Ayrshire businesses get on their bikes!

Join dozens of businesses in Ayrshire and Arran who have got on their collective bike as they strive to make the region one of the most cyclist-friendly regions in Scotland. 

VisitScotland Cyclists Welcome accreditation is free to members of the national tourism organisation’s Quality Assurance Scheme.

The Cyclists Welcome Scheme requires accommodation businesses to subscribe to a number of criteria, including providing cyclists with somewhere safe and secure to store their bikes, a space in which to dry outdoor clothing and footwear and facilities to prepare packed lunches. 

Other criteria is stipulated for non-accommodation businesses, including knowing the location of the nearest bicycle repair shop and, where possible, having a supply of literature detailing local cycle routes. View and downlad the Ayrshire & Arran Tourism Cycling leaflet here. 

Research carried out by Transform Scotland has shown that the total value of cycle tourism – by residents and visitors, touring and leisure cycling – in Scotland is up to £239 million per year. 

Morag Anderson, who runs Thistleneuk Bed and Breakfast in Girvan with her husband Nigel, said:“We always enjoyed welcoming cyclists who attended the annual Girvan road race and wanted to offer our facilities to new cyclists who wished to explore our wonderful Ayrshire coastline. We have seen more and more cyclists looking for specific facilities, especially clothes drying and special diets which we cater for, as well as the early starts.” 

Alan Main, who runs The Bicycle Room in Troon, said:“As a small independent bike retailer, I’m really looking forward to being part of the Cyclists Welcome Scheme. The shop is very customer-oriented with the emphasis on offering help and advice to cyclists of all ages and ability. We attract a fantastic cross section of customers, from the dedicated club member to the fair-weather recreational cyclist. Ayrshire has so much to offer in terms of leisure and tourism and I am looking forward to helping to promote the region as a member of the VisitScotland Cyclists Welcome Scheme.” 

Cycling Routes

A cycling leaflet has been produced with a variety of routes for visitors to explore and enjoy - click here to view and download. 

Cycle Tourism Forum

Ayrshire and Arran Tourism represent the area on the Scottish Cycle Tourism Forum. This has been established to enable public and private sectors to work collaboratively to improve the development and promotion of cycle tourism in Scotland. The forum focuses on leisure cycling that can be done by all on –road, on cycle paths, towpaths and forest roads.

The four key areas of focus for the Forum are:

- Improve communication and collaboration between stakeholder and the industry with a shared vision to develop and promote cycle tourism in Scotland

- Co-ordinate research activity to improve a shared understanding of the target markets

- Co-ordinate marketing efforts to maximise opportunities to raise awareness and grow the value of cycle tourism

- Develop the cycling produce and encourage best practice by making the most of Scotland’s cycling assets and establishing Scotland as a must visit, must return cycling destination

Overview of Scotland’s Cycle Tourism Product

Information on Scotland’s Cycle Tourism product has been compiled by the Cycle Tourism Forum