The Fort William Bike Shed
Making Cycling Accessible
The aim of the Fort William Bike Shed project is to increase the number of people making short journeys by bicycle.
There are lots of ways that we can help you increase the number of short journeys you make by bike. Whether it be through: borrowing an e-bike, getting access to a refurbished bicycle, learning to ride, attending cycling confidence sessions or our bicycle maintenance workshops we would like to support you in your journey to swap cars for handlebars.
Fundamentally, we want to make cycling accessible to anyone who finds there are barriers to owning, maintaining or riding a bike.
Our project is based in Fort William and most of our activities take place here. We are however happy to support individuals, community groups and organisations in the outlying parts of Lochaber where we can.
In 2023-24 we have been funded by the Paths for All, Smarter Choices Smarter Places ‘Open Fund’. The Fort William Bike Shed operates on social enterprise principles and all income made from our trading activities is used to match fund the project.
We have also been supported by the Energy Savings Trust, Cycling Scotland, and Access Bikes (Cycling UK).
What We Do
refurbished bikes
We refurbish lovingly donated bicycles to their former glory and find them a new home.
fix your own bike
Access our tools, workshop space and knowledge from our mechanic to help you diagnose and resolve mechanical issues on your bicycle.
workshops
Learn with our 4 Week Maintenance Courses, one-off workshops, trailside repair classes, bespoke training, learn to ride sessions and more!
Community support
We work with community partners, schools, workplaces, health and social care and charities to help them meet their active travel needs.
LENDING library
Borrow an e-bike, kids trailer, maintenance tools and more to help you swap cars for handlebars.
VOLUNTEERING
Be part of it! You can be part of our circular community efforts by helping us to reuse, renew and recycle. We need help at all stages in the process so no experience necessary.
What we have achieved
From Oct 2022 – Oct 2023
Project Staff
Emma Walters
Development Officer
If you are a community group, employer or school and would like some advice and support with your active travel outcomes or an event please contact Emma. Also to purchase or donate bikes and arrange cycle training for adults or kids.
Contact Emma via emma@lochaberenviro.org.uk
Chris Waters
Workshop Manager
If you are interested in booking a ‘Fix Your Own Bike’ session or becoming a volunteer with the bike refurbishment project, please get in touch with Chris.
Contact Chris via 07529902307 or chris@lochaberenviro.org.uk
Laura Jackson
Project Officer
If you are interested in borrowing an item from the library, buying a refurbished bike or attending a workshop, please get in touch with Laura.
Contact Laura via laura@lochaberenviro.org.uk