Cycling in Glasgow

Getting around Glasgow by bicycle is an increasingly popular, convenient and pleasant way of travelling. The city's cycle hire and bike facilities all provide a great way of getting around on two wheels, even if you're just starting. And the countdown is on for a major global cycling event as Glasgow and Scotland have been chosen to host the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships! Active Travel of cycling and walking where possible is being encouraged in Glasgow just now by the Scottish Government under Level 4 of the Covid guidelines. Here's more information on cycling in Glasgow:

Cycle hire in Glasgow

a bike with a basket on the front standing up on a green lawn outside Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The back wheel has the pink and white People Make Glasgow logo on it.

Glasgow is home to a public cycle hire scheme, operated and maintained by Nextbike! With 800 bikes for hire in 79 locations, including 63 e-bikes and 21 electric stations, it's available 24/7. Nextbike has made the first 30mins free-of-charge for rental users in Glasgow until March 2021 to encourage people to give-it-a-go.

Visit NextBike's website to get started - rent a bike via nextbike’s Android/iPhone App, through the on-bike computer, or by phoning +44 (0)20 816 69851.

Glasgow to host the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships

The Emirates Arena standing proud with the sun shining behind it. The sky is blue and the grass is bright green.

Glasgow and Scotland will host the inaugural 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, across two weeks in August 2023. The event will bring together 13 UCI events across different cycling disciplines into one major championship for the first-ever time. Fans will have the chance to witness thousands of the world’s best cyclists compete in this international cycling competition, which will be broadcast around the world. Glasgow was chosen as host city due to its track record in hosting international cycling and sporting events, such as the 2018 European Cycling Championships, as well as its world-class cycling infrastructure. There will be numerous opportunities for the general public to get involved in the lead up to and during the Championships. Visit www.uci.org for more information about the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.

Try out some of the courses ahead of the world's best cyclists arriving in 2023! For a real challenge, get out in the wild at the Cathkin Braes mountain bike trails, or other trails in Pollok Country Park and Alexandra Park. Visit the parks section of Glasgow City Council's website for details.

Cycle routes in Glasgow

a map of Glasgow highlighting the cycling routes in the city

Travelling by bicycle has become more popular in Glasgow, and it's no wonder, given that two wheels is both environmentally friendly and provides a dose of extra exercise. With over 300km of cycleways in the city, take a look at the different cycle routes in Glasgow on the city council's website and plan your route efficiently, whether it's a commute to work or simply a weekend ride.

Check out Glasgow's new cycling route - The South-West City Way - which connects Pollokshields in the south to the city centre over a distance of 2km, passing key attractions including Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum and Kelvingrove Park.

Also take a look at Aye Cycle Glasgow's website for some great routes you can take across the city.

Glasgow Bike Tours

Ride along and take in some sightseeing with Glasgow Bike Tours. Visit locations where you can see spectacular views of the city, not possible by bus or car. The whole tour is outside and the route is generally flat and has been designed using cycle paths, river and canal pathways and minor roads with very little traffic. Appropriate safety measures have been put in place with guides wearing face coverings where distancing can’t be maintained and bikes and helmets are sanitised between every ride. A 20% discount is currently being offered to locals and groups. Check out the Glasgow Bike Tours website for more information and to book.

Bike shops in Glasgow

Need a trustworthy shop to repair your bike, or looking for some new cycling gear? There are lots of independent retailers throughout the city, who will provide you with anything from a brand new bike to the smallest of components. Check out the websites of the following Glasgow businesses: Billy Bisland Cycles, Bike for Good or Philip Lang Cycles. Please check with individual shops before visiting if they are open under the current Level 4 Scottish Government guidelines.

Cycling organisations in the city

a large group of people with their bikes looking at the camera. There is a pink blossom tree behind them

Glasgow's home to several organisations that promote, encourage and support cycling in the city - here's just a few:

Go Bike - a cycle campaign group promoting cycling in the Strathclyde area with meet-ups
Sustrans - delivering practical cycling projects in partnership with schools, communities and workplaces
Free Wheel North - cycle charity promoting awareness of cycling in Glasgow particularly for those with disability
Cycling Scotland - National Cycling Body promoting cycling in Scotland
Cycling UK - national cyclists' organisation protecting and promoting the rights of cyclists
Healthy Working Lives - assisting employers and employees by promoting active travel to and from the workplace
Paths for All - a partnership of organisations committed to promoting walking for health and multi-use paths
Scottish Cycling - national governing body for cycle sport, covering BMX, Mountain Bike, Cyclo-Cross, Road, Track, and Cycle Speedway
Aye Cycle Glasgow - an online hub for all things cycling in and around Glasgow
Bike for Good - an organisation with a mission to enable people to cycle as their mode of transport in a city where everyone benefits from riding a bicycle
Soulriders - an organisation which aims to create a stronger, healthier, more active community through cycling
South West Community Cycles - aims to relieve poverty, improve the health and education of local people and protect the local environment through the provision of affordable bike-related services and activities

More info on cycling in the city

Glasgow City Council's Spaces for People programme has been developed to give cyclists and pedestrians more space to roam in the city centre and encourage more active travel. It aims to deliver 36km of new cycle lanes across the city and cycle parking at 50 new locations.

There is already a new Clydeside pop-up cycle lane which provides dedicated space for cyclists travelling west and runs for 1.5 miles between Saltmarket and the Clyde Arc, and more cycle parking has been installed in George Square.

Find out more about cycling in the city at Glasgow City Council's online hub.

Page last updated: November 2020