How to add value to a cyclist's visitor experience

Offer packaged services

You can work collaboratively or via a tour operator to package services. Tour operators can package these together and carry the expense and risk of complying with the regulations.

Working with a tour operator or destination management company will also open more business to you. As and when you need business or supply forward bookings from them, they can help you with your own operational planning.

Package travel regulations

Are you considering or already packaging two or more services such as accommodation and cycle hire? When you sell them directly to consumers, you must comply with package travel regulations.

Offer emergency kits and tool stations

Cyclists tend to travel light, especially those who are travelling to Scotland by air. These visitors won't bring much in the way of maintenance kit. So, they'll appreciate you offering the basics to help with maintenance and cleaning such as:

• a track pump for both presta and shrader valves (read about the difference between both valves)
• cloths and rags to clean bike frames with access to a bike wash area
• a range of adjustable spanners and allen keys
• spare bike helmets which are adjustable for different fits
• a track maintenance stand
• spare tubes for various sizes of wheel or puncture patches

Some providers also offer small first aid kits with emergency heat blankets, patches, bandages and plasters. This is simply to cover grazes, scrapes and potential cuts. Little thoughts go a big way which shows you consider the needs of the cyclist.

Why not place a laminated card within the first aid kits giving the traveller essential and emergency numbers to call here in the UK? This should prove handy if they are lost, broken down, immobile and in need of assistance.

Understand the Scottish Outdoor Access Code

The Land Reform (Scotland) Act gives everyone new rights of responsible access to Scotland's outdoors. This is a huge advantage over other destinations across the world.

Cyclists have the right of responsible non-motorised access to most land in Scotland. It doesn't matter whether it's for recreation or to journey from place-to-place.

Businesses can play their part. Help visitors prepare for journeying around the regions by bicycle. Check if they know the Scottish Outdoor Access Code and its responsibilities. Also check whether they're well-prepared for trains, road conditions, traffic laws, and the weather.

These factors all help ensure our visitors have a positive and memorable experience.