Go Cycle Fund evaluation showcases cycling success in Glasgow
An independent evaluation published by the Glasgow Centre for Population Health has highlighted significant, wide-ranging benefits delivered by the Go Cycle Glasgow Fund.
Article Source: Glasgow Life
Last Updated: 27 March 2024 14:45
The Go Cycle Glasgow Fund, created by Glasgow Life to support the city’s cycling activation programme and engage local communities with the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, delivered significant, wide-ranging benefits according to an independent evaluation published today, Wednesday 27 March.
Conducted by Glasgow Centre for Population Health, the Go Cycle Glasgow Fund Evaluation highlights positive impacts across 5 key priority areas, including, accessibility, reducing barriers to participation, engaging under-represented groups in the city, and sustainability.
Community groups could apply for up to £10,000 to create accessible and sustainable cycling projects, to inspire more local people to take up or return to cycling. Priority was given to groups working with young people, women, people with disabilities, low-income families, and minority ethnic groups, making it possible for more people, regardless of background or ability, to enjoy the benefits and power of the bike.
The impact was measured through an online survey. Feedback was collected from 26 out of 29 funded organisations, of which 29% provided cycling activities for the first time. The total benefit was more than £160,000 of funding.
Key findings include:
> 94% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that Go Cycle was well delivered, with 96% believing their project contributed to the wider aims of the UCI World Cycling Championships.
> At least 1,454 people were engaged in activities through a Go Cycle funded project, with 25 out of 26 projects delivered as intended, or with slight changes.
> Positive engagement from several under-represented population groups in cycling, including asylum seekers and refugees, LGBTQ+ populations and people from a non-white ethnic background.
> Supporting local organisations can bring multiple, longer-term social returns, benefitting communities beyond the initial funding period.
> Participants describe a journey of change and growth, resulting in feelings of increased confidence and empowerment.
> Beyond social impacts, cycling can promote increased movement across city neighbourhoods, raise awareness of environmental benefits of cycling, and increase integration of New Scots.
Bailie Annette Christie, Chair of Glasgow Life said: “This summer’s inaugural World Cycling Championships showcased Glasgow’s passion for sport to a worldwide audience and celebrated The Power of the Bike. Go Cycle Glasgow is a wonderful Championship legacy project, set up to support local participation in cycling for recreation, sport, and active travel.
“The enthusiasm and commitment of these local groups and everything they have achieved, by creating and delivering a variety of ways to get on a bike was impressive. It is reassuring to learn 94% of participants agreed the Go Cycle fund was well delivered and, that by working with these organisations, we were able to encourage more young people and those from under-represented groups to try cycling and experience the joy it offers. We welcome this evaluation and are keen to share the learning, bringing the many benefits of cycling to more people across Glasgow.”
Go Cycle was developed with the specific objective of increasing participation in cycling amongst young people, under-represented groups, and minority ethnic communities.
The evaluation shows those aged 16-24 years old made up 60% of the participants from those organisations that submitted age demographics. It is also significant that the percentage of transgender, non-binary and non-conforming participants is higher than their proportion of the general population in Glasgow. Notably, over a third of participants were either seeking asylum or had refugee status in the UK. Asylum seekers and refugees make up less than 1% of the Glasgow population. Together this shows positive engagement and participation from an often marginalised and under-represented section of the population. A similar higher participation figure was recorded for those from a non-white ethnic background, who accounted for 56% of participants from the 16 groups who provided this data.
Gregor Yates, Public Health Research Specialist at the Glasgow Centre for Population Health and lead author of the report, added: “This evaluation highlights the important role of community organisations in ensuring access to cycling for different population groups. The findings demonstrate wide-ranging and multiple benefits, but most commonly through increased confidence and empowerment. Further investment in this type of approach is needed to ensure continued diversification of Glasgow’s cycling population.”
To ensure a legacy from the 2023 UCI World Cycling Championships the Go Cycle Fund prioritised cycling programmes that were inclusive, accessible, and addressed barriers to taking part in physical activity. This often required attending to individual or small group needs, with a view to long-term behaviour change. Several groups carried out extensive community engagement to better understand local interests and any barriers to participation that would need to be overcome at the beginning of their project.
