Glenda’s story: “I’ve learned I can travel most places by bike”
Are you interested in cycling but not quite sure how to kick things off as an adult? Connecting Communities is run by Cycling UK in Midlothian, providing locally embedded support that helps people walk, wheel and cycle for everyday journeys, leisure and adventure.
Here the team shares a bit about the difference it’s made for Glenda, who came along to a session in Shawfair.
Glenda hadn’t ridden for years. She arrived at our Connecting Communities session in Shawfair, feeling that familiar knot of doubt – can I actually do this? – and almost turned back. What helped her stay was the tone of the session: friendly, local, no jargon.
Alongside welcoming activities, we offer short- and long-term cycle loans and work with community organisations so active travel becomes a practical option close to home.
Kirsty, the instructor, started with a chat rather than a checklist. What did Glenda want? Confidence, mostly. Space to breathe. And a hope that if riding felt safe and normal for her, her autistic son – who doesn’t always enjoy going outside – might try it too.
They began simply: a quiet loop near the park, practising steady starts and smooth stops. Next time they ventured a touch further, checking sightlines, signalling and reading the road without apology.
There was a moment when the bike wobbled and the old doubt returned. Then Glenda’s shoulders dropped, the pedals turned and something clicked.
The world didn’t rush past – it opened up. Over four weeks, small wins stacked up: looking over her shoulder without drifting, taking the lane when she needed it, feeling at home on a bike again.
Glenda says:
“Kirsty was so friendly and kept me motivated. If she didn’t know a route, she’d find out. I wasn’t aware of the cycle paths around me, and I’ve learned I can pretty much travel most places by bike.
It’s been good for my mental health.”
The biggest surprise wasn’t the skills; it was the routes she’d never noticed: paths tucked behind hedges and along the river, stitching together places she thought only a car or bus could reach.
Shawfair to Eskbank, for example. On paper, that was “the commute”; on a bike, it became an easy ride she could imagine doing every week when college starts.
Confidence changed the conversation. Instead of if, Glenda talked about which bike to buy and where to ride next.
Find out more about Cycling UK and the support they offer: https://midspace.co.uk/services/cycling-uk/
Do you live and/or work in Midlothian and want to share your own experiences of mental health and wellbeing and the different ways keep you well? If you would like us to share your story, please email midspace@health-in-mind.org.uk.