Families Celebrate Successful Launch of Inclusive Cycling Sessions at Monikie Country Park

Monikie Country Park was filled with smiles, laughter and cycling adventures on Saturday 30 May as families gathered to celebrate the official launch of ANGUSalive’s Inclusive Bikes Project and Pedal Together – Angus Family Inclusive Bike Sessions.

The launch event marked an important milestone for a project that began earlier this year when ANGUSalive secured significant funding to expand inclusive cycling opportunities and help remove barriers that prevent people and families from participating in physical activity.

Earlier this year, ANGUSalive secured £60,000 through support from Tactran and ANGUSalive’s Investment Fund to deliver the Inclusive Bikes Project. The investment has enabled the purchase of a range of adapted and inclusive bikes, creating accessible cycling opportunities at Monikie Country Park, Forfar Loch and Montrose Sports Centre.

In addition, a £10,000 award from Angus Council’s Whole Family Wellbeing Fund has supported the development of Pedal Together – Angus, a year-long programme of free family cycling sessions designed to encourage families to be active together, improve wellbeing and enjoy time outdoors.

The launch event provided the first opportunity for many families to experience the new bikes, with children, young people and adults enjoying the freedom and joy of cycling together in a welcoming and supportive environment.

The positive impact of the project was evident throughout the day, with families sharing their experiences and enthusiasm for the new opportunities now available across Angus.

“We’re visiting family and have travelled from Oban. We have absolutely loved the bikes. We just wish there was something like this available where we live.” – AW

“We’ve attended previously on the old bikes, but these new bikes are wonderful. They make cycling so much easier and allow us both to enjoy the experience.” – SM

“We’ve had so much fun and can’t wait to come back. The bikes have opened up opportunities for us to cycle as a family that we never thought possible.” – LS

Laura Smith, Disability & Inclusion Lead at ANGUSalive, said:

“Saturday was about much more than bikes. It was about creating opportunities for families to be active together, enjoy the outdoors together and make lasting memories together, regardless of age, ability or support need.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our funding partners. Firstly, a huge thank you to Tactran and ANGUSalive for their investment and support in helping us develop and expand our inclusive cycling offer. I’d also like to thank Angus Council through the Whole Family Wellbeing Fund, whose support has helped us ensure that families can access opportunities that promote wellbeing, connection and inclusion.

For many families, something as simple as going for a bike ride together isn’t always straightforward. Barriers can exist that prevent people from taking part. Through these sessions and the range of inclusive and adapted bikes now available, we’re helping to remove some of those barriers and open up new opportunities.

Whether it’s a child riding independently for the first time, a family enjoying an activity together that they never thought possible, or simply spending quality time outdoors, these sessions are about creating positive experiences and increasing confidence, health, wellbeing and social connections.

Most importantly, these sessions recognise that family means different things to different people. Parents, carers, grandparents, siblings, friends and support networks are all part of the family journey, and everyone is welcome to take part.

This launch is just the beginning. We are excited to see these sessions grow across Angus and to continue working with our partners to create more inclusive opportunities where everyone feels they belong.

Thank you once again to our funding partners, our staff and volunteers, and most importantly, the families who will make these sessions such a success.

Sometimes the pictures tell the story better than words ever can. Looking through the photographs, the smiles, laughter, confidence and feel-good factor say it all. Seeing families cycling together, supporting one another and creating memories is exactly what Pedal Together – Angus is all about.”

The Inclusive Bikes Project forms part of ANGUSalive’s wider commitment to creating opportunities where everyone can participate, regardless of ability or support need. By providing access to specialist equipment and inclusive activities, the project is helping people build confidence, improve physical and mental wellbeing, and experience the benefits of being active outdoors.

As the photographs from the launch clearly demonstrate, the day was about much more than cycling. It was about inclusion, connection, confidence and creating opportunities for families to enjoy meaningful experiences together.

The successful launch is just the beginning, with regular Pedal Together – Angus sessions now planned throughout the year and inclusive cycling opportunities continuing to grow across Angus.

Here’s to many more miles, smiles and adventures together.

Find out more: https://angusalive.scot/events/pedal-together-angus/