Posted: 8 May, 2025
Wheels for All, the UK’s largest provider of inclusive cycling, and Cycling UK, the UK’s leading cycling charity are delighted to announce a new partnership to provide more cycling opportunities for disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
Both charities will support the expansion of inclusive cycling sessions by adding two more locations to its roster at the Debdale and Salford Wheels for All hubs, ensuring more people can experience the benefits of cycling in a fully supportive and accessible environment.
Wheels for All will work more closely with Cycling UK to promote a thriving network of inclusive cycling hubs to get more people cycling for shorter journeys. The collaboration will not only increase participation but also establish a strong national voice for inclusive and accessible cycling.
The sessions form part of Cycling UK’s Inclusive Cycling Experience (ICE) programme, funded by the Motability Foundation. Just last year, across Inverness and Manchester people attended over 600 sessions, leading to 119 cycle loans and 770 events and workshops.
The programme provides people with access to specialist cycles, a team of trained support staff and volunteers, and a welcoming environment to build confidence and develop their cycling skills. Additionally, cycle loans are available for those who wish to continue cycling beyond the sessions, further promoting cycling as an active travel option for everyday journeys.
To take part, participants just need to be over the age of 16 and a resident living in Greater Manchester. Please bear in mind, this is only open to people who are disabled, have a long-term health condition or self-identify as disabled. Cycling UK will provide standard cycles in order that non-disabled people can cycle alongside a disabled person should they wish to book together. There is no need to attend a skills and confidence session event to apply for a loan.
Yvonne Stead, regional manager (Greater Manchester & Yorkshire) at Wheels for All, said:
“This is an exciting step forward in helping more disabled people discover the joy of cycling and to better support them on their journey, wherever it may take them. By working with Cycling UK, we can open-up more opportunities and ensure cycling is accessible to all.”
Sian Perry, senior project officer at Cycling UK, said:
“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to cycle. By partnering with Wheels for All, we are ensuring that disabled people in Greater Manchester can experience the freedom and independence that cycling provides.
“We have a long history of encouraging more inclusivity in cycling and programmes like these are a great way to show how cycling can connect communities, make travel more sustainable and support independence.”
Melissa, a former Inclusive Cycling Experience participant from Manchester, said:
“I’m currently in a period of rehabilitation and it was fantastic having the opportunity to give a few bikes a test ride. I hope to borrow one of the bikes and can’t believe this scheme exists – seems too good to be true!”
To find your nearest Wheels for All hub, visit: https://wheelsforall.org.uk/locations
For more information and to book a session, visit: https://www.cyclinguk.org/inclusive-cycling-experience/manchester
