Thistle Outdoors

Inclusive outdoor exploration.

As part of Thistle's commitment to health and wellbeing, we provide adaptive bike sessions for individuals living with long-term health conditions, disabilities, and challenging circumstances.

Our goal is to bring the joy of cycling to adults aged 18 and above, fostering confidence and wellbeing.

What to Expect: Try Cycling Your Way

Our adaptive bike sessions offer you the chance to explore cycling in a supportive environment and allow you to experience both standard and adapted bikes.

Sessions run as follows:

Centre of Wellbeing, Craigmillar
Drop in onTuesdays, from 12.30pm - 2.30pm,

Saughton Park
Drop in on Thursdays, from 1pm - 4pm.

Inclusivity and Accessibility

Our sessions are open to all skill levels. Whether you're new to cycling or a seasoned rider, join us to build skills and discover the freedom of biking. We provide helmets, hi-vis vests, and the necessary tools for adjustments. Dress appropriately for the weather, and if assistance is needed, feel free to bring a companion.

Adaptive Bikes

Unlock the joy of cycling with Thistle Outdoors.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • As part of the wider Thistle Health and Wellbeing service, the Thistle Outdoors project is predominately for adults (over the age of 18). Unfortunately, we are not funded to deliver specifically to children. Please do contact us though to have a conversation around under 18s.

  • The bikes are kindly loaned to Thistle by Cycling UK and funded currently by City of Edinburgh Council to support Thistle’s Health & Wellbeing work with people living with long-term health conditions, disabilities and challenging life circumstances. We have extended this to include open ‘drop in’ sessions at Saughton Park, allowing everyone the opportunity to try out standard and adapted bikes. The hope is to develop confidence, ability and skills for those seeking to have their own bike, join other groups or practise active travel in daily life.

  • Our adaptive bike sessions offer you the chance to explore cycling in a supportive environment and allow you to experience both standard and adapted bikes.

    Sessions run as follows:

    Centre of Wellbeing, Craigmillar

    Sessions run in pre-booked, half hour slots for up to four people at a time. These sessions are available to anyone who has registered to take part in adaptive bike sessions since July 2023. They run on Tuesdays, from12.30 - 2.30pm, and are bookable via Thistle reception – 0131 661 3366. If required, participants must be accompanied by their support worker.

    Saughton Park

    Our Thursday sessions, 1 - 4pm, are drop in sessions, that are open to everyone.

  • No, the sessions are provided free of charge to participants. Donations to Thistle’s Health and Wellbeing service are always welcome, but never expected.

  • We can provide helmets if required, Hi-Vis vest and any tools to make any necessary adjustments. Please ensure that you come along dressed appropriately for weather conditions, in particular gloves, waterproofs and layers, and sometimes you may even need sun cream and water! If you require assistance to participate, we ask you to bring along your family member/friend or support worker as staff/volunteer help is limited and not always guaranteed to be available.

  • Thistle offers support to people with long-term health conditions and disabilities through a person-centred, strengths-based approach.

Get in touch today.

To self-refer for support, email us at thistleoutdoors@thistle.org.uk or call our reception team on 0131 661 3366.

Visit Us

Centre of Wellbeing, 13 Queen's Walk, Edinburgh EH16 4EA

Hours
Monday–Friday
9am–5pm

Phone
0131 661 3366