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Are you new or returning to cycling and would like to build confidence on a bike?
Join our Cycle Buddy Scheme and ride with a Cycle Buddy to build confidence and explore new routes on Arran.
Our Cycle Buddy Scheme is perfect for those who are –
- New to cycling
- Returning to cycling after a short break
- Returning to cycling after a long break
- Looking to find quiet roads and paths in Arran
- Looking to build confidence cycling on roads
- Planning and trying routes to work, school, parks or shops.
Research has shown that one of the biggest barriers to cycling is a lack of confidence on the bike and/or the road and limited knowledge of local routes. We have a small group of volunteers who completed a Cycle Leader Training course in July 2024. Once trained they would be delighted to cycle with you! Either one-to-one or in a small group, to help build confidence and introduce you to some of the local routes.
If you’d like any other information regarding the Cycle Buddy Scheme please email our Cycle Buddy Scheme Coordinator Jeannie -jeannie@arranecosavvy.org.uk.
Are you new or returning to cycling and would like to build confidence on a bike, would you like the support of a Cycle Buddy?
Complete our Cycle Buddy Scheme Questionnaire.FAQs for Participants seeking the support of a Cycle Buddy
Are you looking for help to start cycling or are you returning to cycling but want to know more? You’ll find the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions below.
What does the Cycle Buddy Scheme involve?
The first step is to complete the Cycle Buddy Scheme questionnaire here.
You’ll be asked about the sort of rides you are looking to do, describe your cycling skills level, where you live and help us understand what you want to achieve from having a Cycle Buddy.
After submitting the questionnaire you will be emailed a link to our FAQs & disclaimer and you will need to read & submit the form. The FAQs include personal safety guidance, tips, advice and what is expected of you (all Cycle Buddies will also have read the FAQs and agreed to the disclaimer).
Throughout being involved with the Cycle Buddy Scheme Eco Savvy will invite you to relevant events that will help you get ‘bike ready’ and meet some of the Cycle Buddies, these will be helpful in your journey in becoming a more confident cyclist.
You can then review the Cycle Buddy profiles on Eco Savvy’s website and contact one of the Cycle Buddies directly (we encourage you to select a Cycle Buddy who lives near to your home), at this stage the Cycle Buddy will be briefed about what you want to achieve from the scheme. The Cycle Buddy will then contact you to discuss your goals and arrange a time and place to meet.
Be mindful, you set the pace with the Cycle Buddy. Tell your buddy about your cycling experience and what you want to do. You decide how far and fast you cycle, and if you’d like to meet for more rides. Each Cycle Buddy is happy to commit to a minimum of 3 Buddy rides, these could be as little as 30-minute rides up to 2 hour rides. You can even set cycling goals for yourself and share these with your Cycle Buddy. It would be a good idea to keep track of your progress whilst your cycling confidence builds and share it with your buddy.
After you’ve ridden together, share your experience with friends and family and let the Cycle Buddy Scheme Coordinator how it went by emailing jeannie@arranecosavvy.org.uk
Happy cycling!
What happens after a Cycle Buddy ride?
After you’ve ridden together, we’d like you to keep in touch with your Cycle Buddy to see how you are getting on with cycling – your Cycle Buddy will contact you after a month and then three months. They may even let you know about other cycling activities and group rides you could get involved with.
Share your experience with friends and family and let the Cycle Buddy Scheme Coordinator know how it went by emailing jeannie@arranecosavvy.org.uk
Can I cycle with a disability?
Absolutely yes! Arran Eco Savvy have their very own Adapted Bike so if you consider yourself to have a disability and would like to use the Adapted Bike let us know when you’re completing the Cycle Buddy Scheme questionnaire.
Some of our Cycle Buddies are trained in using Adapted Bikes too so do mention it when you’re getting in touch with people and find someone who knows how to help you.
I’m a female rider and I’d like to ride with another woman.
No problem! When you’re reviewing the Cycle Buddy profiles on Eco Savvy’s website only contact female Cycle Buddies.
How long does each Cycle Buddy ride take?
