Local bike club champion cycling for all
Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club are removing participation barriers to get more youngsters into the sport
A local bike club has secured funding to lead a new project aimed at getting more youngsters into cycling.
The Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club has been selected by Scottish Cycling to launch the ‘Rock Up & Ride’ project in Dumfries & Galloway, funded by Transport Scotland.
The initiative provides cycle training and bikes for children aged 5 to 12, with the aim of removing barriers to participation, and ensuring the sport is accessible to all.
Up to 80 young people will be supported with four hours of coaching to develop skills and confidence, as well as basic maintenance checks.
Equipment is provided
Participating youngsters will then be eligible to receive a bike, with the hope they can go on and enjoy the benefits from cycling for years to come.
Gavin McHallum, club Chairperson said:
"Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club is delighted to be working in partnership with Scottish Cycling and Transport Scotland to deliver Rock Up & Ride.
“The main aim of our club is to get as many people on bikes as possible whether it's mountain bikes, gravel riding or road cycling.
“This project will allow us to introduce cycling in fun way to young people who might never have had the opportunity to own a bike and the pleasure that this can bring.”
The project was launched with the help of Dumfries & Galloway Communities Committee.
Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ian Blake, said:
"I’m sure it will be the start of a lifelong love of cycling for dozens of young people who otherwise may have missed out.
“The Council has supported the Hillbillies to part-fund and deliver three Summer of Cycling events this summer and is prioritising promotion of the region as a cycling destination.”
Anyone eligible to be supported by ‘Rock up and Ride’ can find out more on the Galloway Hillbillies Bike Club Facebook Page or website.