New free cycle loan scheme launches for disabled people in Greater Manchester and Inverness

By Tiia Jaakola
Wednesday, 01 May 2024
A woman is riding a tricycle in a park. She is wearing normal clothing and smiling
Cycling UK’s Inclusive Cycling Experience will help break down barriers and bring the joys and benefits of cycling to more people
  • Free loan scheme will help disabled people and people with long-term health conditions and disabilities to enjoy cycling

An exciting new free loan scheme has been launched in Greater Manchester and Inverness to help people with long-term health conditions and disabilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling.

The Inclusive Cycling Experience, launched by Cycling UK, has a variety of bespoke and customised cycles. Its fleet of tricycles, e-cycles, recumbent cycles and tandems help overcome many of the problems that prevent people with disabilities, such as visual impairment, limited mobility or dyspraxia, from using a standard upright two-wheel bicycle.

The programme, funded by the Motability Foundation, opened in Greater Manchester on 17 April and Inverness on 19 April. The loans come with confidence-building taster sessions, with expert support ensuring each person gets a cycle that is right for them and their cycling needs.

Cycling UK’s deputy director of behaviour change Jenny Box said:
“Cycling is not only a joyful experience that everyone should have a chance to enjoy, but it can significantly boost independence for people with long-term health conditions or limited mobility.

“With the right support and the right cycle, almost anyone can benefit from cycling. The Inclusive Cycling Experience will make congestion-busting, healthy and energising travel accessible to everyone.”

Lisa Jones, director of charitable operations at the Motability Foundation, said:
“We’re excited to award Cycling UK with this grant to introduce inclusive cycling training programmes at mobility hubs for disabled people in Manchester and Inverness.

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

Almost a quarter of the UK population (16 million people) has a disability. Active travel – walking, wheeling and cycling – increases mobility and social participation and brings huge physical and mental health and wellbeing benefits. A high proportion of disabled people can experience the freedom of active travel if they have access to appropriate mobility aids and an accessible environment.

For more information and to book a loan, visit the Inclusive Cycling Experience.
 

Notes to editors

  1. Cycling UK, the UK’s cycling charity, imagines a world where the streets are free of congestion and the air is clean to breathe, where parents encourage their children to cycle to school and everyone shares the exhilaration of being in the saddle. For more than 140 years, we’ve been making our streets safer, opening up new traffic free routes and inspiring more people to cycle more often.
  2. More info about the Inclusive Cycling Experience.

Press contact information

For more information, please contact the national Cycling UK press office. If you would like to speak to a member of the press office during working hours (0900-1700) please call Tiia Jaakola on 07867 175716 or email [email protected]. Out of hours, call 07584 271 300.

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