Deaf-Friendly Cycling Training

Let’s learn some British Sign Language (BSL)!

Creating an inclusive space means making communication accessible for everyone whether they are participants, carers, volunteers, or staff members.

In the videos, Richard introduces some basic BSL to help you communicate more confidently and effectively with d/Deaf people.

To support the video, please find below images of the BSL alphabet and numbers to help you practice.

We encourage you to take the opportunity to learn something new and try out some of the signs covered. As with any new skill, practice makes progress, and support is always available if you need it. If you feel comfortable, practising together with colleagues can be a great way to build confidence.

Even learning a few simple signs or phrases can make a meaningful difference. Making the effort to communicate in BSL shows respect, inclusion, and a genuine commitment to welcoming d/Deaf people.

If you enjoy learning BSL and would like to learn some more words, UK Deaf Sport have a collection of British Sign Language words linked to physical activity.

Cycling specific BSL vocabulary

Have you ever welcomed a deaf participant or carer to a session and felt unsure how best to communicate about cycle controls, the route, or what support they might need?

You’re not alone — and with a few simple tools and signs, these conversations can become much easier and more natural. In this guide, Richard shares some key cycling-specific BSL signs to help you communicate clearly and confidently, so deaf participants and carers feel informed, supported, and fully included from the start.

We’re committed to creating sessions where everyone feels welcome. Learning just a few essential BSL words and phrases can make a big difference in helping people feel comfortable, valued, and part of the group.

If you’d like to build your skills, there’s a free online BSL course available through Commanding Hands. It covers a wider range of everyday vocabulary and offers practical tips to help you communicate effectively in BSL.

If this is area you are enjoying learning about and for anyone looking to expand their knowledge further, UK Deaf Sport have their Deaf People’s Inclusion in Sport eLearning Course (purchasable at your own cost) to gain:
• An understanding of deafness and the importance of inclusion
• An understanding of how to engage with deaf people by identifying barriers.
• An understanding of the mental wellbeing of deaf and hard of hearing people and your duty of care.
• Considerations, practical tips, and the role those working in sport play.

Best practice for assessing a deaf person for a cycle helmet

In this video, Richard walks you through key phrases to help you greet new participants, find the right cycle for them, and make sure their helmet is fitted safely and comfortably.

Inclusive participation and volunteering opportunities

As a collective, Wheels for All, Warrington & District Society for Deaf People and UK Deaf Sport have an extensive range of inclusive participation and volunteering opportunities suitable for the d/Deaf community. Each organisation has a range of flexible roles and activities that can be tailored to meet everyone’s needs, allowing them to be involved with our organisations in a way that suits them.

Wheels for All

Whether you would like to join us at a Wheels for All session, Pedal Away ride or as a volunteer, you can find a local opportunity here.

Warrington & District Society for Deaf People (WDSDP)

At Warrington Deaf Centre, WDSDP host a range of activities and groups for the d/Deaf community of Warrington and it’s surrounding areas to attend and participate.

To join their amazing team of volunteers, please drop them an email - secretary@warringtondeafhub.org

UK Deaf Sport

UK Deaf Sport host a wide range of inclusive activities that can be searched for through their activity finder.

For more information about volunteering with UK Deaf Sport, please get in touch via their 'contact us' form

Activity Alliance

For wider information on disability inclusion in sport, visit the Activity Alliance website who are the national charity and leading voice for disabled people in sport and activity. They work with partners and members to change attitudes and embed inclusive practices.

Created in partnership with Warrington & District Society for Deaf People and supported by UK Deaf Sport

A huge thank you to Emily and Richard from Warrington & District Society for Deaf People for creating these amazing videos to help us engage better with d/Deaf people and create a high quality experience for them at our sessions.

Another thank you goes to UK Deaf Sport for endorsing this resource and providing additional training resources providing further detail into areas people may wish to learn more about.