You set the pace with the Cycle Buddy. Tell your buddy about your cycling experience and what you want to do. You decide how far and fast you cycle, and if you’d like to meet for more rides.
Each Cycle Buddy is happy to commit to a minimum of 3 Buddy rides, these could be as little as 30-minute rides up to 2 hour rides.
What if I don’t have a bike?
That’s okay! There are a few options such as Eco Savvy’s Bike Library, the e-bike loan scheme, read about them here or have a chat to Jeannie, the Cycle Buddy Scheme Coordinator or your chosen Cycle Buddy.
How are the Cycle Buddies trained?
Firstly, the Cycle Buddies are volunteers who love to cycle and are keen for others to experience and build their confidence with cycling. Some of the Cycle Buddies have specific cycle qualifications, these will be mentioned in their profile.
In July 2024 Eco Savvy organised a Cycle Leader course through Cycle Scotland which covered all the skills necessary to lead group cycles on quiet roads and cycle paths, some of the Cycle Buddies completed this course. The Cycle Buddy Scheme is an ‘introductory platform’ to help people build confidence in cycling.
It is the responsibility of the people being matched to look after their own safety. This is why we recommend each pair has a good chat before any session to fully understand each other’s skills level and expectations for any sessions
Can the Cycle Buddy Scheme help me find safe routes?
Yes. Once you’ve connected with a Cycle Buddy you can discuss your cycling experience and goals before meeting up. Let them know about any specific routes you want help with.
Is there any resources to help me cycle?
Yes, please explore the links below –
Also, throughout being involved with the Cycle Buddy Scheme, Eco Savvy will invite you to relevant events that will help you get ‘bike ready’ and meet some of the Cycle Buddies, these will be helpful in your journey in becoming a more confident cyclist.
If there is something you want to know that’s missing from this list please email jeannie@arranecosavvy.com
Build your cycle skills – https://www.bikeability.org.uk/get-cycling/
Is my bike road worthy – do the ‘M’
Cycling Scotland
Road Safety Scotland
Essential Cycling Skills
I’m not at all confident cycling – will Cycle Buddies be right for me?
If you can ride a bike and have ridden on the road before then Cycle Buddies could be the right choice for you.
Discuss your cycling ability with your Buddy, you may decide to meet in a local park to become more confident with using your bike before going on the road together.
I enjoyed my buddy rides and want to continue, what should I do?
We hope you keep on cycling! Plan more routes, explore Arran and enjoy getting around by bike.
Find friendly group rides, meet people across Arran through joining different Cycle groups, discuss these with your Cycle Buddy.
Do I have to wear a helmet?
No, it’s not mandatory however we strongly encourage that you do wear a cycle helmet. Along with other UK cycling organisations, the choice of wearing a cycle helmet is up to the individual or, in the case of children, their parents or carers.
When wearing a helmet make sure it’s fitted correctly.
Discuss the pros and cons of wearing a helmet with your Cycle Buddy
Personal safety when meeting your Cycle Buddy
Once you connect with a Cycle Buddy it is important to remember that you are dealing with a stranger – please follow our advice below:
Do not reveal your home or work address.
Arrange to meet in a public place that you are familiar with, in daylight, and at an agreed time.
Don’t share phone numbers unless you are comfortable in doing so.
If something doesn’t feel right, then make your excuses and leave.
Report any concerns by emailing your Cycle Buddy Coordinator jeannie@arranecosavvy.org.uk
I have made contact with a Cycle Buddy but not heard anything back after 2 weeks?
Email the Buddy Scheme Coordinator jeannie@arranecosavvy.org.uk
How does Eco Savvy hold and use my personal information?
The information we hold will only be used for the purposes of the Arran ‘Cycle Buddy Scheme’ run by Arran Eco Savvy – Registered Charity No SC045785. You can read our Privacy and Cookie Policy here.
Meet our Cycle Buddies
Choose one of our Cycle Buddies to help you build confidence with your cycling.
Contact them directly, then they will get in touch with you to discuss and arrange a ride together.
