Posted: 3 December, 2025
When Wheels for All launched its pilot inclusive cycling programme at the Hexham Hub in partnership with Northumberland County Council and Places Leisure, staff and volunteers hoped it would offer local disabled people the chance to experience the joy, freedom and confidence that cycling can bring. What they didn’t expect was the extraordinary journey one participant would take in just a few short weeks.
Katie first heard about the sessions in a wonderfully unexpected way. Her mum happened to be passing the athletics track on the bus when she spotted an inclusive cycling session in full swing. Intrigued, she got in touch – and the following week Katie arrived for her very first session.
Katie attended every week of the pilot programme after that and from the moment she settled onto her accessible trike, she embraced the challenge of building up her confidence on the track. Each week she completed more laps than the last, pushing herself a little further.
By the final week of the programme, Katie achieved something incredible: 20 full laps of the track which is equal to an astounding 8 kilometres and a milestone that left staff, volunteers, and fellow participants cheering her on.
For Katie, the sessions have been about far more than physical progress. They have given her a sense of both joy and belonging.
“I’m like everybody else when I’m cycling,” Katie shared, something which Wheels for All aims to make everyone feel.
Chris Watts, Head of Inclusive Cycling at Wheels for All, said Katie’s determination is at the heart of what their work aims to support:
“Katie is a brilliant example of what can happen when someone is given the right cycle, the right environment, and the chance to shine. Her progress has been inspiring for the whole team, and her enthusiasm helped make the pilot programme something really special.”
The success of the Hexham pilot has also been supported by strong local partnership working.
Councillor Richard Wearmouth, Cabinet Member for the Council’s Cycling & Walking Strategy at Northumberland County Council, said:” This was a fantastic achievement. It shows the difference inclusive opportunities like this can make to people’s lives. We’re delighted to support such a positive and empowering initiative here in Northumberland and look forward to more sessions like this taking place in 2026.”
Katie’s journey is a celebration of inclusion and the power of cycling to open up new possibilities. As Wheels for All looks ahead to developing future sessions in Hexham, her story will continue to inspire both participants and staff alike.
