A new active travel campaign, called RIDONKULOUS, is now underway in Hawick and the surrounding area.
Active travel campaign aimed at promoting walking, wheeling and cycling
The campaign has been funded by the Scottish Government’s People and Place programme, which is administered in the south-east by SEStran and will encourage and enable active travel, such as walking, wheeling and cycling, for everyday journeys, wherever possible.
By reducing RIDONKULOUS* short car journeys wherever possible to active modes of transport, the campaign promotes healthier lifestyles and encourages more sustainable travel choices.
Details of the campaign
This week, all Primary 3 students across seven primary schools received free scooters and helmets, enabling them to travel short journeys in a fun, active and sustainable way.
All primary and secondary school students, along with their teachers, are invited to get involved by applying to be a RIDONKULOUS Agent of Change, a role similar to a brand ambassador. These Agents will champion active travel by setting a positive example for their peers and encouraging others to get involved.
Each lucky Agent will receive a cool RIDONKULOUS hoodie and fun goodies to help them whizz from place to place in style.
Opting for active travel brings a range of benefits to the community, such as improved mental and physical wellbeing, to saving money and reducing environmental impact.
More information
The campaign will offer a range of engaging activities for the whole community, including school-based initiatives, public events, competitions, and newly developed waymarked trails. This includes a family cycling event in Hawick on Saturday, 4 October – save the date, more information will be shared soon. All elements are designed to promote healthy, sustainable travel and support community wellbeing.
For more information on active travel in the Borders, please visit our dedicated webpages.
For further information on RIDONKULOUS, contact the Active Travel team by email.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop
“I’m pleased to support this new active travel campaign by Scottish Borders Council and SEStran. Funded through the Scottish Government’s People and Place programme, it will encourage young people across the Scottish Borders to choose healthier and happier ways of travelling, which reduce the impact of transport on our environment.
“We know young people want to take climate action and the Scottish Government is supporting them to do so. We’ve invested over £12.6 million to improve active travel infrastructure across Hawick – making it safer and easier for our young people to walk, wheel and cycle with independence.
“To support similar initiatives and infrastructure, we are investing £188 million into active and sustainable transport in 2025-26. This will help ensure we make it easier for more people to save money, live healthier lives and to leave the car at home.”
Councillor Jenny Linehan, Executive Member for Environment, Sustainability and Transport
By encouraging our communities to choose walking, wheeling, and cycling for short journeys, we are not only promoting healthier lifestyles but also making a significant contribution to reducing our carbon footprint. This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved and make a positive impact on our environment and wellbeing.
“Active travel is key to supporting economic growth, improving health and wellbeing, reducing reliance on cars, and helping us meet our carbon reduction targets in response to the climate emergency.”
Councillor Watson McAteer, Convener of Scottish Borders Council
“We’re delighted to launch the RIDONKULOUS active travel campaign in Hawick and would encourage the local community to get involved if they are able to.
“Choosing alternative modes of transport to car travel for short distances offers real benefits, not just for individuals, but for the wider community too.”
Brian Butler, Partnership Director at SEStran
“We’re delighted to be supporting the RIDONKULOUS campaign through our People and Place programme. This is a fun and exciting way to encourage children and young people to choose active travel and will help create a generation that is less reliant on the car for shorter journeys.
“We look forward to seeing the impact that this campaign has both to the children and young people involved, but also the wider community.”