As part of Scottish Cycling’s efforts to get more women and girls on bikes, underlined by the launch of a Women & Girl’s Strategy in October 2024, a movement called Rhythm in Motion was created. The simple aim was to meet girls where they already feel confident, creative and free – and open the door for them to try something new.
Teaming up with KIC Dance Company, Rhythm in Motion firstly got young girls back on bike at their home in Midlothian, before giving them a unique opportunity to marry up BMX and dance at the iconic Unit 23 Skatepark. The result was spectacular, beautiful, and out of the ordinary.
Further partnership working saw media students from Glasgow Caledonian University capture the action, creating two amazing edits as part of their coursework. Big credit to them for bringing the vibe to life so brilliantly.
Mark Ritchie, Pathway Lead at Scottish Cycling, who brought Rhythm in Motion, to life was buoyed be the initial impact, saying:
“By blending BMX and dance, we’ve created a space where girls are not only confident and creative — they’re reconnecting with cycling, something many hadn’t done since learning to ride. Now, the bike isn’t just for play — it’s becoming part of their everyday journey, from getting to school or college to riding to dance class.”
Commenting on it’s impact, Sharon Jones, Director of KIC, added:
“By combining pedals and pirouettes, we’ve discovered that the most unexpected collaborations can create the most beautiful movements and open up a whole new set of opportunities for our girls.”
On Glasgow Caledonian’s involvement, Simon McKerrell said:
“Working with industry on real life media and journalism projects is absolutely key to our degrees here at Glasgow Caledonian University. This project with young cyclists and dancers was such a positive experience for our students, and to get the chance to work with Scottish Cycling and KIC Dance Company was huge for us, especially on such an important public campaign.”
Rhythm in motion is all about connection. It’s a movement that builds bridges between communities, with bikes at the heart of it.
So, if you’re part of a girls’ group, youth club, or local hangout – we want to hear from you. Let’s create something powerful together. Be part of the movement by sending us a DM, or emailing [email protected]
If you’re a potential supporter or sponsor of this amazing project, we’d love to hear from you via Scottish Cycling or the Scottish Cycling Foundation.
We’d also like to say a big thank you to Midlothian Council’s Active Schools Team, whose belief in the project also helped bring it to life.