 91% since 2000 – and in itself. The Etape Caledonia is a unique
surpass it. virtually every other city in the UK sales of event, as it has a full road closure for its
bikes are up and there is a visible increase entire 81 mile route. The freedom this
One event, Etape Caledonia, sold out in a in the number of cyclists on the roads. allows riders on the route, in addition to
matter of days. Thus in May, 3,500 riders the amazing scenery that takes in Loch
will attempt an 81-mile course on closed A tipping point is defined as happening Rannoch, Loch Tummel and great views
roads in rural, picturesque Perthshire. And when “the levels at which the momentum for of Schiehallion, are key to the event’s
later in the year, the freshnlo Pedal for change becomes unstoppable,” when a host success. Jo Dytch, of organizers IMG
Scotland, the Cycling Scotland-organised of factors and variables combine to exact real commented: “IMG, are thrilled with the
ride, and one of the longest-established change. In cycling’s case, could it be starting sell out of places in the Macmillan Cancer
mass participation rides in the UK, will see with what we are seeing now – more people on Support Etape Caledonia. With over 3,500
around 7,500 riders attempt the fifty miles bikes and taking part in events, which could cyclists registered to take part on the
between Glasgow and Edinburgh. contribute to a shift in perception, from cycling closed roads of Highland Perthshire, we
as fringe activity to mainstream option, which are looking forward to enjoying another
in turn might lead to improved facilities, safer wonderful event. Within only 3 years the
routes, and more cycling-friendly attitudes event has quadrupled in size and this
from other road-users? And another context growth looks set to continue in the future.
is familiar - a new public health crisis, with We have been supported by a fantastic
rising rates of obesity one of the reasons for group of sponsors, competitors and the
that intended legacy of the London Olympics, local community. Over 1,000 cyclists
to get more people more active. Running saw are taking part to raise much needed
the “dynamic formation of a new culture.” funds for Macmillan Cancer Support”.
Twenty-eight years later, perhaps cycling The ride will take place on 17 May.
could now witness something similar. Go to www.etapecaledonia.co.uk for
The Etape Caledonia has sold out it’s 3500
capacity well in advance of the event more details.
9

10. CTC Launches ‘New Vision for Cycling’
Cycling has never been more relevant than it is today. Faced with the twin crises of
climate change and obesity, CTC has just published a ‘New Vision for Cycling’.
It puts forward the measures needed of the stakeholder panel, CTC Scotland February, CTC Scotland awarded Honorary
to double cycle use, and explains how welcomes the ministerial commitment to Membership of CTC to record-breaking
this would deliver substantial health and set targets to increase cycle use to 10% cyclist Mark Beaumont, following a packed
economic benefits, as well as saving 0.6 of all trips in Scotland by 2020. During the talk he gave in Edinburgh about his
million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year – forthcoming public consultation, we look momentous round-the-world journey. CTC
almost as much as switching all Scotland forward to ensuring that there are joined-up members in Fife, where Mark grew up, were
to London air travel to rail. We will shortly policies and funding commitments to deliver among the many people who nominated
follow this up with a ‘Safety in Numbers’ this ambitious target. The final version is him for Honorary Membership. Mark has
campaign, based on evidence that cycling due to be published in September 2009. been working hard to promote cycling and
gets safer the more cyclists there are – in cycle-touring in particular. With his sense of
other words, “more” and “safer” cycling CTC Scotland has also been heavily involved adventure, he is a great role model and an
really can go hand in hand! Together with in encouraging more mountain biking by inspiration to cyclists throughout the UK.
our “New Vision”, this will inform CTC working alongside IMBA-UK to support Victoria Hazael, CTC
Scotland’s response to the Cycle Action the Scottish Mountain Bike Strategy and
Plan for Scotland (CAPS). As a member develop off-road riding across Scotland. In
Go Mountain Bike: New
Proficiency Scheme to Launch
Cycling Scotland is supporting the development of a new
Mountain Bike Proficiency Award called Go Mountain Bike.
Recent consultation meetings with founder member and current secretary
stakeholders in identified that closer working of the SMBLA and former cross country
on award schemes would be beneficial to racer, and Chris Bell, a well known rider
the development of cycling in Scotland, on the MTB World Cup circuit, current
and so Cycling Scotland agreed to lead on National Coach to the Scottish Mountain
developing this resource with input from all Bike Team and director of Dirtschool (www.
stakeholder groups. dirtschool.co.uk). This small team brings
vast experience and knowledge to the project,
The new award scheme was developed by and also received invaluable input from their
a small team of experts with a long history extensive contacts from stakeholder groups
of mountain biking experience. Brian and beyond. area, providing a
Salvona, a Cycling Scotland cycle trainer, c o m p r e h e n s i ve
Scottish Mountain Bike Leaders Association The Go Mountain Bike scheme is designed training package. It is
(SMBLA) tutor and committee member with to compliment other cycle training packages anticipated that the scheme will be delivered
years of experience in delivering training to such as Ready Steady Bike, Scottish Cycle by instructors with recognised mountain
youth groups, wrote the Training Scheme and Go By Cycle and is biking qualifications in leadership coaching
bulk of the document, aimed at developing individuals to have the and instruction. Cycling Scotland are planning
with additional writing, competence and skills to make independent several orientation events for instructors
editing and technical journeys by bike into the outdoors. It consists and mountain biking centres from May
guidance by Jim Riach, of 4 main areas of proficiency – Riding Skills, onwards. Anyone interested in attending
Cycling Scotland Rider Responsibility in the Outdoors, First Aid these can register their interest at
ain Bike Education and and Being Independent and Self Supporting. w w w.cyclingscotland.msol.org.uk /
Go Mount uide Training Manager, There are 5 levels of proficiency in each local/training/
RiderLoG Book
s’
& g
MO UN TAI
N BIK ING
PR OF ICI
EN CY AW
AR D
10

