Cycling that changes lives
No one should be left behind. That belief drives everything we do, and our Impact Report shows what it looks like in practice: care home residents back on bikes, children riding for the first time, women finding confidence, New Scots finding community, and volunteers finding purpose.
Our Impact Report, August 2026
What we delivered, who we reached and the evidence behind every programme, told through the people who ride with us.
If you are interested in the highlights of our report you can read them down below.
Read the full Impact Report here Read the short version of the Impact Report
Our year in numbers (2025)
3,340
participant attendances
493
cycling sessions delivered
3,808
volunteer hours
56%
of attendances relied on a bike provided by Sunny Cycles
Nearly 30%
of attendances came from Scotland's 20% most deprived areas
100%
of survey respondents would recommend Sunny Cycles (93% rated us 5/5)
The change we create
Every programme is measured against the same five outcomes.
- Wellbeing: 92% of Led Rides participants reported improvements in happiness, mood and physical wellbeing.
- Inclusion and accessibility: 98% of volunteers strongly agree that participants feel included regardless of age, disability or support needs.
- Social connection: 85% of New Scots participants feel less isolated, and 92% have met new people.
- Skills and confidence: 92% of New Scots participants say their cycling skills have improved.
- Volunteering and leadership: 96% of volunteers feel they are making a positive difference, and 86% say their confidence has grown.
Impact by programme
Each card links to its pages in the report (see build notes below).
- Volunteers (pp. 11–15): The heart of Sunny Cycles. 94% say volunteering makes them happier · 96% feel welcomed and included.
- Care Home Cycling (pp. 21–24): Every resident who gave feedback enjoyed the session, felt included and wanted to ride again.
- OPEKA Cycling (pp. 17–20): 100% of participants said cycling makes them happy · 100% feel part of the group.
- Restart Cycling (pp. 25–27): Supporting people living with severe and enduring mental health conditions. 90% felt welcomed, included and supported · 87% felt less isolated.
- Cycling Lessons (pp. 28–31): From first wobble to independent rider. 95% said support helped them overcome barriers · 95% would recommend.
- Bike Skills (pp. 33–36): Confidence, road skills and everyday journeys for people who can already ride.
- Led Rides (pp. 38–43): 92% attend at least weekly · 85% said the rides made a significant or transformative difference to their lives.
- Women's Rides (pp. 44–50): 67% had never cycled before joining · 97% said the women-only environment encouraged them to take part.
- New Scots Cycling (pp. 51–57): 78% feel more settled in Glasgow · 78% say the programme helped them overcome barriers to cycling.
- Adaptive Bike Hire (pp. 58–59): Every participant surveyed needed to borrow a bike, and all felt more independent through adapted cycling.
Testimonials
Sunny Cycles Stories: Real People, Real Rides
"If I can do it, they can do it." At 37, John supports our lessons, adaptive sessions and weekly led rides. He learned to ride again after losing a leg, and now uses that experience to encourage others. Some children say he "sprinkles magic dust" because, after his encouragement, they suddenly ride on their own. [Read John's story, p. 32]
"I now go cycling every week and love it!" Jan lives with Multiple Sclerosis, which makes traditional cycling difficult. After finding us on Facebook, she tried a recumbent trike in Victoria Park and has since moved to an upright adapted cycle. [Read Jan's story, p. 60]
"More than a cycling lesson." A mum wanted her two children to regain confidence and simply enjoy being kids. Her nine-year-old was inspired by instructor John, and her seven-year-old found her balance and left proud. "You gave them far more than a cycling lesson. You gave them confidence, independence and a memory that will stay with them for years." [Read the full story, p. 37]
In their words
"Cycling makes me feel confident and brave." - OPEKA participant
"I never thought that at 97 years old I would be back on a bike. More than 60 years had passed since my last ride." - Care home resident
"I feel free." - New Scots Cycling Programme participant
"Now, I can ride a bike. It was good fun, and I was not nervous." - Cycling Lessons participant
"Before, he only cycled in circles, and now he can cycle longer distances." - Carer
"One gentleman does not engage in other activities but loves the bikes." - Care home staff
"Coming to Sunny Cycles is part of our wellbeing programme." - Group Coordinator, Restart programme
"Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and knowing I'm helping people overcome barriers to cycling." - Anne, volunteer for 4 years
Sheena - Regular Cyclist
I’ll admit, I was a bit sceptical when I was first persuaded to join a Sunny Cycles Friday Women’s Ride. I’d tried cycling before, and let’s just say the experience didn’t exactly make me want to start training for the Tour de France. But, when I was gently nudged (okay, enthusiastically persuaded) to hop on a bike and do a lap around a car park, I thought, “Why not? What could go wrong?”
