A gathering geared to bring cycling to everyone beckons in the heart of the Lakes with specially adapted wheels for riders with disabilities.
Showcasing the benefits of being mobile in the great outdoors, the Inclusive Cycling Festival is being staged at Brockhole, the Lake District Visitor Centre on the shores of Windermere, on Friday 12 May.
Specially adapted cycles will cater for a wide range of abilities and people are being invited to roll up and have a go, while enjoying sensational scenery and beautiful grounds.
Local cycling and care organisations will have stands and displays. There will also be plenty of outdoor entertainment and fun for the whole family.
The event is led by Cycling Projects, the charity behind nationally recognised programme, Wheels for All. By using specially adapted cycles, it provides quality, fun activities that are both physically and mentally stimulating for adults and children with disabilities and differing needs.
Lake District National Park’s chief executive, Richard Leafe, said: “We want to put the Lake District on the map for visitors of all abilities to come and enjoy our spectacular scenery.
“We hope this event will be the catalyst for a longer-term project to develop more activities like this across the park.”
People can turn up on their own, with families, or groups and have a go, learn more about all-ability Lakes’ cycling opportunities and find out how they can help to support the initiative.
Ian Tierney, director of Cycling Projects, explained: “We are delighted by the positive response we have received so far from local groups and charities, sponsors and vital stakeholders, such as the Lake District National Park Authority.
“We know how much pleasure that having a go on an adapted bike can be, both for the user and also their family and carers. We are excited to work with our local partners to develop a really rewarding programme of cycling activities across Cumbria for both local people and visitors.”
The Brockhole event runs from 10am to 3pm on Friday 12 May.
Cycling Projects said it was very grateful to vital sponsorship from James Cropper, Kendal Cycling Club and Cumberland Building Society’s Kendal branch, which had made the event possible.
Photo shows how specially adapted bikes bring fun for all.
