In UK’s disability month we hear from the Bristol Family Cycling Centre, this is a place where everyone can learn to cycle and enjoy cycling regardless of their age or ability.
They have bikes of all shapes and sizes, 2, 3 and 4 wheelers, handcycles, side by side companion cycles so that 2 people can ride together, cycles that can take a wheelchair whilst someone else pedals.
They started in 2010 with the help of Cycling Projects who run similar Wheels For All groups all over the country for disabled people and their families to enjoy cycling with specialist adapted cycles. They bought a few cycles and used a small park in Bristol, which they outgrew and now use an old athletics track for their activities. The centre hope to move to a purpose-built site in 2025 with a bigger range of cycles and activities for all.
During the school term many of the special schools in Bristol bring their classes to ride for a whole term. They run several disability cycling sessions during the week for adults which are very popular and during the weekends and holidays run learn to ride, rock up and ride, cycle Skills and family cycling for all.
During the second Covid lockdown they had permission to offer One to One sessions for all of their disabled families who needed special equipment to get outdoors and cycling. They sanitised all touchpoints on the cycles between sessions , kept masked and socially distanced and the families that came really appreciated being able to get out for fresh air and exercise.
What they do at the centre is so rewarding; watching people riding round with smiles on their faces and seeing people who started their journey as school children and now going to the centre regularly as adults is just the best!
Find out more here:
An introduction to the Bristol Family Cycling Centre – YouTube
