Highland cycling project proves that bikes – and their riders – come in all shapes and sizes
ACTIVE OUTDOORS: Rachel Smart joins the team from Inclusive Cycling to try out some of the specially adapted cycles that are helping people get active
Cancer survivor Maureen Beange volunteers with Inclusive Cycling in Inverness after getting back on her bike following her treatment.
After writing about her story, I was invited to try out some of the cycles for myself.
Set up in April 2024, Inclusive Cycling aims to make cycling accessible for everyone, providing a range of adaptable bikes and other cycles.
Based at UHI Inverness, I was greeted at the portable building by cycling development officer Katie Noble, who showed me the different kinds of cycles that can be used by people of different abilities.
She quickly recounted stories of couples and individuals who had progressed their way through different types of cycles, as they became more confident in their own abilities.
Katie had a few of the cycles set up, so we set out on our first ride around the campus on an electric duo bike.
When cycling around, Katie informed me about the programme and how it works.
“We ask people to self-refer to our service and then they can come up and see what bikes works for them,” she said.
“We have bikes that people in wheelchairs can go in and others that are powered by moving the hand.
“Once people feel confident on them, they can then take them out on loan for two weeks at a time.
“It allows people to have freedom they thought they otherwise may have lost.”
As we sailed through the campus, I can see why the Inclusive Cycling team are eager to let people know about the service.
It isn’t just good for the body, but it’s also good for the mind – something particularly pertinent during Mental Health Awareness Week.
Also, it is completely free, with no charge to those using the cycles or taking them on loan.
And although the cycles are adaptable and easier in some ways than a normal bicycle, they still provide a workout.
We wrapped up back where we started, and there was a regular who came in to pick up his bike for a few hours in the sunshine.
Katie tells me he comes everyday and goes out for hours at a time.
Next I hop into a sunlounge-esque cycle that allows your feet to be strapped in and you can pedal with minimal effort.
We go for a longer ride around the UHI campus this time, heading past the new prison being built and back in again.
I’m also amazed at how wheelchair friendly the campus is, so it is a perfect place for people to test out the cycles on offer.
The project is run by Cycling UK but is being funded by Motability Foundation and is set to run until 2026.
It is one of two projects in the UK, with the other being based in Manchester.
Iain Bamber is another member of the Inclusive Cycling team at UHI and greets us as we arrive back from our second spin on the bikes.
He said: “The project has been received really well and the people who use it enjoy it.
“The project is aimed at people with long-term health conditions but anyone can come and have a chat with us about the use of the bikes.
“I think generally if somebody’s coming to us and they’re looking for something to assist, then it’s likely they will fit the criteria.
“People don’t have to class themselves as disabled to be able to use the service.”
With over 30 cycles on offer, they are keen to make sure that everyone who needs it gets the opportunity to have a shot.
The project has also teamed up with Velo City Inverness (formally Velocity bikes) who take people out for a cycle on a Wednesday.
They also have a dedicated group of volunteers who will go for a cycle with people to ensure that they have support.
Not only does the Inclusive Cycling project help individuals, but they also have groups who come along and enjoy an afternoon cycling together.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the initiative for Katie and Iain is seeing people grow in confidence.
Katie said: “I think it’s quite a privilege because people are coming to us because they want something and then we can give them something that makes a huge difference.
“We’ll spend as much time with people as they need or even as little time.
“There are no expectations. If people just want to come along and sit on the bike to see how it feels then that is perfectly okay too!”
Inclusive Cycling is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. People can book their appointment by visiting https://www.cyclinguk.org/inclusive-cycling-experience/inverness
