Posted: 7 November, 2023
In the beginning
Kendal Cycle Club formed a partnership with Wheels for All in 2017. At that time, there was only one Wheels for All venue in Cumbria and so Kendal Cycle Club’s committee was very supportive of creating a Wheels for All venue in Kendal, which saw the partnership grew from there.
Inclusivity creates volunteers!
The Club decided that accessible cycling sessions should coincide with the start of the Saturday Club, which starts at Kendal Leisure Centre. They were keen to accommodate Wheels for All by providing their sports hall or a cordoned-off section of the car park (depending on the weather). Bringing the Club and Wheels for All together on a Saturday provided Club members with a greater understanding of Wheels for All and the service they provide. It encouraged Club members to volunteer and help support at the sessions on Saturday and throughout the week.
Volunteers mean more opportunities for everyone
Kendal Cycle Club currently has 808 members, which provides a large base for potential volunteers. It allows Wheels for All to manage longer rides and cycle beyond the confines of the car park and sports hall. Having this wealth of volunteers means that Wheels for All can provide rides in conjunction with the Club throughout the year. In July, Kendal Cycle Club runs a sportive in partnership with Wheelbase (a local bike shop). A Wheels for All sportive has been developed which runs along the valley, from Staveley to Kentmere, and is suitable for all types of adapted bikes. An event of this type requires many volunteers, and the majority are Club members.
As well as providing volunteers, the Club also fundraises for Wheels for All. This is done through the Club’s sportive, jumble sales and raffles. The fact that profits go to a charity they can all relate to encourages more members to get involved and raise funds. In 2022, the Club helped purchase a trike and, on a Saturday, members can see the trike in action and being used.
Inclusivity is part of the Club’s mission statement. Working in partnership with Wheels for All means that Kendal Cycle Club is an inclusive sports club. We would encourage all cycle clubs to consider becoming inclusive and help support Wheels for All.
