Blog Post
December 2025
2025 Highlights
Schools
The team has been active in local nursery and primary schools across Lanarkshire, delivering Cycling Scotland’s “Play on Pedals” and the “Bikeability” programme. We have also hosted a series of after-school and holiday bike clubs. Our “Who Wants to be a Safer Cyclist” quiz show has been on tour and has proven to be very popular at school assemblies.
Cycling Lessons
Our adult cycle lessons have literally been changing lives. The tailored, supportive and progressive environment the team creates enables each participant (many of whom have never cycled before) to undertake journeys they never thought possible. Whether it be a commute to work, cycling with the kids and or grandkids, or simply exploring the quiet back roads of South Lanarkshire for leisure with friends.
Bikie Maintenance Classes
We have been appointed as a Park Tool School Accreditation Centre - one of only 3 Centres in Scotland! The Park Tool School is a hands-on bike maintenance and repair clinic.
Led Rides
Through the weekly Led Ride programme, we have been inspiring local people to get out on their bikes and explore the wonderful Lanarkshire countryside. Feedback has been amazing, with many of the participants growing in confidence and fitness and being able to tackle faster and longer rides. Membership is steadily increasing as word spreads, and we hope to be able to offer additional rides as more of our volunteers become accredited as Cycle Ride Leaders.
Wild Women Cycling
The wild women cycling group have been on a journey of their own, from humble beginnings in Castlebank Park at the start of the year to building skills and confidence. The group now head out on a monthly adventure on some of the idyllic, quiet routes in and around Lanark. They enjoy getting out together and have exciting plans for the road ahead.
Dr Bike
Thanks to funding from Cycling UK, we have been able to offer free bike servicing and have run multiple Dr Bike events for schools and community groups, as well as offering a collection and delivery service for some of the more remote communities.
Donations
Over the year, we have been gathering donations of pre-loved children’s bikes, which we service and then regift into the local community. This enables children to have access to a suitable and safe bike who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.
If you would like to get involved in any of these activities, contact the Gear Up team at gearup@healthyvalleys.org.uk
2025 Highlights
Schools
The team has been active in local nursery and primary schools across Lanarkshire, delivering Cycling Scotland’s “Play on Pedals” and the “Bikeability” programme. We have also hosted a series of after-school and holiday bike clubs. Our “Who Wants to be a Safer Cyclist” quiz show has been on tour and has proven to be very popular at school assemblies.
Cycling Lessons
Our adult cycle lessons have literally been changing lives. The tailored, supportive and progressive environment the team creates enables each participant (many of whom have never cycled before) to undertake journeys they never thought possible. Whether it be a commute to work, cycling with the kids and or grandkids, or simply exploring the quiet back roads of South Lanarkshire for leisure with friends.
Bikie Maintenance Classes
We have been appointed as a Park Tool School Accreditation Centre - one of only 3 Centres in Scotland! The Park Tool School is a hands-on bike maintenance and repair clinic.
Led Rides
Through the weekly Led Ride programme, we have been inspiring local people to get out on their bikes and explore the wonderful Lanarkshire countryside. Feedback has been amazing, with many of the participants growing in confidence and fitness and being able to tackle faster and longer rides. Membership is steadily increasing as word spreads, and we hope to be able to offer additional rides as more of our volunteers become accredited as Cycle Ride Leaders.
Wild Women Cycling
The wild women cycling group have been on a journey of their own, from humble beginnings in Castlebank Park at the start of the year to building skills and confidence. The group now head out on a monthly adventure on some of the idyllic, quiet routes in and around Lanark. They enjoy getting out together and have exciting plans for the road ahead.
Dr Bike
Thanks to funding from Cycling UK, we have been able to offer free bike servicing and have run multiple Dr Bike events for schools and community groups, as well as offering a collection and delivery service for some of the more remote communities.
Donations
Over the year, we have been gathering donations of pre-loved children’s bikes, which we service and then regift into the local community. This enables children to have access to a suitable and safe bike who otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.
If you would like to get involved in any of these activities, contact the Gear Up team at gearup@healthyvalleys.org.uk
