Source: Wheels for All

Charity Wheels for All is aiming to raise awareness about the urgent need for more accessible cycling for disabled people in Northeast England by doing a 194 km journey from Kendal to Newcastle on the LEVA-EU member’s inclusive Fun2Go cycles.

The challenge, which takes place on 14-16 July, aims to break down barriers so that more disabled people in the region can access the freedom and joy that cycling offers.

The charity states that it is being supported by long-term partners vanRaam and Tomcat, who both transform lives by creating adaptive cycles that are inclusive for various riding needs.

The charity is also inviting local cyclists, organisations and supporters to join the Wheels for All team on the trip, with Blaze cycles being available, as well as a diverse range of vanRaam cycles to demonstrate their inclusivity.

Bringing awareness to inclusive cycling

The challenging 194 km trip will be completed by Wheels for All’s Chair of Chair of Trustees, Paul Alcock, Chief Partnerships Officer Ian Tierney and friend of the charity, Nick Green.

For the occasion, the charity is aspiring to raise £10,000 (€11,571) and boost awareness of the need for more accessible cycling for disabled cyclists in one of the most underserved regions in the country. Wheels for All reports that, due to there being a lack of accessible provision in the region, thousands of disabled people are missing out on the numerous benefits of cycling.

The trio will be doing the trip on vanRaam’s Fun2Go cycle to demonstrate how inclusive cycle is powerful, practical and life changing, aligning with Wheels for All’s vision to ensure high-quality inclusive cycling hubs in every local authority.

Each team member has said spoken about the worthy cause:

“Our aim is to ensure there is a quality inclusive cycling hub in every local authority. In the North East, thousands of disabled people are currently locked out of cycling. By riding the Fun2Go cycle across this challenging route, we want to show that while it may be a little bit harder, the joy of being active outdoors should be available to everyone, regardless of their ability or where they live.” says Ian Tierney.

“I have seen first-hand how inclusive cycling builds confidence and improves health. This challenge is about raising the profile of the current imbalance in provision,” adds Paul Alcock.

“We want to bring people with us on this journey. Every pound raised goes directly toward growing inclusive cycling in areas that need it most,” states Nick Green.