Funding was awarded to cover the cost of cycling equipment, storage, training, safety equipment, and some running costs. Tailored come and try sessions, introductory lessons, training, led-rides, maintenance provision, and the availability of refurbished bikes and safety equipment made it possible for more young people, women, people with disabilities, low-income families, and minority ethnic people, regardless of background or ability, to try or return to cycling, with the aim of making it a life-long activity.
Since the delivery of this first round of funding, Go Cycle Glasgow have partnered with Buchanan Galleries owner, Landsec, to provide an additional £50,000 to support the further development of projects across the city. Using the learning from the initial fund, 14 organisations will continue to expand and grow opportunities for under-represented groups.
One group who received Go Cycle Glasgow Funding and took part in the evaluation was Afghan United’s (GAU) Women’s Empowerment Project. It was a shining example of the impact relatively modest amounts of money can make, ensuring more people, regardless of background, age or ability enjoy the benefits and power of the bike.
Shgufta Anwar from Woman on Wheels said: “Our programme helps to build skills, overcome barriers to trying cycling, supports women with integration, tackles social isolation and reminds women they can take control of their futures. The additional funding from the Go Cycle Glasgow Fund has been invaluable in enabling us to continue to develop this programme. We are pleased to be able to share our learnings from the project with the wider cycling community and empower others to apply for future funding and set up their own inclusive sporting initiatives.”
The evaluation confirms the delivery model for the Go Cycle fund worked well and should be replicated in the future. Glasgow Life will digest the findings and use them to inform how future funding programmes across the city are delivered and look for additional opportunities for organisations to share information.
The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships were hosted in Glasgow and across Scotland from 3 to 13 August 2023. It was the first ever multidiscipline cycling event, bringing 13 UCI World Championships into one successful mega event, featuring thousands of world-class elite and amateur athletes and more than one million spectators.
The Go Cycle Glasgow Fund report published by Glasgow Centre for Population Health is available to download from www.gcph.co.uk
Sponsored Links
Latest Glasgow News
OVO Hydro crowned venue of the year at Live Awards
OVO Hydro, Scotland's premier entertainment venue, has been named Venue of the Year at the prestigious Live Awards.
READ MORE
Iconic soft drink is hitting the road with the festive truck the nation has been waiting for
The battle of festive cola trucks has already kicked off between Lidl and Coke - but now the country's most iconic soft drink, IRN-BRU, has joined in!
READ MORE
Sean Batty urges Glasgow residents to choose local this Christmas
Weather presenter took part in George Square market as he promotes his first festive children's book, The Worst Christmas Weather EVER!
READ MORE
Win your way to the IRN BRU Carnival
'Hook' a Duck around Glasgow for your chance to win tickets to this year's IRN-BRU Carnival!
READ MORE
Glasgow Film Festival 2025 Announces Country Focus, Special Events, and UK Wide Screenings
Glasgow Film Festival (GFF) has announced that its 2025 Country Focus will be Austria and reveals its Special Events which will go on sale on Monday 16th December.
READ MORE
Vote Now! Glasgow Bar Awards 2025 Open Nominations
From iconic institutions to rising stars, the search is on to find the city's best bars, pubs, and hospitality heroes that make Glasgow great!
READ MORE
Ring in the New Year at Flight Club Glasgow with the Ultimate Hogmanay Brunch
Flight Club Glasgow is celebrating Hogmanay in style with a bottomless brunch to end all bottomless brunches and a gorgeous limited-edition cocktail menu.
READ MORE
itison founder calls for action to help children who will have nothing this winter
Founder of Scottish business, itison, Oli Norman, has spoken out about the 'devastating' level of poverty in Scotland this festive season.
READ MORE
Award winning folk star set for sparkling Celtic Connections show
Glasgow-based folk sensation Beth Malcolm is getting set to perform her forthcoming new album to local audiences as part of Celtic Connections at Barony Hall on Saturday 1st February.
READ MORE
Asda colleagues wear Happy to Chat badges to help tackle loneliness this Christmas
Millions of over 60's are facing a completely silent night, and day, this Christmas season, with one in 10 not sure they will speak to anyone across the festive period.
