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
- Looking to find quiet roads and paths in Arran
- New to Cycling
- Returning to cycling after a short break
- Looking to build confidence cycling on roads
- Returning to cycling after a long break
- Planning and trying different routes to work, school, parks and 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 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? You can read more about what is involved in our FAQ’s here.
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