Project Summary
The Community Cycle Maintenance Training project is an Aberdeen-based skills and wellbeing initiative that offers high-quality, accredited bicycle maintenance training for young people. Awarded £3,000 through the UDECIDE participatory budgeting programme, this project delivers nationally recognised cycle mechanic training that helps build practical skills, confidence and future employability.
This project aligns with the Locality Plan priority to develop programmes that encourage outdoor activity, supporting young residents to engage in hands-on outdoor learning while promoting active travel and community connection.
What Was Funded
The £3,000 grant supported:
Delivery of accredited cycle mechanic training, specifically the nationally recognised Velotech Bronze award - a practical vocational qualification that develops essential bicycle maintenance and repair skills.
Costs to run the course locally in the Northfield community, accessible to young people from priority neighbourhoods.
Training delivery by qualified Adventure Aberdeen staff, creating a supportive learning environment tailored to participants.
The funding enabled up to 20 young people to take part in this two-day hands-on course, offering both practical experience and a certification that can support further training or job applications.
What Happens
Participants in the project:
Attend a structured cycle maintenance training course delivered in their community.
Learn how to inspect, maintain and repair bicycles - skills that keep their own bikes safe and functional.
Gain the Velotech Bronze qualification, a recognised award demonstrating cycle mechanic competence.
Build confidence through practical problem-solving and teamwork during hands-on sessions.
Explore potential future pathways in mechanics, outdoor education or active travel-related employment.
Why It Works
The project supports outcomes beyond mechanical skills by:
Promoting outdoor activity and active transportation through cycling and bike care.
Giving young people a vocational qualification that boosts employability and self-esteem.
Creating a peer learning environment where participants share knowledge and support one another.
Encouraging ongoing engagement with cycling as a healthy, low-cost mode of transport.
Community Impact
Since receiving funding, the project has:
Enabled young people to gain a nationally recognised qualification in cycle maintenance.
Strengthened local skills and confidence in practical mechanics.
Encouraged active travel and outdoor learning opportunities for Northfield youth.
Connected participants with peers and mentors through shared learning experiences.
The funding was provided through the UDECIDE participatory budgeting process, enabling local people to decide which community-led projects should receive support in line with the Aberdeen Local Outcome Improvement Plan priorities.