STEPS to encourage people to get on their bikes have been highlighted at a special showcase event.

Cycling UK welcomed councillors and community members to the event in Dunbar last Wednesday.

Among the work featured were two projects – Connecting Communities and the Cycle Access Fund – as well as the ongoing impact of earlier initiatives, including mental health focused cycling activities and early years sessions through Play Together on Pedals.

With funding from SEStran, Cycling UK has worked to reduce barriers to cycling across East Lothian.

Attendees took part in a guided cycle tour around Dunbar, observed a Play Together on Pedals session for young children, and joined the launch of the In-Tandem East Lothian (ITEL) project.

The new initiative aims to bring tandem cycling to those who need extra support to ride.

A series of cycling initiatives have been highlighted at an event in Dunbar (Image: Andy Catlin)

Suzanne Forup, Cycling UK head of development Scotland, said: “Our projects in East Lothian are about creating happier, healthier and greener lives through cycling.

“Seeing such support from the community and local councillors was truly inspiring.

“These initiatives are already changing lives and we’re excited to see how they continue to embed cycling as part of everyday life here.” 

Cycling UK’s projects in the area have already delivered substantial benefits.

Connecting Communities has engaged more than 300 residents in more than 60 cycling activities, encouraging participants to incorporate cycling into their daily lives.

The Cycle Access Fund (CAF), which merges previous initiatives like Access Bikes and the Cycle Share Fund, has awarded more than £42,000 in grants to East Lothian organisations, supporting individual bike ownership and shared-use cycling schemes. 

Following the activities, a networking lunch provided opportunities for discussion on the successes of Connecting Communities, the CAF and ITEL. 

A highlight of the event was the launch of In-Tandem East Lothian, founded by Shona Black, who established the initiative to bring tandem cycling to people in East Lothian who need support to ride.

Inspired by her experiences with VIE Velo in Edinburgh, Shona developed ITEL to make tandem cycling accessible closer to home, aiming to combat social isolation and promote exercise for disabled individuals.

ITEL is collaborating with Beyond Boundaries East Lothian (BBEL) to extend its impact by sharing resources.