Wheels for All

wheels for all
!! Something for everyone with no exceptions !!

Welcome to
!! wheels for all !!

Working to Provide Cycling Opportunities for Everyone to Enjoy.
For anyone who isn't able to manage a two-wheeled bike, for whatever reason, the Cycling Project has a variety of equipment in different sizes for you to try.

And right now, we are looking to set up such a centre here in Cornwall .......

Work has already begun in terms of looking for grants and sponsorship ... we have already spoken to schools like Doubletrees and Nancealverne who will have access to it and charities like the Children's Hospice South West and the Merlin Project and also plan on working with others like the Deaf and Blind Associations, Mencap and Mind here in Cornwall.

Ian Tierney from the Cycling Project said “We are excited to have the opportunity to expand the 'Wheels For All' network. We are always thrilled to encourage new participants in an activity that is fun and healthy. Cycling can be adapted so that everybody has the opportunity to engage with other community groups. There is currently no centre for disability cycling in Cornwall, this centre is a fantastic opportunity for the area.”

We have a location in mind for the centre which is slap bang in the middle of the four main schools that we would work with, storage space and facilities that we hope will be suitable., we also have some very determined instructors who will see this through plus support from Lady Mary who will hopefully open the centre in the fullness of time so long as we can give her enough advanced warning., we hope that we might see Lord George there too but he equally, is a very busy man.

These photos show just a few of the types of bikes that will be available in terms of design types however the bikes themselves may well be different to the ones shown - this is just to give you an idea .......... these will include wheelchair tandems or trandems centre right (which are already available for hire on the Camel Trail at both Padstow Bike Hire and Bridge Bike Hire), hand cycles for those with good upper body strength (extreme left) .... the Hase Kettwiesel recumbent trike (centre left) is however, powered by cycling normally using one's feet. There will also be bikes with adult stabilisers and tagalongs as well as the side by side tandems (extreme right)

And this is just one reaction to the proposal, received June 2008 .....

Dear Wendy,

I am writing in interest to your proposed facility "Wheels for all Centre" in Cambrose.

I currently work as a teacher at Doubletrees School and Hostel. We are a Special needs school, with around 80 pupils of all abilities. I run one afternoon session a week cycling with some of the more able children on the Sustran cycle paths around Eden.

My students get a huge joy from these cycling sessions which boosts their self-esteem as well as fitness. To be able to access this type of facility for wheelchair users and the less able would be fantastic. As a school and Hostel we would hugely benefit from such a facility.

kind regards,

Matthew Wilmott

ASD1 teacher

.. And from another lady who also asked about bikes for people with disabilities at the Royal Cornwall Show

Hi Wendy

Many thanks for the information. You are setting something up which has been long overdue. A group which you may or may not have thought of who would benefit from more stable bikes would be those with dyspraxia. An opportunity to try stabilizers designed for the older child/adult would be helpful as they may then purchase for their own use as the initial outlay can be very high.

Thanks

Carol

(Who is an Occupational Therapist and has worked with special needs and learning disabilities so knows her onions)

The Cycling Project believes that the pleasure of cycling should be available to all.

"Wheels for All!", an initiative created by The Cycling Project for the North West, is working with partners throughout the UK to base specialist hand cycles, and adapted bicycles and tricycles at suitable sites with good facilities. Ian Tierney from the Cycling Project said “We are excited to have the opportunity to expand the 'Wheels For All' network. We are always thrilled to encourage new participants in an activity that is fun and healthy. Cycling can be adapted so that everybody has the opportunity to engage with other community groups. There is currently no centre for disability cycling in Cornwall, this centre is a fantastic opportunity for the area.”

By working in partnership, "Wheels for All!" enables disabled people and those with differing needs to enjoy cycling and benefit from greater independence and mobility. Hand cycles are extremely expensive, but "Wheels for All!" ensures that they are available for a minimal hire fee. Through cycling, disabled people have the opportunity to access the countryside, enjoying healthy exercise and freedom to participate in outings independently or with their family and friends. Hand cycling can be enjoyable indoors too, for example, with a taster day in a club hall or a skills session at a leisure centre.

Disabled children and teenagers particularly are interested in doing "their bit" for the environment and also enjoy joining in cycling proficiency classes. Pensioners are delighted to learn that hand cycling can be an answer to their leisure and recreational mobility problems. The Cycling Project's busy Information and Advisory Service, which deals with all cycling issues, provides valuable support, answering disabled people's queries on such issues as safety and suitability of various cycles. The research it carries out helps to ensure that cycling opportunities for disabled people continue to improve.

Bicycles with Stabilisers A boost to confidence, whatever your age.
Tricycles All the fun of cycling on three wheels, with the option of a supported or recumbent seat.
Hand cycles More cycling fun. The rider powers the front wheel by hand - great for a wide range of abilities.
Quad cycles and Go Karts Cycling fun on four wheels.
Bicycles Made for Two Fun with a friend on the Wheel easy side by side hand cycle or regular Side by Side cycle or a Harmony Trandem which is a hand cycle or wheelchair at the front and bicycle at the back or perhaps the Kettwiesel recumbent tandem.

Cycles can be used both indoors and out - enjoy the countryside on a safe off-road trail or practice your skills in a sports hall - the choice is yours! The Cycling Project works with manufacturers to research, adapt and design new equipment. New types of cycles to meet your needs are regularly introduced.

• Disabled children and adults can join in with their family and friends.
• The elderly can rediscover the pleasure of cycles.
• Those with learning difficulties can enjoy mastering a new skill.
• Those who are temporarily disabled need not be inactive.
• All will enjoy the experience and gain the health benefits of active exercise.

Health on Wheels:

What is it? Health on Wheels is an 8 week cycling programme to support and encourage people on the Exercise on Prescription scheme to stay alive and have fun.

How does it work? An experience cycle trainer ( Ian Tierney) will work with the person and determine what you need to get back on your bike. Most people start by going on short rides on a one to one basis, usually close to their home. When you feel ready you will be able to join up with other people who are on the programme on more rides. The sessions last for between one and two hours.

What is included? Other things that are included in the programme are:

- Advice on cycling and health
- Where to ride - either off road or on it
- Basic bike maintenance and repairs
- Safer cycling roads ( optional)
- Ideals for getting from A to B on and bike and more

What happens at the end of the course? That's up to you. The current groups have organised themselves into a cycling club to continue the rides.

What if I don't own a bike? We will bring bikes to the session if you don’t have access to one. If during the programme you wish to buy a bike, we will advise you and may be able to help you get a cost price bike.

But I'm returning to work. We are interested in hearing from anyone who is returning to work and thinks they may be able to travel all or part of their journey by bike. Just think - stay healthy through your journey to work, and probably save money too.

If you would like to find out more information please contact ian.tierney@cycling.org.uk

Telephone: 01925 234213 (Warrington)

Five good reasons to cycle:

1.   Cycling exercises most of the muscles in your legs and bum – so it’s an excellent way to tone these areas.
2.   It’s a practical way to keep fit. 75% all personal journeys are less than 5 miles long – that’s half an hour on a bike.
3.   It’s cheaper than joining a gym! Bicycles require no MOT, no insurance, no licensing and above all no fuel. Bicycles can be parked almost anywhere for free.
4.   Switching short journeys from car to bicycle will benefit both your health and community. You'll be helping to reduce noise, air pollution and traffic congestion too.
5.   Riding a bike can help you maintain a healthy weight. Average cycling burns about 300 calories per hour and gives a level of fitness equivalent to being 10 years younger.