What we’re about
Who we are
Belles on Bikes Edinburgh is an inclusive social cycling group for women, and anyone with female lived experience, over the age of 16, of varying cycling experience and abilities, from beginner cyclists to the more experienced. Belles on Bikes aims to support women to get cycling together in a friendly, inclusive and relaxed environment. All abilities are welcome (so long as you can pedal ;)). We cycle as a group and don't leave anyone behind.
Our volunteer ride leaders organise regular routes with plenty of cake stops, so come along for a ride! Whether you want to start commuting by bike, cycle with family and friends at the weekend, build up experience and confidence, or just meet like-minded people, Belles on Bikes is for you.
Who supports Belles?
Belles on Bikes Edinburgh is an affiliate group of Cycling UK, but we have also received support from Sustrans, Spokes Lothian and others, as well as donations from members. Our costs are generally quite low, but we do need around ÂŁ400 a year to pay insurance and meetup fees, as well as occasional additional amounts for ride leader training, first aid, and basic mechanical training for our ride leaders. If you would like to make a donation you can donate straight to our bank account:
Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH
Sort Code: 83-18-25
Account Number: 18849509
Or through this link -
ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
How does Belles work?
Join the group, keep an eye on rides as they are posted, join the ones you are interested in. Simples :)
However.....
Please keep the following in mind before coming on ride:
- When you RSVP to a ride, put it in your diary and update your RSVP in good time if you can no longer attend. Our rides are often oversubscribed and as we are a completely volunteer-led group it's a real shame when folk do not turn up. If you no show or cancel at the last minute, we will consider removing you from the group after the 3rd occasion.
- Be respectful to both ride leaders and other members. Our ride leaders are volunteers, their time is valuable and they freely choose to give it so the Belles can enjoy cycling.
- Consider the route and the level of difficulty before attempting a ride. If you are unsure try one of the shorter, easier rides before coming on a longer, more difficult ride. You can also message the ride leaders to check details if you aren't sure - we are happy to discuss the level of difficulty and concerns you have to help you make a decision.
- It is our policy not to meet participants part-way through Belles rides. Please meet us at the start point - this is to ensure consistency, fairness and an easier logistical undertaking for our ride leader volunteers.
- Bring a snack and water with you and tell someone where you are going and who with. Bring your mobile phone and make sure you give an emergency contact number to ride leaders before setting off. You may also want to bring some money as there is often a much needed cake/lunch stop built in (this is optional).
- All rides are pre-planned by the leaders but you are responsible for your own safety at all times.
- Make sure your bike is in good working order (complete with spare inner tube) and you have proper clothing for cycling. If in doubt drop us a line and we'll do our best to help.
- If you don't visit the Meetup site for a long time we will remove you from the group. This is to keep our member numbers active and accurate. You're welcome to rejoin to attend rides.
We hope to see you on a ride soon!
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Fordell Firs & the Fife Coastal PathRoseburn Park Sports Pavilion, Edinburgh
Join Aba-Sah to on a loop across the Forth Road Brdge to Fordell Firs and the Fife Coastal Path. A bit more detail below👇
DIFFICULTY/DISTANCE This ride is for confident cyclists with good handling skills, able to sustain on average 10mph on flats and mixed surfaces. Distance ~ 36.5- mi.
ROUTE We'll head out onto the Roseburn and Blackhall Paths, then on to Cramond Brig and Dalmeny. We'll cross the Forth Road Bridge, cycle through Rosyth and skirt Dunfermline, before crossing into Fordell Firs. We'll then head downhill toward Hillend and on to the coast and St Bridget's Kirk, where we'll stop for a picnic lunch.
We'll head back along the Fife Coastal Path, with views out to Donibristle Bay, along St David's Harbour and Prestonhill Quarry, before climbing up into Inverkeithing. To round it off we'll cross the bridge, join the railway path above the waterfront, and trace our way back from Dalmeny.Here's the route - Roseburn Park to the Fife Coastal Path
WIND WARNING Crossing the Forth Road Bridge may be uncomfortable in even moderate wind. Please check the event page the day before for contingency plans if wind gusts exceed 15-20mph. Monitor wind speeds on the Forth Road Bridge.
TYPE OF BIKE NEEDED Gravel or hybrid. No big bulky bikes like Dutch bikes, and no road/ skinny tyres.
SURFACE There will be a mixture of packed dirt, gravel, mud if recent rain and tarmac paths - which is why skinny tyres will not be suitable.
OTHER STUFF We recommend not having anything on directly afterwards, just in case we’re held up for any reason.
RSVPS RSVPs will open on Sat, Apr 19th. If there is a forecast for atrocious weather, the ride will be cancelled/postponed or amended. Please check the Meetup site before setting off in the morning!
If you have a place or are on the waiting list, PLEASE do update your RSVP to let us know if you can no longer make it, and so others on the waiting list get reasonable notice.
WHAT TO BRING ON THE RIDE
• Two spare inner tubes (right size for your tyres)
• Water (plus extra)
• Snacks for the ride, a packed lunch and money / card
• Waterproofs, gloves and layers
• Sun screen/sunglasses
• Any medication you might need (e.g. an inhaler or epi-pen), if you wish to let the ride leaders know by DM or on the day See you there 👋DONATIONS

Belles is a completely volunteer-run group, but we do have running costs of approximately £400 a year. Please consider donating either directly to our bank account:

Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH

Sort Code: 83-18-25

Account Number: 18849509Or through this link -
ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
By chipping in, you’ll be able to help us power future rides across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
- Placemaker for an easy ride to NewhailesRoyal Commonwealth Pool , Edinburgh
This will be a relaxed ride good for beginners or women returning to cycling after a break or feels they aren't fit enough for longer/more challenging rides.
We will be travelling mostly on the Innocent Railway path but in a loop taking us past QMU in one direction.
Distance: 12 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Pace: Relaxed
Suitable Bike Types: Any
Surface: Shared use paths and quiet roads
Route map: to be confirmed after reccie

What to Bring
• Two spare inner tubes (right size for your tyres) and tools to remove your wheels if they are not quick-release and/or a means of getting home if needed e.g. friend/taxi.
• Water and snacks
• Cash/card for any purchases at Cramond/the end of the ride
• Weather appropriate clothing - Consider waterproofs/gloves - layers are best!
RSVPs
Please update your RSVP if you can't come, even if you're on the waitlist.
Check this page for any updates/comments before setting off in the morning and aim to arrive 10 minutes before the ride start time for the briefing.
Donations
Belles is a completely volunteer run group, but we do have running costs of approximately £400 a year. Please consider donating either directly to our bank account:
Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH
Sort Code: 83-18-25
Account Number: 18849509
Or through this link -
ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
By chipping in, you’ll be able to help us power future rides across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
