Pathways to Pedals launched to promote inclusive cycling

Get Cycling – the community interest company who aim to ensure that anyone who wants to cycle, can – have launched a new inclusive cycling programme called Pathways to Pedals.

The project has received a £747,640 Active Travel Grant from the Motability Foundation.

Scheduled to last three years, Pathways to Pedals aims to increase access to cycling for low-income, disabled individuals across the UK, through information campaigns, social cycling sessions, hands-on cycling experiences and free cycle loans.

Joanne Mahon, CEO of Get Cycling CIC, commented: ‘We are incredibly excited about the Pathways to Pedals project. This initiative will not only provide more opportunities for disabled individuals to engage in cycling but will also help raise awareness about the immense benefits that inclusive cycling can bring to individuals and communities.’

The aim, the company explain, is to raise awareness of the transformative effects of cycling and to foster a widespread understanding and adoption of inclusive cycling by collaborating with other national organisations.

Pathways to Pedals will:

• Hold 200 mobile social cycling sessions
• Give 4,000 disabled individuals hands-on cycling experiences.
• Provide free inclusive cycle loans for one month to 240 disabled individuals or organisations.

The programme will start in the York area before moving to other parts of the UK as it progresses. 

To participate in the free loan programme, applicants must have a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010 and be classified as low-income or receive income-related benefits. 

Lisa Jones, Director of Charitable Operations at the Motability Foundation, said: ‘We’re excited to award Get Cycling with this grant to launch their ‘Pathways to Pedals’ inclusive cycling programme, for disabled people in Yorkshire.

‘We know that active travel, such as cycling, can benefit wellbeing for disabled people, by increasing mobility and reducing social isolation. Awarding grants to important organisations like these helps us to make an immediate difference to the transport needs of disabled people.’

Local authority, community organisations, or disability support groups who feel they may benefit from the loan scheme can get in touch with Get Cycling by clicking here.