Inclusive cycling sessions at Birkenhead Park helping everyone to get on their bike this summer!
As Accessible Outdoors month comes to a close this July, we wanted to highlight an opportunity to get out and about on two (or three) wheels right here in Wirral - in Birkenhead Park. Run by a team of volunteers, Wheels for All has a fleet of adapted bikes to help people with disabilities or other needs access green spaces in a fun and social way.
The volunteers make sure everyone feels included and safe. They maintain the bikes, give friendly welcomes to all participants and help them grow in confidence. Even accompanying riders around the track to encourage them!
Jean started her journey at Wheels for All as a participant, using the adapted bikes to get outdoors, exercise and meet new people. After spotting a poster advertising for volunteers, Jean has now been part of the team at Wheels for All for 18 months.
“You just get a buzz when you’re helping people. It’s a real feel-good factor,” she said.
The inclusive all ability cycling club takes place every Thursday from 10am to 2pm. There’s a huge variety of bikes, including trikes and quads, recumbents and side-by-sides to standard two wheelers.
It’s £5 for participants and carers/supporters cycle for free. The aim of the scheme is to encourage a healthy active lifestyle in a safe environment and make cycling accessible to all.
“People tell us that they look forward to coming. They get to mix with friends, get fresh air and enjoy the outdoors on a bike. They normally wouldn’t get the opportunity to do this,” added Jean.
Wheels for All removes the barriers to getting outdoors faced by those with disabilities. Participants are different ages, some come on their own and meet friends there, others come with carers who can help them transfer from wheelchair to bike.
“He enjoys it as he can go faster here than on his own bike,” commented one of the carers.
Nuala has a visual impairment and came along with her teacher to try out the bikes. Gaining confidence, she was soon speeding along the path. “It’s so much fun,” she said afterwards.
Don’t have a cycling helmet? Don’t worry, you can still take part as there is a selection of helmets available for those who don’t have their own.
You can find out more about Wheels for All in Birkenhead Park and book your sessions online here. Alternatively, you can telephone 07469148247 or email liverpool@wheelsforall.org.uk.
A nationwide charity, Wheels for All has lots of locations across the Uk. A new hub recently opened in Ellesmere Port, which runs every Wednesday from 11am to 3pm. If you are interested in checking out the other local centres, all sessions can be found here: https://wheelsforall-activity.kinetic.plus/
If you would like to get involved as a volunteer and help others to access cycling, you can find out more here Volunteering - Get Involved | Wheels for All — The UK inclusive cycling charity’
