Simple, friendly, environmentally kind, friendly and inclusive solutions for all your cycling needs
Based in Dumfries, south-west Scotland, I offer a range of services designed to support people to cycle more as part of their daily life.
I am a highly qualified instructor, insured to deliver training to the National Standard for cycle training and have helped develop and deliver cycle training programmes for national organisations including Cycling Scotland and Cycling UK.
Having a wealth of experience in the active travel sector and in community projects, I can assist you with consultancy and planning as well as project evaluation.
I am a proud supporter of the Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere - find out how to make the best of the Biosphere on two wheels.
Bespoke requests are always welcome and I will make sure you feel welcome and comfortable. Get in touch to discuss your needs.
Cycle Confidence Training
I offer personalised sessions from learn-to-ride; riding your bike in a traffic free environment; improving your confidence riding on-road and in traffic. Perhaps you want to try an e-bike for the first time and have some questions? The courses are aligned with those provided by Cycling Scotland and make a huge difference to how you feel about riding your bike. Whether you cycle a little or a lot, there are some fantastic hints and tips I can give to help you feel happier on your bike.
I also offer a range of presentations for groups such as learner driver cycle awareness training.
The full range of courses can be viewed here
Cycle Ride Leader and Instructor Mentoring
We all need a helping hand from time to time and my mentoring is designed to help you feel more confident to use your cycle training qualifications. Perhaps you are a Cycle Ride Leader or are an organisation offering led rides and want a helping hand to get it off the ground or to refresh your training? Maybe you are a Cycle Trainer and it has been a while since you offered a certain type of session or want some assistance in interpreting the new National Standard?
Get in touch and I’d be happy to assist.
Cargo bike training
Cargo bikes are a wonderful way to transport bulky items for personal or business use or even children for the school run. A great alternative to a car or van. They do take a little getting used to and our course is designed to leave you feeling super confident riding one.
If you have a business and wish to use a cargo bike formal training is a great way to ensure your staff have the skills and qualification they need to do this safely.
Family Cycling
Getting out and about on the bikes with your family is a unique experience. But I do understand that this can feel daunting. I will work with you and your family to help you to cycle enjoyably with the whole family.
Holidays & Bikepacking
I can offer bespoke route planning advice and guidance throughout Scotland, Northumberland and the Flanders region of Belgium. I can give you tips on the best routes to take, the best places to visit, where to stay, knowledge on ferries, train and bus links and most importantly - the best cafes to visit! My partner and I are experts on vegan travel in Scotland. Let me help you plan your next adventure. I can provide route files (GPX) and advice on bike and kit rental.
I can also give you guidance and advice on all things Bikepacking if you are new to it and want some help about where to start.
Consultancy, Bike Fleet Management advice, Evaluation & Presentations
Having worked in the active travel sector for nearly a decade, working collaboratively with the major active travel delivery partners, I have a wealth of experience in running community facing cycling projects. I know what works and what doesn’t. Contact me for guidance, advice, project evaluation or any other consultancy work.
I have a range of experience of managing bike fleets and can assist you with paperwork, training and set-up.
Workplace engagement
As an employer, if you are working towards becoming more cycle friendly or trying to reduce your carbon footprint, then providing support for your workforce to cycle with more confidence is a great way to do this - maybe you are looking to provide a fleet of bikes for your staff and want guidance on how best to go about this?
Route planning for organisations or local authorities
I know what makes a good cycle route, and the different requirements of different target audiences. I can build custom maps and routes for the region of your choice. I have a range of experience of doing this for a number of organisations in different regions. 10% of my fee for this goes directly to Mossburn Community Farm.
I specialise in planning routes which can be linked to bike-friendly public transport.
Vulnerable Road User Awareness Training for Drivers
As an employer, if you want to ensure your staff are fully aware of the Highway Code with regards their responsibilities around the most vulnerable road users then this 1 hour course is an excellent, interactive and enjoyable session designed to increase empathy and understanding between all road users.
Cycle Ride Leader courses
If you wish to take groups out on led rides, then this one day Cycle Ride Leader course is for you. Courses run for between 5 and 8 people and details can be found here of what the course involves. Contact me to discuss your needs and for costings.
The G&SA Biosphere
The Galloway & Southern Uplands Biosphere was the first UNESCO Biosphere in Scotland. It includes areas of natural habitat of international importance and the Biosphere helps to create conservation, learning and sustainability in the region. I am a proud supporter of the Biosphere and visiting the Biosphere by bike is wonderful way to see it’s stunning beauty. Want a bespoke trip around the Biosphere? A fantastic low-carbon way to interact with the environment. Just get in touch with me.