Posted: 30 May, 2025
At Wheels for All, we’re proud to work alongside amazing partner hubs like Watchtree Wheelers to spread the word of inclusive cycling to as many people as possible. One recent visitor, Kevin, came to Watchtree with his daughter Anna, hoping to rediscover his lifelong passion for cycling after a difficult few months.
Now in his mid-seventies, Kevin has been a keen cyclist all his life, regularly riding eight miles a day to pick up his newspaper. But after a fall on the ice earlier this year left him with a fractured pelvis, and with a dementia diagnosis affecting his confidence, Kevin’s family were unsure whether he’d be able to cycle again.
“Dad was so welcomed as soon as we arrived at Watchtree,” Anna told us. “The volunteers were incredibly knowledgeable and patient, helping us try different adapted cycles to see what worked best for him. As soon as he realised he had some freedom again, he didn’t look back and had a huge smile on his face that we hadn’t seen for a while.”
For Kevin, getting access to cycling wasn’t just about exercise, it was about independence and joy. The inclusive environment provided by Watchtree Wheelers gave both Kevin and his family a sense of safety and support that made the whole experience more comfortable.
“When asked if he wanted to go again, it was a definite yes,” Anna shared. “That level of enthusiasm is usually only reserved for chocolate brownies!”
Rhys Phillips, National Volunteer Manager at Wheels for All, said:
“Kevin’s story is a wonderful reminder of why we do what we do. It’s not just about the cycles, it’s about building confidence and community. The guidance and patience of our volunteers are what truly bring these sessions to life. Stories like Kevin’s show the real-world impact of inclusive cycling, and we couldn’t do it without the support of volunteers across our inclusive cycling network
We’re thrilled Kevin found his way back to something he loves, and we look forward to welcoming him and his family back to Watchtree soon.
