Disability groups to showcase specially adapted bikes
Adults with varying disabilities will be raising money for charity by completing a sponsored six-hour cycle ride on a new set of specially adapted bikes.
Members from Upham Road Day Centre will take to the County Ground Athletics Track on the bikes in aid of Barnardos on Tuesday, 23 February.
The fundraising will form part of a launch day to highlight the availability of the new bikes, which have been bought by Swindon Borough Council’s Leisure Services and CTC (Cyclists’ Touring Club) using Big Lottery funding.
The launch day is open to all day centres who cater for adults with learning disabilities, special schools, local disability organisations and any individuals with a disability.
The event will be used as an opportunity to talk to groups who may be interested in using the bikes and as the basis to start up summer courses and sessions for families who would benefit from using adapted bikes in a safe environment.
The new bikes include a Twister, which is a side by side tandem with two sets of handlebars and pedals, a hand bike for people with no lower body strength: a selection of trikes for children and adults and a pedal propelled quad bike.
A recumbent trike, which allows users to sit back and steer from the side, and a platform bike, which is suitable for wheelchairs, have also been added to the range of adapted bikes.
Staff from Upham Road Day Centre will cycle around the athletics track on Tuesday with service users using the platform bike. The sponsored event will take place between 10am and 4pm and will also see staff and users baking cakes and selling tea in the County Ground’s Lifestyle Centre.
Angie Smith, manager of Upham Road Day Centre, said: “The bikes are wonderful because someone in a wheelchair can get that feeling of being on a bike and people who can ride bikes, but not independently, can take part in a type of exercise they might not otherwise try.”
Cllr Keith Williams, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Corporate Services, said: “The new adapted bikes are great fun and will really make a big difference to those with disabilities.
“I would encourage any interested groups or individuals to attend the launch day so they can see for themselves the great benefits these bikes can bring.”
Published by: Travel Actively on Monday February 15 2010