11. Velo-City 09
Cycling Scotland Chair Bill Delegates from all
Wright presents the award
for Edinburgh Council to
fields of cycling and
Councillor Phil Wheeler. sustainable transport
will come from across
the world to convene in
Cycle Friendly employers Brussels from the 12th
to the 15th of May for the
Velo-City Conference.
More workplaces have joined the growing ranks of Cycle The international cycling conference
Friendly Employers, with two councils gaining the award will focus this year on the theme
in recent months. of ‘Re-Cycling Cities’, which will
look at how to encourage more
The City of Edinburgh Council received promotion to staff at Alzheimer Scotland cycling in urban areas that suffer
their award in November 2008 for their and pool bikes and promotional activities from traffic congestion. Find out
offices at Waverley Court. Cycling Scotland at Dumfries and Galloway College. The more or register to attend at
chair Bill Wright presented the certificate Forensic Science Laboratory in Edinburgh www.velo-city2009.com
to Councillor Phil Wheeler, who is the received funding for cycle training and new
council’s spokesperson for Transport. East bike parking, and Stirling Council used their
Dunbartonshire Council received their award grant to provide a lockable cycle storage
in November 2008, with Erl Wilkie presenting
the award. Sustrans Scotland also achieved
unit for staff.
Cycling
Cycle Friendly Employer Status in October
last year, with chief executive John Lauder
New Commuter Instructor course
To support staff who would like to cycle to
Action Plan
accepting the award. work Cycling Scotland have developed a
Commuter Cycle Training course. This one
for Scotland
day course is aimed at those who want to The Cycling Action
commute by bike but lack confidence and
Plan for Scotland is
need practical support to get started. It covers
the basics of what to wear right through to in the final stages
how to plan and ride your route to work. of drafting and will
Register your interest for this course, be released for
and all other Cycling Scotland training consultation in May.
courses, at http://cyclingscotland.
msol.org.uk/local/training/ The action plan has been developed
by the CAPS Board, which features
Bill Wright presents Sustrans’ award to
Director John Lauder representatives from Scottish
Government, Cycling Scotland,
Workplace Grants Scheme Sustrans, Scottish Cycling, Paths
Many more prospective Cycle Friendly for All, CTC, Transport Scotland,
Employers are a step closer to completing Scottish Natural Heritage, ADES,
the award criteria thanks to Cycling SCOTS, NHS Health Scotland
Scotland’s Workplace Grant Scheme. and COSLA. The Scottish
The scheme was set up to give a helping Government will be hosting the
hand to workplaces to meet the criteria consultation online and the
to become a Cycle Friendly Employer. document will also be available
The scheme helped pay for new cycle on the CAPS website www.
parking at Edinburgh Napier University and cyclingactionplanforscotland.org
South Ayrshire Council, cycle parking and
11

12. Ruaridh Cunningham and Ben Cathro gear up
for the Fort William Mountain Bike World Cup
Fort William MTB World Cup 09
Ruaridh Cunningham and Ben Cathro descended on Edinburgh’s rugged Calton Hill
on 23rd March to mark the launch of ticket sales for the British leg of the Nissan UCI
Mountain Bike World Cup 2009, which returns to the scenic slopes and gruelling terrain
around Fort William for an eighth year on the 6th and 7th June 2009.
Ruaridh and Ben will be among more than best thing about it is the atmosphere. It’s bikes through their paces on the World
400 international biking stars competing in a massive event and you can always count Championship XC course in the Leanachan
the World Cup’s ‘Global Gravity Gathering’, a on it having the biggest crowds and the Forest. With up to 20,000 fans expected
showcase of world-class Downhill and 4Cross best pits on the circuit.” 18-year-old Ben to flock to this year’s event, spectators
biking competition. UK contenders include from Oban, who is known for the distinctive are urged to buy tickets early via
Gee Atherton from Shrewsbury (Downhill biking style his 6’7’’ frame affords him, www.fortwilliamworldcup.co.uk or by
World Champion) and Steve Peat from added: “There’s always such a buzz at Fort calling 01397 705 825, 9am - 5pm.
Sheffield (Downhill World Championships William. We’ll be up against the world’s
Contact
Silver Medallist). Rachel Atherton, Shrewsbury best riders and we really want to make sure
(Downhill World Champion) and Tracy Moseley, Britain’s well represented. The more home
Malvern (3rd Overall World Cup Ranking) are support the better!”
set to fly the flag for the women.
This year’s event features two brand new Cycling Scotland
Young hopefuls include Josh Bryceland elements set to wow the crowds and give 24 Blythswood Square
from Manchester (Junior Downhill World them a taste of the action. The Cross Glasgow G2 4BG
Champions) and rising Scottish stars Ben Country Sprint is a new, crowd-pleasing
Visit our website at
Cathro from Oban and former Junior World race set on a fast and exciting short course
Champion Ruaridh Cunningham from Stow, that will showcase the cream of British
www.cyclingscotland.org
in the Scottish Borders. Ruaridh, who has biking talent to spectators. Also new for Newsletter written by Andrew
been racing for seven years, said: “I can’t 2009 is the World Cup Bike Test, where Pankhurst and Ian Aitken
wait for the Fort William World Cup – the fans and enthusiasts can put the latest
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