Gerard Tattersfield | Lamlash | Accredited Cycle Leader
I’m Gerard, some of my earliest childhood memories involve enjoying bike rides! To find out more about Gerard, click the arrow.
By 10 years old I was racing a small 5 speed racing bike and by the age of 15 I was Junior Club Champion. Mountain bikes appeared in my 20’s which I’ve enjoyed riding, racing, commuting, touring and family cycling on ever since.
I became a Mountain Bike Cycle Leader in my 30’s, primarily to take Scouts mountain biking, then trained to be a MTB Leader Trainer, delivering Courses all over the UK and Europe, teaching people how to confidently lead groups both on and off road. Being a founder member of the Arran Bike Club (2002) has kept me very busy for over 2 decades riding, building and maintaining trails, mapping and promoting all types of cycling on the island, most of all I just enjoy cycling in all its wonderful forms.
You can contact Gerard at gerard.tattersfield@btinternet.com
Emma Tracey | Lamlash | Accredited Cycle Leader
I’m Emma, I love cycling! To find out more about Emma, click the arrow.
I’m Emma, I love cycling! Foremost I cycle to get to places, but the mental and physical benefits are what keeps me cycling. Plus it’s fun! I mostly cycle an e-bike on the road and light off road tracks but I’m happy to use my regular push bike too, I have done a 1 day Cycle Leader training course and would love to help get folks to build their confidence on a bike. I’m not super fit at the moment so I don’t want anyone to worry that I’d leave them in the dust… It may be more likely the other way around!
I run a bike hire business and I am an Active Travel Officer for a local environmental charity. I am a Maw to 3-year-old Tommy Bo and wife to ‘Too Tall Tom the Carpenter’, I am also a frustrated non-practising artist with a degree from Glasgow’s School of Art.
You can contact Emma at emma@arranecosavvy.org.uk
Juliette Walsh | Whiting Bay | Accredited Cycle Leader
I’m Juliette and I’ve cycled all my life! To find out more about Juliette, click the arrow.
Hi there I’ve cycled a bike all my life (including a bit of tent touring) and this year (2024) bought a secondhand e-bike and took a Cycle Leader Training course with Eco Savvy. I’m very happy to accompany anyone on the main roads between the main villages on Arran to help you improve your road cycling confidence on an e-bike. Also, happy for you to drop by the Tuesday Hub at the Ormidale Pavilion in Brodick (by arrangement) to do some basic cycling practice.
You can contact Juliette at juliette@arranecosavvy.org.uk.
Jean Harmer | Whiting Bay | Accredited Cycle Leader
Hi I’m Jeannie, I love cycling, mountain biking and even competed in triathlon’s! To find out more about Jeannie, click the arrow.
I have always cycled; road riding, mountain biking and I even had a stint competing at triathlon. After a back injury and a long break from cycling I was nervous about getting back in the saddle until I used the ‘bike to work’ scheme and purchased an e-bike.
I now commute to work on an e-bike, trying to use as many off road tracks as possible but if I’m in a rush I stick to the road! I love cycling with my collie dogs running along side, inspiring my kids to cycle as much as possible and getting my road bike out to cycle around the island. Recently completing Cycle Scotland’s Cycle Leader Course and being involved with the Active Travel team at a local environment charity I would love to inspire others to get active and feel the joy of riding bikes whether that’s on the road, off-road or running quick errands. I’m passionate about anything that helps us reduce our carbon footprint!
You can contact Jeannie at Jeannie@arranecosavy.org.uk.
David Ingham | Lamlash | Accredited Cycle Leader
Hi I’m Dave, I am a keen and enthusiastic e-bike cyclist! To find out more about Dave, click the arrow.
Hi, I am a keen and enthusiastic e-bike cyclist and regularly get out cycling with either my wife or in larger groups with the Arran e-bike Group. I have experience riding the many forestry tracks on Arran and also Arran’s roads. I am equally happy to ride with individuals or small groups of riders who want to build more confidence in their cycling abilities. Plus I also have experience in enabling people who need a little more support
You can contact Dave at arranphotography@btinternet.com.
