Isle Access
Campaigning
Isle Access ADAPTED CYCLING RETURNS
Adapted Cycling sessions have recently returned after a long break because of coronavirus. At the sessions we offer people with disabilities the opportunity to cycle on specially adapted cycles that are designed to meet their needs. We currently have 13 cycles and can accommodate anyone from 2 years old to adult. Our cycles comprise a range of traditional trikes with adaptations and other aids, a recumbent child's kart trike, recumbent adult trikes, hand cycles, and a wheelchair carrier. We have plans to purchase an inline tandem trike in the near future that has the rear person steering. We are operating at the West Wight Sports and Community Centre in Freshwater where we are now based. Our first session was in mid-September and we are running monthly sessions on the second Saturday of every month in the sports hall. This is of course subject to any changes in Government control measures. We have a Covid-19 risk assessment, an online booking and payment system, social distancing, and all the other coronavirus measures you would expect to find. We have also made a significant investment in additional helmets to enable them to be single use at the session. Our sessions are always well received and provide a fun exercise activity for our clients. Many would not normally have the opportunity to feel the enjoyment and freedom cycling provides and our wheelchair carrier is particularly popular for providing this. Two person cycles like this, and the new tandem, give both participants and carers the opportunity to enjoy a fun activity together and share the experience, which is doubly rewarding for all of us. Many children and adults come to a session having never ridden a cycle or propelled themselves in any way before. They often face it with trepidation, but with the adapted cycles, and the skilled and sensitive volunteers we have, they are soon away and the beams of satisfaction and achievement they show is the reason we all do it! If you know of anyone who would like to take part and ride the cycles at our sessions, please contact us on: Volunteer@isleaccess.co.uk For more information on Isle Access or the Adapted Cycling sessions: info@isleaccess.co.uk
Mick Watts This article was written before lockdown 2