Clyde Cycle Park hosted a busy open day on July 13, 2026, celebrating the one-year countdown to the 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart from Edinburgh. The event, held at the Cambuslang track on Dale Avenue, attracted more than 70 visitors from the local area, Lanarkshire, and as far as Kilsyth and Stirling.
Innovative 'Park Cycle' Event Debuts
The highlight of the day was the innovative 'park cycle' event, modeled on the Parkrun concept. It gave participants of all ages and abilities the chance to ride the recently-expanded track. The park cycle is now set to occur monthly through autumn. Other activities included mini cyclocross, skills challenges, and a smoothie bike where visitors pedaled to make their own fruit drinks.
Volunteers from the cycle park organized the event with support from the Tour de France social impact programme and Sport Scotland's Summer of Sport fund. Visitors also enjoyed decorating and personalizing their bikes.
Community Turnout Despite Weather
John Bachtler, chair of Clyde Cycle Park, said: 'We were very pleased with the success of the open day, especially given the wet weather. We had a decent turnout, especially families with young children, and several visiting for the first time.' He added that three more open days are planned over the next three months as part of the Summer of Sport funded by Scottish Cycling.
'Many of the young people took part in our mini-cyclocross event, racing a course against the clock, and the demonstration of bike trials led to some people signing up to get involved in this type of cycling,' Bachtler said. He also thanked Morrisons Cambuslang and Tesco Burnside for donating fruit for the smoothie bike, offering flavors like berry blast, banana bash, and tropical sunshine.
Social Impact Programme Aims
Tour de France social impact project officer Connor Mason said: 'It was great to see so many people enjoying the celebrations at Clyde cycle park, whether they were taking part in Park Cycle, riding a bike for the first time or soaking up the festival atmosphere – even a day of classic Scottish summer weather couldn’t dampen the enthusiasm.' He emphasized that the event aligns with the social impact programme's goal of using the Grand Depart excitement to inspire more people to experience cycling in a fun, welcoming environment.
