Loreburn have received grant funding from Cycling Scotland to deliver an innovative cycle project in Stranraer bringing together partnerships at both a local and national level.
The cycle project is another example of Loreburn providing GREAT service and creating GREAT places to live for the people of Dumfries and Galloway.
The project will be housed at Stair Park Community Garden Centre, also known as “Potters”, in Stranraer the two projects having a wonderful synergy, bringing members of the community together in a beautiful location with health, wellbeing and inclusivity at its heart.
Loreburn recognise the importance of health, wellbeing and peoples need to feel connected through activities and having fun therefore a proportion of the funding is being used to purchase a “trio-bike” which will provide an opportunity for those who are frail aged or who have mobility issues to get out and about in the fresh air, with friends and family. It’s also an opportunity for those who are socially isolated to come together with their peers, enjoying company and the beautiful surroundings of Stair Park Community Garden Centre, including the sensory garden.
The funding provided by Cycling Scotland will increase access to bikes in Stranraer by creating equality of access to regular pedal cycles for all ages, electric bikes for those who may have health conditions and the trio-bike, all at no cost to the individual.
The project also aims to promote the use of cycling as a social prescription for both physical and mental health. The provision of bikes and helmets along with motivational and supportive led group bike rides will support individuals to achieve their own goals to health and wellbeing. Loreburn will be working in partnership with CM2000 and Napier University, to deliver innovative technology in the form of wearable devices (Polar Loop), normally used by elite athletes, that will monitor heart rate, hydration levels, activity, sleep, muscle mass and grip strength, all of which can assist an individual in active self-management.
Young people within Loreburn supported accommodation will be trained in led bike rides, cycle maintenance courses, piloting the trio-bike, first aid and facilitation skills all of which will offer both transferable skills and pathways to employment. By working with young people to pilot the trio-bike the project will also introduce an intergenerational aspect that will have long lasting benefits for all involved.
Maintenance workshops will also be available to encourage people to look after or restore their old bikes. By encouraging people back onto bikes we can work towards reducing the carbon footprint in the local community and as well as enjoying the beautiful Galloway countryside.
Creating GREAT Places to Live
