Cycling project helps disabled people aim high

A new cycling project for disabled adults and children is set to launch this summer after the city council signed a deal with a national cycle charity, Cycling Projects.

Greater Bristol's Cycling City programme and the council's Aiming High for Disabled Children programme are launching the All Abilities project to make cycling more accessible to those people who find it difficult to ride standard bicycles.

The charity organisation Cycling Projects has been commissioned to set up an all-inclusive cycling project, catering especially for young people with a range of physical and mental health difficulties.

A comprehensive range of adapted cycles will be available, catering for the needs of a large majority of service users. The project is expected to launch for children in early summer, with the service being available to adults by the end of 2010.

The All Abilities project is just one of a number of projects commissioned by the Cycling City team to help double the numbers of cyclists in certain areas across Bristol and South Gloucestershire.

Aiming High for Disabled Children is the government’s transformation programme for disabled children and young people. A key focus of this programme is to provide more and better quality short breaks, with a particular focus on those with the most complex needs, through the provision of services and the purchase of specialist equipment.

Mark Hamilton, Planning & Development Manager: Complex Needs for Aiming High at Bristol City Council said:

“This project is a great example of council departments working together, in partnership to achieve common, sustainable and improved outcomes for disabled children, young people and families.

"It's appropriate that cycling in the city is as accessible and inclusive as possible. This project ensures that disabled children and young people can use these bikes to cycle and have fun for years to come.”

(pictured right: some examples of the types of bicycles that will be available.)

Downloads: 

quad_cycle2.jpg