Glasgow charity’s push to open up cycling to everyone

Glaswegians are cycling more than ever before, and one local charity has launched a new summer campaign to ensure disabled, elderly, and underrepresented groups aren’t left behind.

Cycling journeys across the city surged by 43 per cent last year, with 4.65 million trips recorded between January and August 2025. While more people are choosing to travel by bike, Sunny Cycles warns lack of accessibility and increased social isolation is proving a barrier to more people getting on the saddle.

To help bridge the gap, the Glasgow Green based charity has launched Petal Power, a new summer fundraising campaign to support accessible cycling. The campaign asks people to pledge £5 to get involved – with donors invited to take seeds to grow a sunflower to symbolise the growth of a new rider’s confidence on their bike. Money raised goes towards providing adapted bikes to the Glasgow public to ensure everybody has access to cycling.

As part of the campaign, Sunny Cycles will host a free pop-up at The Social Hub tomorrow (April 30), where Glaswegians can try adapted bikes, meet the team and pick up free sunflower seeds to take part in the growing competition.

Open to families, schools, workplaces, care homes and community groups, the campaign is designed as a simple way for people across Glasgow to get involved while helping others access the benefits of cycling.

Carol Thompson, Project Co-ordinator at Sunny Cycles, said: “Cycling is so much more than just a way of getting around - it's social, it's exercise, it's therapy, it's freedom, but not everyone has access to that. Sunny Cycles aims to get everyone cycling regardless of age, ability or background.

“Petal Power is a campaign to get everyone growing sunflowers. It's simple, fun, and anyone can do it! Our Sunny Cycles logo includes a sunflower – the symbol for hidden disabilities. We want this to be an inclusive campaign. Cycling is the tool, not the mission, and everyone speaks bike!”

Ben McLeod, General Manager at The Social Hub, said: “As Glasgow continues to embrace cycling, it’s important that conversation includes accessibility too. Sunny Cycles does brilliant work making sure more people can experience the benefits of cycling, and we’re proud to support that.

“The Social Hub Glasgow prides itself on being an accessible venue where everyone is welcome. So it feels only natural we’re able to play a part in supporting this initiative, and we encourage people to come along, try the bikes, pick up some seeds and get involved.”

The campaign asks people to donate a minimum of £5, plant their sunflower and track its progress over summer. Prizes will be awarded for categories including tallest sunflower, shortest sunflower, prettiest bloom and most interesting place to grow.

All money raised will support making cycling more accessible across Glasgow. It will help people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds access adapted bikes, confidence-building sessions and inclusive cycling opportunities.

The Petal Power pop-up takes place at The Social Hub on Thursday 30 April from 12pm-3pm, with free sunflower seeds available while stocks last.

To sign up and take part in Petal Power, visit: https://sunnycycles.org.uk/events/petal-power/