Bike Innovation Scotland Labs

06/10/2026

Alex Watkins and Dr Lesley Ingram-Sills were in Brussels recently representing Edinburgh Napier University and Bike Innovation Scotland at European Cycling Industries Members' Day.

It was a fantastic opportunity to share some of the work taking place in Scotland, particularly with Bike Innovation Scotland and the Caerlee Mill Bike Campus (opening summer 2027) while at the same time learning from colleagues and partners across the European cycling ecosystem.

Alongside valuable discussions on innovation, skills and industry collaboration, it was encouraging to see the publication of the NextGen Mechanics Report 2026. The report highlights the growing importance of workforce development and technical skills across the cycling sector, an issue that will be familiar to many organisations working across industry, education and innovation.

As cycling technologies continue to evolve, developing the next generation of skilled technical professionals will be increasingly important for supporting sustainable growth across the sector.

We welcome the report and the wider conversation it has generated, and we're looking forward to seeing how the recommendations develop through future collaboration across Europe.

https://cyclingindustries.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Nextgen-Mechanics-Report-.pdf

28/09/2026

🌲🚴 Taking research to Sweden!

Earlier this month, Dr Hollie Fountain from and Bike Innovation Scotland joined Sophie, KTP Associate with , at EuroMeet2026 hosted by the .

Together they shared research exploring how trail cleaning can strengthen our connection with nature and improve wellbeing, highlighting the positive impact that caring for outdoor spaces can have on both people and the environment.

The trip was also an opportunity to learn from outdoor recreation professionals from across Europe, discover the Swedish concept of Friluftsliv ("free-air living"), and explore how different countries approach sustainability and outdoor participation.

A fantastic example of collaboration between academia, industry and the third sector creating real-world impact.

Find out more: https://www.trashfreetrails.org/post/friluftsiv-lessons-in-free-air-living-from-scandinavia

22/09/2026

21/09/2026

20/09/2026

🚲 Great to see Bike Innovation Scotland at Cycling Industry News Live 2026!

Ed has been busy representing Bike Innovation Scotland at the event, showcasing the exciting developments happening at the Caerlee Mill Bike Campus and the work being done to support innovation and growth across Scotland’s cycling industry.

If you’re at the event tomorrow, Monday, make sure you stop by, say hello and find out more about what’s happening at Caerlee Mill and Bike Innovation Scotland.

Exciting times ahead! 🚴‍♂️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿



South of Scotland Enterprise
Edinburgh Napier University

16/09/2026

🚨 See you at CIN Live! 🚨
Sunday 20th and Monday 21st September 2026

The next chapter for Bike Innovation Scotland is taking shape, and we'll be at CIN Live 2026 sharing a glimpse of what's coming next.

From innovation support and specialist testing capabilities to exciting opportunities emerging through the future Caerlee Mill Bike Campus, there's plenty to talk about.

Whether you're developing a new product, growing a cycling business, exploring research collaborations, or simply curious about the future of cycling innovation in Scotland, we'd love to meet you.

👋 Find Ed Shoote at the event and come and say hello.

💬 Are you heading to CIN Live? Drop us a note in the comments and let us know what you'd like to hear more about, whether it's testing, business support, research, facilities, or future opportunities.

We look forward to seeing you there!

🚲

15/09/2026

We're delighted to see Sophie Lawson, Nature Connection and Wellbeing Specialist, sharing insights from her work at the recent Outdoor Recreation Network Academic Research Group session,"From Access to Action: Health, Nature Connection and Stewardship."

Sophie's presentation,"Can trail cleaning act as a way to reconnect people with nature, people and place?", explored the wider social, environmental and wellbeing impacts of trail stewardship.

This work forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership between Trash Free Trails and Edinburgh Napier University, which is helping generate new understanding of nature connection, behaviour change and stewardship within outdoor recreation.

The project demonstrates the value of bringing together academic research and industry practice to address real-world challenges while creating positive outcomes for people, places and the environment.

Read more and access the presentation materials here: https://outdoorrecreation.org.uk/events/arg-meeting-july-session/

This ORN Academic Research Group (ARG) session explored the latest research and practical insights on greenspace access, health outcomes, trail stewardship and nature connection.

10/09/2026

𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐩 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐚 𝐡𝐮𝐠𝐞 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐜𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝.

We're delighted to see Edinburgh Napier University, a founding partner of Bike Innovation Scotland, announced as host of the Science & Cycling Conference 2027, bringing leading cycling scientists, researchers and innovators from around the world to Edinburgh.

The conference will create a fantastic opportunity to showcase the research, innovation and industry partnerships helping shape the future of cycling.

And that's not all.

Just days later, the Tour de France Grand Départ will leave Edinburgh before travelling through the Scottish Borders and past the future Caerlee Mill Bike Campus in Innerleithen, putting the region firmly in the international spotlight.

🚴 Research
🚴 Innovation
🚴 Industry
🚴 Sport

From cutting-edge cycling science to the world's biggest bike race, 2027 promises to be a landmark year.

Interested in getting involved?

Watch out for future announcements from Science & Cycling, including opportunities to:
✅ Present research
✅ Attend specialist masterclasses
✅ Network with international experts
✅ Explore the latest developments in cycling science and innovation

🔗 Read more: https://www.bikeinnovationscotland.com/news/edinburgh-napier-university-to-host-prestigious-science-cycling-conference-in-2027



South of Scotland Enterprise
Scottish Borders Council

09/09/2026

𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁: 𝗟𝗮𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲

What started as a European collaboration to improve trail building education is now training the next generation of trail professionals from around the world.

It's fantastic to see the launch of the new International Trail Building Management Course at Fagskolen Viken in Norway, bringing together 35 students from 14 nationalities to develop the skills needed to plan, build and manage sustainable trail networks.

This programme builds on years of collaboration through the DIRTT.eu Project and reflects the growing international recognition of trail management as a professional discipline.

At Edinburgh Napier University and Bike Innovation Scotland, we're proud to have helped develop the course content alongside our partners at DMBinS and Fagskolen Viken.

A huge credit to everyone involved, including the Cycling Foundation, Tom Cole, David Evans and the wider team of trail-building experts helping bring industry and academic expertise together.

Strong trails need skilled people, and this course is an important step in supporting the next generation of trail managers across Europe and beyond.
Read more: https://www.bikeinnovationscotland.com/news/scotland-brings-expertise-to-norway-with-mountain-bike-trail-building-management-course

08/09/2026

We are excited to be attending Cycling Industry News live 2026 on 20th and 21st September in Warwickshire. Ed Shoote will be there representing Bike Innovation Scotland at H26 so please call by, have a chat and ask any questions you may have for our exciting next chapter at Caerlee Mill!

🚴‍♂️