Bike Buddies
Ride with a buddy to build confidence and explore new routes
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Our research identified that one of the biggest barriers to cycling is a lack of confidence on the bike and/or the road and limited knowledge of local routes.
We have a small group of volunteers who have completed Cycling Scotland's Ride Leader training.
Our volunteers would be delighted to ride with you, either one-to-one or in a small group, to help build confidence and introduce you to some of the local routes.
Meet our Buddies
Read all about our Bike Buddies
Sarah
Bike Buddy | Co-lead
I love riding my bike and discovering new routes - it's a wonderful way to explore our beautiful country. I prefer cycling on minor country roads and gravel. If this sounds like you, I'm happy to be your bike buddy and we can plan some local rides. Pretty flexible time-wise (weekdays and weekends).
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I'm passionate about encouraging more people to discover the benefits of cycling. So do let me know if you have ideas on how we can develop this project!
Beth
Bike Buddy | Co-lead
I was encouraged by someone I met on a walking holiday to buy an e-bike. "It’ll transform your life" she said. In a way it has! I’ve rekindled my love of cycling (especially now I have a wee bit of help getting up the hills). I am passionate about encouraging others to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
I like cycling back roads, tracks and gravel. I’m inspired by our wonderful countryside and love routes with great views and somewhere beautiful to rest and enjoy a slice of cake.
I am available early mornings and weekends.
Carol
Bike Buddy | Co-lead
I have always enjoyed cycling and have a variety of bikes which I have acquired over the years all of which I still use! I enjoy cycling on quieter roads with my gravel bike or Ebike and I also enjoy being on my mountain bike as long as it doesn’t get too technical. Jumps are not my thing!
I enjoy exploring on my bike, scenic routes & visiting some of the islands. I have even been known to take my tent and camp on the beach overnight.
Happy to be a bike buddy on any of my bikes and am available some Friday afternoons, evenings or weekends.
Abigail
Bike Buddy
I have loved being on two wheels since I was little and have cycled regularly over the years as a city commuter, island explorer and now in these parts to get to know the area and enjoy the fresh air and exercise.
As well as the Cycling Scotland Cycle Leader training, I have also had the benefit of undertaking IAM Advanced Motorcycle Training which has enhanced my road sense and hazard perception for staying safe when out and about.
I am most available outside of office hours, at weekends and evenings. I am happy to ride on an ebike or non-ebike with you.
Barry
Bike Buddy
I am often out cycling on my trusty old mountain bike as a way of enjoying the local countryside and prefer to stick to quiet roads or tracks.
I have completed the cycle leader's course and am happy to guide small groups for 1-2 hour rides around the local area at weekends or on summer evenings.
I am a strong supporter of active travel and have seen first-hand hand how ebikes provide a major confidence boost for anyone wanting to get back to cycling for fitness and pleasure.
John C
Bike Buddy
I recently got back into cycling after moving out to Killearn in 2019. I can often be seen on the local cycle paths, mainly en route to a cafe to get a cake.
I enjoy road or gravel cycling either around Killearn or further afield at "Gravelfoyle'.
I'm not yet retired unfortunately so my availability is mainly in the evenings.
John H
Bike Buddy
After moving to Killearn at the start of 2022, I have enjoyed exploring the area's quiet back roads and gravel tracks. I especially like riding around the fire roads of Queen Elizabeth Forest Park and other parts of the Trossachs, heading out past Fintry to the Carron Valley trails, and over the Crow Road.
I regularly commute into Glasgow city centre by bike, using a mix of roads, off-road tracks, and separated/dedicated bike lanes, and would be more than happy to buddy someone interested in doing the same. I'm also available for leisure rides at the weekends, especially if they involve coffee and cake!
John M
Bike Buddy
I have always loved moderate cycling and invariably cycled to work in the old days. I am now retired so generally available, especially on weekdays (daytime or evening). My own bike is a touring bike so I am happy to join you for a cycle on an ebike or an ‘ordinary’ bike for rides of short, medium or longer length…. preferably away from the main roads as much as possible I have completed the cycle ride leader training and definitely put safety first. I share the view that a good cycle ride can be enhanced by eg coffee and cake. I am also of the view that one can sometimes appreciate our beautiful countryside more by getting off the bike and walking up that darn hill! Happy cycling...