About Us
Our vision is to create a community bike hub giving access to bikes and bike hire for everyone. We use these cycle-related activities as a tool to engage individuals and groups who may be disadvantaged.
Ann Berry(our founder) started Biosphere Bikes through a love of cycling and a desire to promote a message of inclusion. We are a not-for-profit social enterprise charity based in the town of Girvan in South Ayrshire. We have created a seasonal community bike hire hub at Girvan seafront, giving access to bikes, bike hire and related activities for everyone, no matter age, ability or disability. We have achieved this by providing electric bikes, conventional bikes and accessible ability bikes.
We have developed a Community Bike shop and hub where we use cycling-related activities as a tool to tackle social issues around health and wellbeing, social isolation, exclusion through physical or mental health issues, financial issues and any other barriers that affect accessibility or inclusion. It is a welcoming space where people can get their bikes fixed, enjoy a cup of tea, and have a chat. Our community shop provides opportunities for volunteering, employment, and training, creating a supportive environment for everyone. We are also committed to reusing and recycling unused bikes, giving them a second life and reducing waste sent to landfills.
The name Biosphere Bikes was inspired by our location in a UNESCO-recognized Biosphere, reflecting our connection to this special area where we live and work. At Biosphere Bikes, we take great pride in being a Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere Certified Business. As a social enterprise, our values closely align with the principles of the Biosphere. We want to create a Community bike hub in Girvan that brings health and social benefits to local people but will also reap rewards for local businesses through tourism.
Looking after our natural environment is so important and Biosphere Bikes wants to encourage cycling as an eco friendly and sustainable travel option. We have been awarded the Biosphere Certification Mark in recognition of our sustainable practices and our collaborative work with other businesses, supporting the community and looking after the natural environment.
Visitors will be able to explore and appreciate the hidden places across South Carrick that are less accessible by car and enjoy our beautiful landscapes, local culture and wonderful heritage whilst reducing environmental impact by using a bike instead of a car.