The Cairngorms National Park Authority have awarded the SPIN (Strathspey Pedal INitiative) Project £20,885 to work with two Cairngorms 2030 projects focussing on active and sustainable travel within the Badenoch and Strathspey area.

The SPIN Project, based in Aviemore, works to lower financial and social barriers to participation in cycling. It’s led by Huw Oliver and Andy Toop, who share a combined 30 years’ experience of outdoor education and cycling enthusiasm.  

The work will include delivering bike safety check sessions over eight events in each village in the Strathspey area as well as the refurbishment of up to 50 bikes. Through this appointment the SPIN Project will also support teaching staff to deliver National 4 syllabus in bike maintenance and three visits to both Kingussie and Grantown-on-Spey secondary schools to maintain school bike fleets. In addition, the funding will support a community bike toolbox and 15 sessions of 1:1 tuition and workshop hire. It will also allow an existing project officer to facilitate these activities, boosting people’s confidence and making cycling a more accessible travel option. 

Huw Oliver, company director of the SPIN Project said: “We’re very excited to see that the Park Authority recognise the value of low-impact, active travel. Bikes are an incredible tool in so many ways – a simple set of wheels can lead to improved health, new friends and a great community. We can’t wait to see what the SPIN Project can achieve in the next twelve months and beyond”. 

The Cairngorms 2030 programme spans 20 long-term projects, bringing about transformational change in the Cairngorms, benefitting people’s health and wellbeing, delivering on climate change and enhancing nature across the National Park. The programme is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with thanks to National Lottery Players.

David Clyne, Head of Cairngorms 2030 at the Cairngorms National Park Authority said: “Working with communities to improve active and sustainable transport in the National Park is a key strand of Cairngorms 2030. Supporting local people to use a bike instead of a car for short journeys is a great way for us all to stay healthy, connect with nature and reduce our carbon footprint.” 

 Image: Huw Oliver, company director of the SPIN Project