READ MORE
Tis The Season of Giving
Buchanan Galleries partners with Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity to help spread festive joy!
READ MORE
Splash into 2025 with New Year challenge to transform lives
A unique swimming challenge is inviting swimmers to set personal goals and raise funds for a life-changing hydrotherapy pool on behalf of leading disability charity, Capability Scotland.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort reveals new competition winning festive pancake coming to its markets
Glasgow Fort has announced the winner of its recent competition to design an exclusive festive pancake flavour.
READ MORE
Cold water reset retreats with Sophie Hellyer debut at Marine Troon
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts launches new series - 'Adventure weekends with Marine & Lawn'.
READ MORE
Glasgow International Comedy Festival announce comedy commission with The Alasdair Gray Archive
Alan Bissett, Ashley Storrie and Christopher MacArthur-Boyd to create responses to The Alasdair Gray Archive as part of Glasgow 850.
READ MORE
Katy J from Capital Radio returns to join the fun in The Wizard of Oz
Guess who's back to sprinkle some extra magic (and laughs) on the SEC stage?
READ MORE
Double charity boost from Glasgow Clan
Ice hockey fans will get the chance to do their bit to help the less well-off by donating food items and toys at Glasgow Clan games this weekend.
READ MORE
Drag legend Andi Martine joins all star cast of Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens this January
Glasgow's own Andi Martine joins an all-star cast including Gogglebox legend Scarlett Moffatt, Celebrity Big Brother-winner David Potts and Ru Paul's reigning Queens, Michael Marouli and Tomara Thomas
READ MORE
Merry go round celebrates National Lottery Grant to support Glasgow families
Local Southside charity Merry-go-round is celebrating a £39,000 award from The National Lottery Cost of Living Support Fund.
READ MORE
The biggest Festive Artists and Makers Market in Scotland returns to the Briggait
Support local artisans and discover one-of-a-kind gifts this holiday season when the highly anticipated Wasps Winter Artists and Makers Market at The Briggait returns this weeekend!
READ MORE
Enjoy the best of Belfast at Christmas with Stena Line
A beautiful city with a rich history and a giant adventure to be found around every corner, there is no shortage of incredible festive experiences to enjoy in Belfast.
READ MORE
The Pavilion Theatre launches Priority Live scheme
The Pavilion Theatre is delighted to announce it is part of a brand-new membership scheme from Trafalgar Theatres – PRIORITY LIVE - offering exciting new benefits for theatre fans everywhere.
READ MORE
Scottish artist Jasleen Kaur wins Turner Prize 2024
Jasleen Kaur, whose exhibition Alter Altar at Tramway uses a vintage Ford Escort, worship bells and Irn-Bru to celebrate the Scottish Sikh community, has won this year's Turner Prize.
READ MORE
TRNSMT reveals superstar first acts for Glasgow Green 2025
50 Cent, Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, The Script, Fontaines D.C. and Gracie Abrams are included among the much-anticipated first wave of artists announced for Scotland's biggest music event.
READ MORE
Platform has unveiled their festive programme for the ultimate alternative night out this Christmas
From new delicious seasonal dishes and boozy hot chocolates to local live music and family-friendly events, Platform's has something for everyone this festive season.
READ MORE
Christmas Dinner bookings surge at Crutherland House
Crutherland House Hotel & Spa has reported a remarkable rise in bookings for Christmas lunch, highlighting a growing trend of families seeking the magic of dining out this festive season.
READ MORE
Pioneering accessible technology conference returns to Glasgow in 2025
RNIB Scotland's Inclusive Design for Sustainability (IDS) Conference is set to return to Glasgow Science Centre on 17 and 18 March 2025.
READ MORE
Glasgow Fort invites local residents to input on exciting expansion plans
Leading retail destination Glasgow Fort is announcing exciting new expansion plans and inviting local residents to have their say.
READ MORE
New artisan bakery gives away free coffee and cake to celebrate opening
Shots of a new bakery set to open in Glasgow's west end have been revealed as its owner plans to usher in a new era: 'brot winter'.
READ MORE
Loch Lomond Shores Christmas Festival is a Christmas cracker this year!
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, children's rides, stalls, street food and a packed live entertainment schedule makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out!
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links