Biosphere Bikes
Taking Community Cycling Opportunities to a New Level
Yvonne Jack
Cycling has become of growing interest to people of all ages who look for ways to improve their physical health and mental wellbeing.
It was with this in mind that Ann Berry, a keen cyclist, decided to set up Biosphere Bikes in Girvan as a not-for-profit organisation to allow access for all, no matter their age or ability, and this continues to be the ethos at the heart of all it does today, as Val, their project officer explained:
“The seafront hub opened in 2019 with a couple of refurbished bikes and some rented go-karts. Over the years, grants from local organisations and individuals allowed us to expand.
“Operating from Easter to October [weather permitting], we now rent a variety of carts, bikes and buggies. We also offer access to wheelchairs and mobility equipment including a piloted Trishaw in partnership with Cycling Without Age Scotland.”
On a sunny day you can see the delighted faces of children and adults alike as they spin along Girvan’s promenade taking in the spectacular views of Ailsa Craig.
Since that initial development, Biosphere Bikes has expanded into its second site on Henrietta Street. Val outlines their decision:
“The project was growing but is very seasonal and at the mercy of the Scottish weather! The shop became available and initially we had a two-year lease. The local community was amazing and helped us to refurbish the shop. However, it is hard to plan with such a short lease, so we decided to explore buying the premises. The purchase in 2024 was supported by South Ayrshire Council and Kilgallioch Wind Farm administered by Foundation Scotland.”
As a charity, Biosphere Bikes relies on a mixture of funded staff and volunteers to operate both sites, offering friendly and expert support.
“We have one full-time Community Bike Mechanic with the other staff being part-time: two Community Bike Assistants, one Project Officer and one Social Media Officer. They are supported by volunteers which allows us to open Tuesday to Saturday from 9am to 3pm all year.”
Biosphere Bikes has a number of links both locally and further afield.
“We strive to support local groups such as South Ayrshire Thriving Communities, our local schools, and we work in partnership with the Girvan Amenity Centre to repurpose all viable bikes that are taken there for disposal. We offer a bespoke service for those wishing to lease or buy through our Right Bike, Right Choice Programme.”
And Biosphere Bikes continues to look to the future.
“We are currently undergoing a large redevelopment project at our hub to provide us with a modern storage facility and community workshop space. This has been fully funded by Carrick Futures. We hope to repurpose the remaining outside space into an outdoor cycle training area for adults.”
Biosphere Bikes is an important part of the community and has enjoyed considerable success, which gives a real sense of achievement to those involved, as Val confirms:
“The local community engagement and help we have received from individuals, community groups and South Ayrshire Council… On a day-to-day basis, this is people engaging with us in the shop and community hub to fix a bike, fix a pram tyre, sort a broken mobility scooter and at our base at the promenade.
“We want to continue to adapt and develop to meet the needs of the community and inspire the cyclists of the future.
“Our door is always open for everyone!”
As for me, I thought my cycling days were well behind me, but I have spotted an electric trike so maybe I might get back on the road and relive my youth!
For more information,
visit www.biospherebikes.