Helen Ross | Whiting Bay | Cycle Leader
Hi I’m Helen, I have cycled all my life! To find out more about Helen, click the arrow.
I have cycled all of my life. It’s a cheap, healthy and environmental alternative to driving, on fine weather days. I enjoy cycling on roads but not on tracks. Now that I have an e-bike, I can sail up the hills and avoid the traffic more easily. I would be happy to spend time showing others the benefits – especially if it helps others to establish regular cycle routes to the show, friends or to work.
You can contact Helen at helen@arranecosavvy.org.uk.
Some of our Cycle Buddies have taken a Cycle Leader course that covers all the skills necessary to lead group cycles on quiet roads and cycle paths. This course is designed for confident riders who want to lead group rides. Often with novice or inexperienced riders who want to become more physically active or who are interested in exploring their local area by bike.
If you are interested in becoming an Eco Savvy Cycle Buddy, please register your interest using the form below. We will then set up your Cycle Buddy Profile so new cyclists looking for help can find your profile.
FAQs for Cycle Buddies
If you already cycle regularly and want to help others, why not become a Cycle Buddy?
What does becoming a Cycle Buddy involve and how do I get involved?
The first step is to create a Cycle Buddy Profile by registering to become a Cycle Buddy here.
Eco Savvy will list your profile on our Cycle Buddies platform and then just wait until someone contacts you for help. Then go cycling together, a few times, at their pace, to build their confidence.
Once someone gets in touch, find out what their cycling experience is and what sort of rides they want to do. Follow the advice on the tab below on meeting safely and riding together.
Ask your buddy what their cycling goals are. Listen and give encouragement. Don’t feel you have to explain everything. Help them to work things out for themselves and to track their own progress. There are lots of tips and advice on our website, these can be used to guide your sessions.
You’ll need to find out what they want to do and where they want to go. Some people want to explore quiet streets locally or plan a longer journey for example to work. You may ride to the park or show them local routes – quiet ways, new cycle lanes and off-road paths are popular. They may want to try out junctions or crossing busy roads – think about how to ride those safely.
For a longer ride, like a journey to work, it may be advisable to plan the route in advance, to try it out on your own first and ride it together at a quiet time of day. Sometimes it may take a few rides before you complete the whole route.
After you have ridden with your buddy, we’d like you to keep in touch to find out how they are getting on with cycling – maybe contact them after a month and three months. Let them know about LCC activities and group rides they can get involved with.
What happens when someone contacts you to be their Cycle Buddy?
Once someone has found your profile, they will email you directly (they will be encouraged to select a Cycle Buddy who lives near to their home), at this point contact your Cycle Buddy Scheme Coordinator to discuss the match, Jeannie@arranecosavvy.org.uk. Then get in touch, find out their cycling experience and what sort of rides they want to do.
Ask your buddy what their cycling goals are. Listen and give encouragement. Don’t feel you have to explain everything but help them to work things out for themselves and to track their own progress.
You’ll need to find out what they want to do and where they want to go. Some people want to explore quiet roads or plan a longer journey or may even want to explore new routes off-road. They may want to tackle those trickier junctions in their local area or crossing busy roads – think about how to ride those safely.
For a longer ride, it may be advisable to plan the route in advance, to try it out on your own first and ride it together at a quiet time of day. Sometimes it may take a few rides before you complete the whole route.
Then simply go cycling together, a few times, at their pace, sharing your experience and knowledge to help build their confidence!
What happens after a Cycle Buddy ride?
After you’ve ridden together, we’d like you to keep in touch to find out how they are getting on with cycling – maybe contact them after a month and three months.
You may even want to let them know about other cycling activities and group rides they could get involved with.
We ask that you share your Cycle Buddy experience with the Coordinator after each Cycle Buddy ride with some informal feedback by emailing jeannie@arranecosavvy.org.uk
How long does each Cycle Buddy ride take?
As a Cycle Buddy you have committed to a minimum of 3 Buddy rides with each participant seeking help, these could be as little as 30-minute rides up to 2 hour rides.
