Opportunities for Disabled Cyclists Step Up a Gear
Sustainable transport charity Sustrans has teamed up with Parc Bryn Bach in Blaenau Gwent to run a taster day for disabled cyclists to trial a new fleet of specially adapted bikes.
The taster day, taking place on Friday 12 March, will also mark the launch of new weekly cycling sessions for local people of all abilities.
Special guest Jonathan Gribbin, a 2008 Paralympian from Abergavenny, will be attending the event to launch the new bikes and help inspire disabled members of the community to enjoy the benefits of gentle outdoor physical activity.
Robyn Hughes, Project Coordinator at Sustrans, said: "The taster day at Parc Bryn Bach will be a fantastic opportunity for disabled cyclists to test out the new bikes and discover the freedom that cycling can bring.
"Surveys show that physically active people feel happier and more satisfied with life, so the new specially adapted bikes will help disabled people to embrace the great outdoors and boost their general well being through a fun cycle ride.
"Following the event, Sustrans will be running disability cycling sessions at Parc Bryn Bach every Wednesday and Friday between 12.30 and 3pm, with bike hire at £1 each."
Jonathan Gribbin, who was part of the Great British Cycling Team in the 2008 Paralympics and is now Disability Sport Development Officer at Blaenau Gwent Council, said: "Despite having a disability, an individual can still enjoy the benefits of cycling thanks to the facilities available through Sustrans at Parc Bryn Bach.
"The taster session and weekly cycling events will be a great way to meet new people and discover opportunities for making the most of cycling which is such a fun leisure time activity."
Disabled cyclists can test out the specially adapted bikes during a taster session on Friday 12 March from 11am to 3pm. Cycling sessions for all abilities will take place at Parc Bryn Bach every Wednesday and Friday for £1 a bike between 12.30 and 3pm.
The specially-adapted bikes available include double side-by-side tandems, trikes, a wheelchair tandem and a handbike.
Further information about Sustrans, including other news releases and detailed online route mapping, is available here: www.sustrans.org.uk
