BT volunteers in Scotland spent more than 3,330 days supporting charities and community groups last year. The 24,190 hours of volunteering is estimated to be worth more than £1 million annually. I’m proud that our team of enthusiastic volunteer cyclists are undertaking this challenge to raise funds for STV’s Children’s Appeal, which does such a great deal of good for young people in communities across Scotland. We wish all the best to everyone taking part in the challenge.

Pedal for Scotland’s Gold Team Challenge is a great opportunity to experience the event as a team, while taking advantage of some great added benefits including fast track start, baggage transfer and entry to the exclusive Gold suite at the event village. By raising money for the STV Appeal, riders will also be supporting valuable projects across the country for young people living in poverty. Those entering on behalf of their workplace will also receive support from our Cycling Scotland team to work towards the Cycle Friendly Employer Award.

The Wee Jaunt Edinburgh is set to be a fantastic day out and I’m really looking forward to taking part with Harris. All of the Pedal for Scotland events are a great way to raise money for the STV Children’s Appeal and help the kids that need it most.

The Wee Jaunt Edinburgh promises to be a fun-filled day for all the family, and an excellent introduction to travelling by bike, be it for work, school or pleasure. With a great new route starting in Linlithgow, riders – young and old – will be able to cycle on closed roads for 10 miles to a new finishing line event village at the Royal Highland Centre.

I've taken on lots of cycling challenges to raise money for STV Children's Appeal and in September I'll be back in the saddle for Pedal for Scotland. “I'm pulling out all the stops for the Appeal this year and all going well I'll clock up 169 miles by cycling, walking and running to help Scotland's children and young people. Pedal for Scotland will be one of my biggest challenges so I'll be getting plenty of training in over the next few months. “Here's hoping for a great day with some good cycling weather and the wind at our backs!

The Scottish Government is once again delighted to support Pedal for Scotland as it grows in strength both in terms of popularity and participants.

Cycling is such an important life skill and therefore so much more than a sport. As a mode of transport, a way to keep in shape, to socialise and to see the world, life on two wheels is best started as early as possible.

To have over 1,000 people of all ages and abilities enjoying cycling at the Wee Jaunt Glasgow was very special. “Support for our event charity partner, the STV Children’s Appeal, has been fantastic and it’s terrific to see so many people raising funds for children in Scotland living in poverty.

It’s great to see so many families taking part in the Wee Jaunt Glasgow, one of six rides just like this, and the Scottish Government are delighted to support this.

“The STV Children’s Appeal is committed to supporting Scotland’s children and I’m really excited to be taking part in Pedal for Scotland this year to support this amazing cause. There are events to suit all levels of experience over the weekend and the Wee Jaunt is a great way to get involved with your friends and family and raise money for children affected by poverty in Scotland.”

“Pedal for Scotland is by far the biggest and most sociable ride of my year, I am really looking forwards to another great event. 2015 has seen me pedal the length of Africa, solo and unsupported for a new World Record, and now that I am back home to Scotland my aim is to encourage as many people as I can to get outside and get cycling this summer. Pedal for Scotland is the perfect event to get cycling fit for over the coming months.”

“Last year we invested record levels of almost £40 million on cycling projects. As I said recently, I am determined to increase this spend on cycling this year not just on infrastructure but also by actively promoting cycling as a positive transport option with health and environmental benefits for all. “People on bikes have as much right to be on the road as other transport users and we should all respect that. We need to be vigilant of vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, young and old, and if we can share the roads in a manner which takes account of this then we will be creating a safer and healthier Scotland. That is why I am delighted to support the launch of this new campaign for cycle space on the roads and would urge everyone to heed its messages. ”

“Cycling is becoming an everyday activity for people in many places across Scotland but one of the key barriers to more people cycling is concern about traffic and road behaviour. Cycling Scotland’s Give Everyone Cycle Space campaign reminds people to drive and overtake safely around people riding bikes, especially children. Together with infrastructure, promotion and Bikeability Scotland training, this campaign will help Scotland make progress towards the vision of 10% of journeys by bike by 2020. “Locally, we are working with councils and schools to deliver led rides and route planning to enable young people to plan their cycle journeys to school and elsewhere, especially as they make more independent journeys from Primary 5 onwards. “Whether it’s a person on a bike making the journey to school, to work, to the shops or just for fun, we should all give everyone cycle space.”