Do I need formal training to be a helper buddy?
You don’t need any formal training to be a cycle buddy (though it is great if you have some!).
You are not training your buddy in how to ride, but it’s important you feel confident that you can ride safely with another person.
What should I put in my profile to help other people find me?
Your profile on our Cycle Buddies platform is your chance to introduce yourself to potential buddies. Remember, you can’t search for them – they can only search for you – so make your profile clear and appealing.
Make sure to include a clear, friendly picture of yourself. Write a profile that a new rider might be interested in, that shows what you can offer.
For example, maybe you have particular local cycle path knowledge you want to share. Maybe you have experience of adapted bikes or riding with a particular disability. Maybe there is an aspect of your identity which might make a new rider be more comfortable with you, for example you ride with a women’s group, or cycle with your kids or ride an e-bike. Or maybe you just want to say what cycling means to you or your motivation for helping others become regular cyclists.
What if they ask me things I don’t know?
That’s okay! We don’t expect you to know everything, just share your own experience to give help where appropriate – for example, how you check your bike or tips on riding safely on the road.
We also don’t expect you to give people training but let them know how they could access training through other Cycle initiatives.
Are there any resources to help me excel as a Cycle Buddy?
Yes, please explore the links below. If there is something you would like to add to this list please email jeannie@arranecosavvy.com
Build your cycle skills – https://www.bikeability.org.uk/get-cycling/
Is my bike road worthy – do the ‘M’ check
Cycling Scotland
Road Safety Scotland
Essential Cycling Skills
I’m a female rider and I’d only like to ride with other women, is this possible?
When you create your profile, you can mention you want to support riders of the same gender.
I signed up some time ago but I haven’t been paired up with a buddy yet, what do I do?
If you’re offering to help it may take longer, because someone has to actively choose you to help them. Improve your chances of being chosen by making your profile clear and appealing – if you would like to edit your profile please email jeannie@arranecosavvy.org.uk.
It will also help if you spread the word about Cycle Buddies locally so people on Arran know that Cycle Buddies are at the ready!
Do I and the person I’m supporting need to wear a helmet?
No, it’s not mandatory however we strongly encourage that you do wear a cycle helmet. Along with other UK cycling organisations, the choice of wearing a cycle helmet is up to the individual or, in the case of children, their parents or carers.
When wearing a helmet make sure it’s fitted correctly. Discuss the pros and cons of wearing a helmet before you go on your Cycle Buddy ride.
Personal Safety when meeting your buddy.
Once you organise a Buddy ride it is important to remember that you are dealing with a stranger – please follow our advice below:
Do not reveal your home or work address.
Arrange to meet in a public place that you are familiar with, in daylight, and at an agreed time.
Don’t share phone numbers unless you are comfortable in doing so.
If something doesn’t feel right, then make your excuses and leave.
Report any concerns by emailing your Cycle Buddy Coordinator jeannie@arranecosavvy.org.uk.
Can it take some time to be paired up?
If you’re offering to help it may take longer, because someone must actively choose you to help them. Improve your chances of being chosen by making your profile is clear and appealing – if you would like to edit your profile, please email jeannie@arranecosavvy.org.uk.
It may take some time before someone matches with you. What you put in your biography will help.
It will also help if you spread the word about Cycle Buddies locally so people on Arran know that Cycle Buddies are at the ready!
If you know someone who is new or returning to cycling who would benefit from having a Cycle Buddy please ask them to complete the Cycle Buddy Questionnaire, please share this link – https://forms.gle/5rXQ2CdkLsyFo6JJA
Or promote the scheme to fellow cyclists who could be a Cycle Buddy by sharing this link – https://forms.gle/L5xY3qnnSG5pPmjT8
How does Eco Savvy hold and use my personal information?
The information we hold will only be used for the purposes of the Arran ‘Cycle Buddy Scheme’ run by Arran Eco Savvy – Registered Charity No SC045785. You can read our Privacy and Cookie Policy here.
Our Cycle Buddy Scheme is part of our Active Travel Hub.
Become an Eco Savvy Cycle Buddy
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