HI-BIKE Inclusive Cycling Membership scheme shortlisted for Scottish Transport Awards
A project helping people with mobility and accessibility needs get involved in cycling is in the running for a national award.
The HI-BIKE Inclusive Cycling Membership scheme, run by the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) and funded by Transport Scotland’s People and Place Programme, is shortlisted in the excellence in transport accessibility category of the Scottish Transport Awards.
It is one of nine finalists in the category which recognises projects or initiatives demonstrating improved access to travel or the travel experience for disabled people.
The awards will be presented on June 11 at a ceremony in Glasgow.
Launched as a pilot in 2024, the scheme enables people living in Fort William or Inverness to receive a non-standard or adapted bike to keep at home and use exclusively for up to a year.
To date, the scheme has 15 members, who for £25 per month can access a wide variety of cycles, including electric trikes and handcycles in multiple models.
Each cycle is adapted to suit the individual needs of the member to ensure safe and comfortable use.
Suitable candidates are referred by one of the scheme’s partners – Shopmobility Highland, Lochaber Environmental Group or Spinal Injuries Scotland.
Rebecca Purvis, Project Manager – Transport Integration with HITRANS, said: “We are delighted this important and innovative scheme has been shortlisted in these prestigious awards.
“It has highlighted the good work being done to make cycling more inclusive.
“We know there is interest in adaptative cycle sharing schemes for disabled people in Scotland and the need to receive personalised guidance.
“This is why we are trialling using the HI-BIKE on the street bike share scheme, available in Inverness and Fort William, to provide the platform for managing loans, with practical support available from local partners.
“Current members report how they feel better physically, mentally and socially through enjoying greater independence travelling on their own and fun when joining family and friends on days out.”
Retired nurse Celia Talbot, 73, who lives in the Fort William area, has osteoarthritis and has also been diagnosed with MS.
She had to give up cycling due to difficulty balancing and moving on a conventional bike.
After trying out an e-trike on loan from the Lochaber Environmental Group (LEG ), she joined the HITRANS’ scheme and now has one on permanent loan.
She uses the trike to shop, attend medical appointments and to visit friends up to 10 miles away.
“I love it. I am able to join the family and my little grandson on cycle outings along the canal bank.
“I use the bike just for the sheer pleasure of tootling along, with the wind in my face, seeing the surrounding countryside.
“The cycling has improved my general fitness and strengthened my leg muscles.
“Hilly roads pose no difficulty, so I’ve been cycling up Glen Loy, which is quiet and quite beautiful.
“These trips all restore me. It’s simply a joy to be out and about.”
Celia now cycles in all weathers and last winter clocked up an average of 20 miles a week.
In November, she completed a 100-mile challenge for pancreatic cancer and this summer hopes to join a biking group.
She has recommended the inclusive cycling scheme to friends who have never cycled or are having difficulty on a two-wheeler.
She added: “I cannot overstate the joyfulness cycling has brought me.”
Grzegorz Faryno, 47, is an Inverness-based peer support advisor for the Spinal Injuries Scotland charity.
He learned about the scheme from a friend who works for Cycling UK and now uses a hand cycle attachment to his wheelchair up to five times a week.
He said: “Adding the attachment to my wheelchair transforms it into a super cool bike.
“I’m able to keep up with my friends on bikes, plus go further than before.
“I can tackle steep inclines, roll over grass or cobblestones with ease. No one needs to push me.
“On top of that, it’s better for my joints, especially my wrists. I’m not getting tired as quickly and I’m able to cycle for way longer then without it.
“Having it has been a life changer.”
Find out more
Anyone living in Fort William who would benefit from an adapted bicycle can contact LEG who will offer practical support as will Shopmobility Highland.
Anyone living with a spinal injury will also receive support via Spinal Injuries Scotland.
Contact details
Lochaber Environment Group (LEG)
Tel: 01397 700090
email: info@lochaberenviro.org.uk
Shopmobility Highland
01463 717624
Contact Us – Shopmobility Highland
Spinal Injuries Scotland
0800 0132 305
email:info@spinalinjuriesscotland.org.uk