British Cycling can today announce the launch of Limitless, a game-changing new programme and funding opportunity to support more disabled people to cycle.

Over the first four years of the programme, the national governing body aims to provide opportunities for 5,000 disabled riders to participate in club activity, deliver 50 new competitive para-cycling events, and support the development of five riders who will go on to represent ParalympicsGB at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

The Limitless programme will be delivered through a growing and nationwide network of 20 clubs, which have been accredited for their commitment to accessibility and inclusion, with six Focus Clubs now invited to apply for funding for specialist equipment, coaching and events. A full list of Limitless clubs, broken down by region and updated regularly, can be found on the British Cycling website from Saturday.

The launch of Limitless is the latest phase of British Cycling’s partnership with Shell UK, which includes shared ambitions to widen access to cycling, accelerate decarbonisation efforts and support the Great Britain Cycling Team’s cyclists and para-cyclists through the sharing of technology and innovation.

Ahead of the launch, British Cycling’s Acting CEO, Danielle Every, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of our work to enable more disabled people to ride, race and volunteer in our sport, and we really believe that the Limitless programme can have a truly game-changing impact on access to free, fun and local opportunities nationwide.

“Thanks to the amazing support of our affiliated clubs and volunteers, we now have a wide and growing network of 20 Limitless clubs prepared to welcome new riders of any age or ability, and support them on their cycling journeys. With the additional support from Shell UK, we’re able to expand the programme and funding available to clubs much more quickly than would otherwise have been possible, with an ambitious goal to support 5,000 disabled riders over the next four years.”

Great Britain Cycling Team world champion para-cyclist, Sam Ruddock, added:

“The Limitless programme is going to provide meaningful and genuinely life-changing experiences for disabled people. Anybody of any ability, at any level, can participate through this initiative. Cycling with a club also means you can have fun with friends, which is the reason we all got into the sport in the first place. I couldn’t recommend it enough, and I’m excited for the future, so come and be a part of it.”

Shell UK Chairman, David Bunch, added:

“We are pleased to be able to unveil the next phase of our partnership with British Cycling, which includes supporting Great Britain’s cyclists and para-cyclists through the sharing of world-class innovation and expertise and helping more – and wider groups of – people to ride. Working together we believe both organisations can deliver real change for people right across the country, from different walks of life.”

The programme has been developed by British Cycling over the past two years, and is launched today alongside research conducted by CFE Research agency into the current state of play for disabled cyclists in Britain, which can be viewed here.

The research emphasises the importance of eradicating regional gaps in provision, implementing quality standards for accessibility, and strengthening development and training for volunteers and staff to increase the number of local opportunities for disabled people.

In addition to Limitless clubs, existing disability cycling providers including schools and charities will also be invited to apply for funding and support, highlighting British Cycling’s commitment to further widening the network of accessible opportunities to ride nationwide. All funding applications will be assessed and managed by British Cycling’s Clubs and Participation teams.

More information on the programme, including a directory of local opportunities, can be found on the British Cycling website here.