Edinburgh All-Ability Bike Centre

The Edinburgh ABC closed in May 2021 but inclusive cycling sessions continue in Edinburgh through our partners Thistle, using our fleet of adaptive cycles

Cycling UK has loaned its large collection of adaptive cycles to Thistle Foundation, which supports people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. In early 2022 Thistle started running inclusive cycling sessions in two locations in Edinburgh – Saughton Park and Thistle’s Centre of Wellbeing at Craigmillar, with funding support from City of Edinburgh Council.

The sessions build on the success of Cycling UK’s Edinburgh All-ability Bike Centre (ABC) which was operational for six years, until external funding came to an end in May 2021. Since efforts to secure sustainable, continued funding failed, Cycling UK has worked behind the scenes to find a partner and funding source to allow the sessions to run again.

It's hoped that the sessions will allow former participants of the ABC along with new people to enjoy all that cycling has to offer, gaining friends and fitness along the way, or just enjoying the experience of pedalling in a pleasant traffic-free location.

Suzanne Forup, head of development Scotland at Cycling UK, said:

“We’re delighted to see the cycles back in operation, and we really hope that many of the previous participants, along with some new faces, will be able to come along and benefit.

“We know that cycling has many health benefits in particular and we’re so pleased to be working with Thistle and Edinburgh City Council to make cycling accessible to people who might have thought that cycling wasn’t for them or not possible.”

Sessions take place on Thursday afternoon and Sunday morning at Saughton Park and on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons at Craigmillar. Anyone interested is advised to book in advance on 0131 661 3366 or email reception@thistle.org.uk.

 

 

Other inclusive cycle centres in Scotland

Find your closest inclusive cycle centres in Scotland:


Centre name Town/city Local Authority
Highland Cycle Ability Centre Cantray Highlands
Let’s Get Biking Dumfries Dumfries & Galloway
Free Wheel North Glasgow Glasgow
Scottish Cycling Disability Hub, Castle Semple centre Lochwinnoch Renfrewshire Council
Scottish Cycling Disability Hub,Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome Glasgow Glasgow
Blazing Saddles (Fabb bikes) Callander Stirling
CVS Falkirk Falkirk Falkirk
Lochore Meadows Country Park Lochore Fife
Melo Velo Barrhead East Renfrewshire

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