Free cycling scheme launches for people with disabilities

A new free bike loan scheme has been launched in Greater Manchester for people with long-term health conditions and disabilities to get into cycling.

The programme — called the Inclusive Cycling Experience — is run by Cycling UK and funded by the Motability Foundation. It has a variety of bespoke and customised bicycles, tricycles, e-cycles, recumbent cycles, and tandems.

They’ve all been designed to overcome many of the problems that prevent people with disabilities, like visual impairments, from using a standard upright two-wheel bicycle. Each loan comes with "confidence-building taster sessions".

“With the right support and the right cycle, almost anyone can benefit from cycling,” said Cycling UK’s deputy director of behaviour change Jenny Box on announcing the programme, which started on April 17. “The Inclusive Cycling Experience will make congestion-busting, healthy and energising travel accessible to everyone.”

“We know that active travel, such as cycling, can benefit wellbeing for disabled people, by increasing mobility and reducing social isolation,” added Lisa Jones, director of charitable operations at the Motability Foundation. “Awarding grants to important organisations like these helps us to make an immediate difference to the transport needs of disabled people.”

Each loan can last from one day to one month, and the foundation says there is no limit on how many times you can come back to try out the bikes, subject to demand.