Developed in partnership with Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), places are fully funded through Scottish Cycling’s Tour de France Grand Depart Social Impact Programme. Bike & Blether uses cycling as a platform for connection and conversation, helping to create more inclusive, welcoming and supportive cycling communities across Scotland.
Bike & Blether equips cycling volunteers with the skills and confidence to promote positive mental wellbeing through cycling. Champions are not expected to be mental health experts. Instead, the programme helps volunteers create an inclusive, non-judgemental environment where people can enjoy riding their bikes, connect with others and have a chat.
The social connections built through these rides can help create supportive spaces where people feel comfortable coming back, talking and sharing if they want to. Champions will take their learning back into their local cycling communities, helping to build a wider network focused on improving mental wellbeing through cycling.
The fully funded training programme, delivered by SAMH, takes place across five sessions. We welcome applications from volunteers from cycling clubs, community groups, breeze ride leaders and partner organisations across Scotland who are passionate about cycling and want to help create more supportive and inclusive communities.
There is no cost to being involved, but applicants must be available to attend all five training sessions.
| Date | Time | Location | Session |
| Saturday 7th November 2026
|
10am – 12:30pm | Edinburgh | In-person training, followed by coffee and cake to meet the new cohort and build a peer network |
| Thursday 10th December 2026
|
6pm – 7:30pm | Online | Training Session |
| Tuesday 19th January 2027
|
6pm – 7:30pm | Online | Training Session |
| Thursday 25th February 2027
|
6pm – 7:30pm | Online | Training Session |
| Saturday 20th March 2027
|
10am – 3pm | Perth | In-person session, including a group ride and presentation of certificates |
Following completion of the training, Champions will be expected to deliver at least one Bike & Blether ride every three months through their club or organisation. They will also contribute to the wider Tour de France Social Impact Programme by sharing information about the activity they deliver, the outcomes achieved and participants’ experiences. Participants from cycling clubs will also be required to sign up to the SAMH Charter to secure their place.
Champions will receive a certificate on completion of the programme, recognising their time, learning and contribution. They will also have the opportunity to take part in the official Tour de France Presentation of Riders produced by the Edinburgh Military Tattoo on 30 June 2027, providing a chance to recognise and thank Champions for their commitment to Bike & Blether. Further information about the performance and participation will be shared with successful applicants.
Applications will run from Thursday 10th September till Thursday 8th October. Anyone who wishes to apply to the Bike and Blether Programme should fill out the application form.
If you have any questions about the training or application process, please contact
Ruth Wright at [email protected]