Well, to my surprise, it was actually fun! Carol, our Ride Leader, made sure I understood all the basics – from bike safety to using the gears – and suddenly, I was off! At the end of the ride I felt a real sense of achievement and was keen to return the following week. I’ve since started to ride with the group based in Victoria Park – another group of friendly, adventurous souls.
Fast forward to today: I've got my own bike, I'm confidently cycling solo, and I’ve started exploring Glasgow and all its cycle paths. Cycling has done wonders for my fitness and my general sense of well-being. Plus, I now enjoy getting out in all kinds of weather – it turns out a little rain doesn’t hurt.
What makes Sunny Cycles stand out? The Ride Leaders are patient, fun, and always make sure no one gets left behind. Whether you’re a cycling pro or a complete beginner, the group rides are all about getting out on your bike, enjoying the fresh air and just enjoying the ride. There’s a real sense of camaraderie. Access to free, well maintained bikes has been crucial to my continued participation in cycling and definitely helps to encourage people from diverse backgrounds and mixed abilities to come along and give cycling a go.
Julie Geddes - Oakminster Care Homes
At Oakminster Healthcare, we strive to support both the physical well-being and emotional upliftment of our residents. Our partnership with Sunny Cycles has been truly transformative.
Sunny Cycles brought incredible energy to our community, giving residents of all abilities the chance to experience the freedom, joy, and nostalgia of cycling once again. For many, the idea of cycling had seemed like a distant memory—until Sunny Cycles made the impossible possible.
We watched in awe as residents, some well into their 90s, rediscovered the simple delight of a bike ride. One resident, glowing with joy after her first session, exclaimed, “I never thought at 96 years old I would be back on a bike. Marvellous, absolutely marvellous!”
This wasn’t just about exercise—it was about inclusion, empowerment, and renewed confidence. Adaptive cycles, patient encouragement, and a positive, welcoming atmosphere ensured that every resident felt valued and capable.
The smiles, laughter, and excitement that Sunny Cycles brought were extraordinary. For some, it was a chance to feel the wind in their hair again. For others, it was a reminder that new experiences are always possible.
Sunny Cycles has redefined what’s possible for our residents, showing that age and ability are no barriers to the joy of cycling. Their impact on physical health, mental well-being, and community spirit has been immeasurable.
Thank you, Sunny Cycles, for helping our residents rediscover the magic of cycling!
Chris McMullen - OPEKA
I can wholeheartedly vouch for Sunny Cycles on both a professional and personal level. As a charity coordinator and a supporter of my brother, who has additional support needs, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact of their work.
For the past two years, Sunny Cycles has demonstrated remarkable patience, professionalism, and kindness, helping my brother develop his cycling skills in ways I never thought possible. Their dedication had such a profound effect on me that I have continued working closely with them, organising cycling activities for adults with additional support needs—sessions that our participants greatly enjoy.
Sunny Cycles is built on a foundation of excellence and transparency, giving our charity complete confidence in their ability to facilitate engaging and well-organised activities. Their ethos closely aligns with ours, and I have no doubt that their work will continue to make a significant and positive impact on the community.
Sunny Cycles is truly instrumental in improving the lives of those who are disadvantaged, and I wholeheartedly support their mission.
Be part of our next story
Whether you’re a cyclist, volunteer, or supporter, you can help more people experience the freedom and joy of cycling.