Inspirational stories - Susan
A wee pedal and Bridgend Farmhouse have forged a powerful, supportive relationship over 5 years, enabling many in the local community to experience simple joys like riding a bike. This partnership has not only facilitated the joy of cycling but has also created a lasting impact on the lives of individuals like 60 year old Susan.
Susan's story vividly illustrates the profound impact that supported opportunities for cycling can have on local people. Her journey from overcoming anxiety about getting on a bike after 45 years to confidently cycling away with a beaming smile is a testament to the transformative nature of community programmes. Susan's decision to stop smoking and her newfound enthusiasm for outdoor exploration also highlight the positive ripple effects of such initiatives on overall well-being.
Susan plucked up the courage to ask a A wee pedal about lessons to re-learn to ride a bike and we matched her to one of our instructors, Mike. After only 2 sessions she was riding with confidence and itching for more. Bridgend Farmhouse had just launched its refurbished bike project - offering a bike to anyone from the local area who had learned to ride or wanted to join our many group rides.
We sourced a refurbished bike for her and Felix, Bridgend’s head mechanic, prepared it for her so it was all ready to be collected. The minute she saw it, she beamed! “I love it,” she said. On her test-ride I watched her ride away, with confidence, tall and determined and I heard a ‘whoop’ and a cheer. “This is just brilliant! I’m not even wobbly!” As she rode back, I watched a woman who has been transformed: only 2 months ago she was nervous and shy and now she is an energised, confident, beaming rider who looked behind her to give me the biggest smile! I was in awe of her!
Our mission is to get as many people as we can to experience the joy and freedom of riding a bike.
Since 2019 funding streams from Edinburgh City Council, Paths for All and Cycling Scotland have meant we have reached over 500 individuals like Susan who have joined our cycling community programme. Many have been complete beginners, some have been over the age of 70 years, who have never been on a bike before. The funding, allied with A wee pedal’s growing team of qualified and experienced instructors, means we can offer more sessions to more people in need of support.
Susan is not just the recipient of a refurbished bike, she is a symbol of resilience and the transformative power of simple acts of kindness within a community. The introduction of Bridgend Farmhouse's 'refurbishment bike project' ensures that individuals, like Susan, learning to ride or joining led rides, can receive a fully refurbished donated bike. In Susan's case, this initiative has helped her rediscover the joy of cycling after the sad loss of her husband last year. She found herself lonely and lacking purpose in life. Re-learning to ride through our community programme and with a target in mind of riding to Roslin Susan has found a new and energized desire to make new friends and get outdoors everyday.
Back in the saddle, Susan now plans to join the "Out and About" group, a move that not only enriches her life but also creates opportunities for others who might otherwise be isolated to form new connections with their local community. This group meets once per week for a safe, guided led ride and can borrow bikes and helmets if needed at no charge. Susan's journey exemplifies the profound impact that community programs can have on individual lives, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experience.
Susan's story goes beyond the act of riding a bike; it resonates with themes of resilience and community. Her inspiring journey serves as a beacon of hope for others facing challenges, demonstrating that positive change is always possible with the right support. It's a poignant reminder that people make a place, and the collaborative efforts of Bridgend Farmhouse and A wee pedal have played a crucial role in shaping a supportive community that fosters transformative experiences like Susan's.
Congratulations Susan - you are an inspiration to all of us! Enjoy all those cycling adventures you have coming your way!