That the Parliament congratulates Cycle Station on the opening of its new community bike shop in Darvel; notes that the official pre-opening is due to take place on 9 October 2024 for partners and stakeholders; understands that Cycle Station secured a 25-year lease on the Old Fire Station in Darvel, which was at risk of becoming derelict, and raised funding for refurbishments to bring the building back into use to benefit the local community through use as a space for training workshops, training rooms and cycling facilities; further understands that Cycle Station seeks to overcome barriers towards cycling by offering new and refurbished bike sales, Cube and Squish showrooms, a bike workshop, e-bike sales and servicing and bike hires, alongside training workshops and community engagement; acknowledges that their cycle training is currently serving 65 children per week at learn to ride sessions, which seek to help those aged three to 13 to learn the skills required to cycle safely and confidently; commends Cycle Station on its approach to sustainability across its operations, including its commitment to circular economy policy and consideration of renewables and new technology to reduce energy use in its plans for the refurbishment of the Old Fire Station; further commends Cycle Station on promoting and encouraging health and wellbeing through its community programmes and initiatives, such as participation in DarVelo, cycle training courses, and the launch of the Bike Bus, where adult volunteers help children cycle together along a pre-determined route and time to school; welcomes the positive influence Cycle Station has made in the Ayrshire area, and wishes it and all its staff and volunteers all the best for the future.
Supported by:
Jeremy Balfour, Miles Briggs, Alexander Burnett, Jackson Carlaw, Sharon Dowey, Tim Eagle, Russell Findlay, Murdo Fraser, Kenneth Gibson, Maurice Golden, Pam Gosal, Jamie Greene, Dr. Sandesh Gulhane, Craig Hoy, Liam Kerr, Stephen Kerr, Bill Kidd, Fulton MacGregor, Ruth Maguire, Stuart McMillan, Edward Mountain, Douglas Ross, Alexander Stewart, Paul Sweeney, Sue Webber, Annie Wells, Tess White