New cycle hub opens in Penicuik Precinct to support active travel
A new small cycle hub and modal hub has been installed at the heart of Penicuik Precinct to help support and encourage active travel for residents and visitors.
Funding
The project has been delivered by Midlothian Council’s Active Travel Team using funding awarded through the People and Place grant fund for the 2025/26 financial year. The grant is administered by the South East of Scotland Regional Transport Partnership (SEStran) on behalf of the Scottish Government.
Pilot project
As part of the funding criteria and priority interventions set for local authorities, the Active Travel Team identified Penicuik as a suitable location for a small-scale cycle hub. Early discussions with Penicuik First CIC, the community interest company representing independent shops within the Precinct, initially focused on the need for covered cycle storage. This quickly evolved into a pilot project - a first for Midlothian to deliver a compact cycle hub and modal hub in a prominent town centre location.
Attractive area
The new facility includes a covered bike shelter, a bicycle repair station, and seating with integrated planters. It has been designed to both improve local active travel facilities and enhance the public space, creating an inviting area for people to meet and spend time.
Active Travel Strategy
The installation supports the Council’s Active Travel Strategy by providing high-quality, secure cycle parking and improving town centre environments. The council hopes the Penicuik hub will prove successful and be replicated in other towns across Midlothian.
Bikehangar
Penicuik Precinct will also soon become home to a Cyclehoop Bikehangar, which will be launched at a later date. This forms part of a separate trial being led by the Active Travel Team. The Bikehangar will offer affordable, secure cycle parking for members of the public and is particularly suited to those who wish to leave their bikes for several hours, safe in the knowledge they are securely stored.
Community asset
Oliver Caron-Nowak, Active Travel Officer at Midlothian Council and project lead, said:
“We hope these facilities will become a well‑loved and well‑used community asset, and we look forward to expanding similar projects to other towns across Midlothian. Thank you to Penicuik First CIC, Penicuik District Community Council, and Penicuik Guerrilla Gardeners for their support with this project to enhance the precinct.”
Signage
Penicuik Precinct is a pedestrianised street where cycling is not permitted so cyclists are reminded by new signage to dismount and walk their cycles within the Precinct. The council thanks the public for their cooperation
More information
Further information on walking and cycling in Midlothian, including maps, resources, guides, and details of ongoing and upcoming Active Travel projects and events, is available on the council website: