Wythenshawe Wheelers first Go-Ride registered club for riders with a disability
Posted: 16 January 2009
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British Cycling disability initiatives
Wythenshawe Wheelers is the first cycling club with a focus on cyclists with a disability to gain British Cycling's Go-Ride accreditation.
The club was set up in 2005 in partnership with Manchester City Council and Cycling Projects as an inclusive cycling club where people with disabilities come first. It became independent in 2007.
The main focus of the club is to offer cycling to people with a disability. The club has over 70 adapted bikes and is confident that anyone can ride a bike regardless of their ability. The club offers three weekly sessions: two open to anyone and one session for schools.
The school session is delivered by a British Cycling Go-Ride Coach and gives structured cycle training. Open sessions are about recreational cycling where people can focus on fun and the health benefits of riding bikes.
Wythenshawe Wheelers' Sue Blaylock
In the past year more than 140 young people have had access to quality cycle coaching through the school sessions. The result has been that young people from different schools have been able to compete against each other in interschool competitions.
Meanwhile as many as 40 riders with a disability are regularly attending Wythenshawe Wheelers' open sessions.
In 2008, the club received an unexpected windfall from the Channel 4 programme Secret Millionaire. This has enabled the club to buy more cycling equipment and to explore the possibility of training club volunteers.
Over the next year Wythenshawe Wheelers will focus on working towards completing Sport England's Club Mark standard. This provides a guarantee that the club can work to agreed standards surrounding safeguarding young people, sports equity, club management and coaching.
Go-Ride coach Jayne Barrett works with the club. You can contact her at jaynebarrett@britishcycling.org.uk or on 07908 407 317.