Scottish Cycling, working in partnership with sportscotland, has secured funding through the national Summer of Sport initiative to provide free and low-cost opportunities for young people to get involved in cycling.
Scottish Cycling’s Summer of Sport programme will deliver inclusive cycling opportunities for an anticipated 600 children, young people and families, aged 3–26, across Scotland this summer.
The programme combines outreach activity, targeted inclusion projects and club-based delivery, to help young people access cycling in safe, welcoming environments, while building long-term participation pathways within their local communities.
Delivery will take place across Scotland, from Aberdeenshire to the Scottish Borders, in partnership with local clubs, councils and community organisations. A strong emphasis has been placed on reducing barriers to participation by providing free access to bikes, equipment, coaching and locally delivered activities within communities.
The programme will include a range of initiatives designed to engage young people and families in cycling. These include dedicated girls-only cycling hubs, family-friendly traffic-free cycling events, mobile ‘Rock Up and Ride’ sessions delivered directly in communities, and activation programmes at pump track facilities across Scotland. Additional targeted mountain bike projects and a Youth Opportunities Fund will also support local clubs to expand youth activity, increase participation and strengthen pathways into regular cycling.
Chief Executive of sportscotland, Forbes Dunlop, said:
“At sportscotland, we believe that sport has the power to strengthen communities and change lives. The 2026 Summer of Sport campaign, made possible by Scottish Government investment, is a great example of what can be achieved when partners come together with a shared ambition to make sport more inclusive and accessible. We’re proud to play our part in helping more young people enjoy the benefits of being active as we celebrate a fantastic summer of sport.”
The programme also connects with the growing momentum around the Tour de France Grand Départ 2027 and Tour de France Femmes 2027 coming to the UK in 2027, helping to inspire a new generation of cyclists and create a lasting participation legacy across Scotland.
Through this investment, Scottish Cycling aims to ensure the Summer of Sport programme positively impacts as many young people as possible, with a continued focus on inclusion, workforce development and strong community partnerships.
To find out more about the 2026 Summer of Sport, visit their website here.