Cycling Tourism Facilities Fund

The Cycling Tourism Facilities Fund is a great opportunity for tourism businesses, communities, and social enterprises in the Highlands and Islands Enterprise region to apply for funding of up to £25,000 to develop and enhance the cycling tourism facilities in your area. Quality cycling facilities can attract cycling visitors who are looking to enjoy the scenic landscapes and unique offerings of the region by using sustainable active travel.

What can the funding be used for?
The funding can be used towards capital projects investing in fixtures, fittings, construction, adaptation or upgrades to improve cycling tourism facilities.

Examples of eligible projects include:

• new secure covered cycle storage
• new open cycle parking, sheltered cycle parking
• enhancement to existing cycle parking/storage to increase capacity and/or security
• lockers and storage
• drying facilities
• bike maintenance equipment e.g. repair stations.

This list is not exhaustive; all grant assistance from HIE is discretionary.

Funding will be prioritised for projects that demonstrate market growth potential and alignment with national and regional cycling strategies and plans and/or existing/planned cycle routes.

Please note: this fund covers capital investment projects only. Facilities being developed with support from this fund must be for, and to benefit, visitors.

What can the funding NOT be used for?
The funding cannot be used to:

• support projects that are already underway at the time of enquiry
• purchase bike maintenance consumables (e.g. spare parts, oil, tubes)
• cover ongoing maintenance and running costs of existing facilities
• create overnight accommodation facilities
• support cycle path development and associated infrastructure
• purchase bikes, including e-Bikes

The minimum grant is £5,000 up to a maximum of £25,000 which will cover up to 50% of total eligible project costs. The amount awarded will be dependent on factors such as the size or your organisation, where you are based, and the project being proposed.

Who is eligible to apply?

• Enterprises (businesses, social enterprises and community organisations) that can demonstrate that they operate in the tourism market and are based in the Highlands and Islands are eligible for this fund.
• Enterprises will normally have been trading for six months or more.
• Applicants must comply with HIE’s fair work conditionality for grant support. For more information, please visit the Fair Work web page. If you want to speak to someone about the fair work requirement or need more information, please email enquiries@hient.co.uk 

Please complete the enquiry form to enquire about the Cycling Tourism Facilities Fund.