Sustrans,
the charity making it easier for everyone to walk, wheel and cycle, is working with partners to create a London-wide accessible cycle loan scheme, to provide improved options to travel actively for disabled people across the
capital.
Wheels4MeLondon,
in collaboration with Wheels
for Wellbeing and
Peddle My Wheels
and funded by the Motability Foundation, will provide free cycle loans for disabled people.
Sustrans’ latest
Walking
and Cycling Index, the largest independent survey of active travel in the UK, found that 27% of disabled people do not cycle but would like to.
Further to that, 25% of all people surveyed said access to a non-standard cycle like a tricycle or a handcycle would help them to cycle more.
By increasing access and training for non-standard cycles across London,
the charity is working towards creating fully inclusive cycle hire. Through this project, more people will be able to take advantage of the wellbeing
and physical health benefits of cycling.
The Wheels4MeLondon scheme will offer free, month long, accessible cycle loans for people across London. The types of cycle available include upright trikes and semi-recumbent
trikes, with the fleet to be expanded to other models in the future. As well as this, the scheme includes free delivery, a training session, insurance against theft or damage, and collection when finished. The included cycle training is tailored to meet each
individual’s specific needs, increasing travel safety and confidence when travelling in the capital.
To ensure that participants receive the right services and cycles, Wheels for Wellbeing will provide consultation sessions to provide essential support and guidance.
Lack of access to a suitable mobility aid can reduce or remove the ability to travel safely and independently for many. The
Disabled
Citizens’ Inquiry found that 86% of disabled people across the UK would find it useful for them to walk or wheel more if everyone who requires
a mobility aid had financial support and advice to access one to meet their needs.
To find out more about Wheels4MeLondon, visit the
Wheels
for Wellbeing website or Wheels4MeLondon at Ride London 2024 on Sunday 26 May.
Will Norman, London Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said:
“I welcome the launch of the Wheels4MeLondon inclusive cycle loan scheme and look forward to seeing many more people given the opportunity to experience the benefits and joys of cycling in the capital. Offering practical cycling options for disabled people,
through non-standard cycle loans and supported training, is key to ensuring that cycling is accessible to everyone.
“I hope that through this exciting initiative more people will feel confident to try cycling and acquire the skills to help make active travel a part of their
everyday lives in our city.”
