Healthy Valleys’ latest project, Gear Up, is now nearing the end of its first successful year of empowering the local community through cycling, walking, and wheeling.

It encourages active travel in and around Clydesdale, providing bike and eBike hires and loans, maintenance and cycling classes and courses, encouraging people to take up, or return to cycling for everyday trips and leisure to help improve their physical and mental health.

As well as lessons and guided rides for those lacking in confidence, the project also aims to develop intergenerational programmes to promote good health through active travel for all ages and also encourage community-led cycling and adventure tourism initiatives for the area.

Any income generated is reinvested in Gear Up and other core services.

As a founding member of the Pan Lanarkshire Cycle Network, it has also shared skills and resources with other organisations developing local active travel services.

Julia Miller, Healthy Valleys Operational Manager, said: “Targeted, locally delivered interventions can achieve substantial transport, health, environmental, and social outcomes while providing a great return on investment given the community benefits derived.”

Gear Up plans to expand its work with schools and communities, develop its led rides, recycle and redistribute more bicycles, and complete its community cycle locker rollout.

Securing long term funding is a priority to allow the service to continue and meet growing demand.

Councillor Norman Rae, the chair of the council’s Climate and Sustainability Committee, said: "Across South Lanarkshire, community groups are delivering innovative projects that are improving people's lives while helping create a more sustainable future.

“I am therefore delighted that during Climate Week we can share some of the exciting and inspirational projects that the council has been able to support through its administration of the Renewable Energy Fund.”

Inspired by this story? If you have an idea that could improve your local area, support residents or help create a more sustainable community, there may be funding and support available to help bring your project to life. Visit the council website to find out more about climate action advice and community funding opportunities.