SHRUB Cooperative: The Wee Spoke Hub

A People and Place case study

Through our People and Place programme, we fund SHRUB Cooperative in Edinburgh to run their Wee Spoke Hub. The project fits into our accessibility and inclusion these and the objectives are to:

• Promote cycling for transport, particularly among neglected demographics in cycling (women, LGBTQIA+).
• Provide professional mechanical services to wheelchair and hand-cycle users.

The Wee Spoke Hub is a wheelchair and cycle hub which provides a mix of commercial services and community activities. The project is dedicated to providing an inclusive space for marginalised demographics, including women and LGBTQIA+ cyclists.

Community activities include twice-weekly open workshops, where participants can fix their own bikes with the support of volunteers and mechanics. New volunteers participate in a ‘skillbuilders’ programme, where they build proficiency through refurbishing donated bikes. Additionally, the project offers puncture repair courses, and support for cycling in the form of cycle training and cycle buddies programmes.

Outcomes and impact

Participation in the project’s activities has grown by an impressive 70% in the last year, with volunteer participation growing by 85%. Between open workshops, training and cycle buddies, the project supported around 260 participants in 2025-26. Additionally, over 20 new volunteers have regularly participated in ‘skillbuilders’ volunteer training sessions.

Based on post-participation surveys, the audience is 44% women and non-binary genders and 40% LGBTQIA+ individuals. The share of women and non-binary genders is well above the average share of Edinburgh cyclists (up to 36% according to the Walking and Cycling Index 2025, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust). This suggests the project is having its desired impact on supporting underrepresented demographics in cycling.

Surveys also show more participants are choosing to cycle for journeys under 5 miles, and also cycle more often. All participants say they now cycle at least once a week, compared to 71% before attending the project. Meanwhile, cycling at least 3 times a week has grown from 57% to 71% of participants.

Feedback

The project has received great feedback:

“I felt like I learnt a lot, and booked several weeks in a row because it was a great way to understand my bike from the ground up – not just ‘here’s how to do this’ but ‘here’s why you do this, and when, and how’. The communication by staff and volunteers was excellent – great depth of knowledge but imparted in a very accessible way. My friend and I never felt intimidated, condescended to or overwhelmed with jargon – still an occasional experience at bike shops, although things seem to be getting better.”

“The lovely volunteers helped me to fix several large issues with my bicycle over the course of two sessions. They were kind, knowledgeable, and guided me through the process smoothly. Because of the help I received, I was able to save quite a bit of money and can now ride safely!”

“The Wee Bike Coop is one of the best places in Edinburgh. As a minority woman and regular commuter cyclist (200+ miles a month), I leave every visit with a bike that is safer and, most importantly, empowered by knowledge about my bike. I’ve taken the Cleaning Chain and Flat Tyre workshops and have come back for Fix Your Own Bike. Each time, I walk away understanding what went wrong, how to prevent it, and how to fix it myself.”

“When my bike actually got a puncture I knew how to fix it – I shared the skill with my little sister and now both of us know how!”

“Chris was very good at explaining core concepts around cycling safely and confidently around the city. I learned a few concepts around primary and secondary positions, signalling and making observations and how to read and interpret road signs! Really recommend!”

“Amazing wheelchair service, Mark was extremely knowledgeable and helpful. Very patient making small adjustments that make a big difference. Thank you!”

Meet Laurie - a volunteer with the Wee Spoke Hub

How did you find the Wee Spoke Hub?

I came to Edinburgh to do a PhD and decided to stay afterwards because I liked the city. I was looking for a volunteering opportunity as a way to get more involved with the local community and saw the Wee Spoke Hub advertised. I thought it would be a fun way to learn new skills and help support active travel in Edinburgh.

What have you been doing at the Wee Spoke Hub?

I’ve been attending the Wednesday skillbuilders sessions for about six months and recently started helping out at the Tuesday and Thursday sessions too. Since the beginning, I’ve felt really welcome in the workshop. It’s been great to learn bike maintenance skills with the other volunteers and I like that we help each other. Mark is an excellent teacher and facilitator – I’ve never felt like there was a stupid question! I also appreciate the support for diversity in the workshop and I feel that Mark works hard to make it a safe and inclusive space.

What impact as volunteering at the Week Spoke Hub had for you?

I really enjoy working and volunteering in the bike shop. Learning the mechanical skills is fun and I get a big sense of achievement when I’m able to fix a bike or learn more about how they work. It’s also been really good for my mental health as a way to meet new people and relax after work.