How GTCT funding has support Pedal People in offering inclusive cycling opportunities
Funding from the Geraint Thomas Cycling Trust has supported Pedal People in their vital work in providing accessible cycle rides to young people with disability and health needs.
The organisation trains carers, friends and family to cycle-pilot adaptive trikes, enabling loved ones to ride together – often for the first time. Furthermore, for over 80% of their participants, it’s their only outdoor activity.
The majority are parent-carers of children with complex needs, who face the considerable extra costs of caring for a young person with special educational needs. They work closely with poverty, food and other social care charities as well as social services, residential schools for complex needs and colleges, taking referrals from all of them.
In their work, Pedal People train children to pedal one-to-one, building confidence stamina, strength and wellbeing.
“We have high demand year-round that spikes further in school holidays, when there is little outdoor accessible activity that enables children with complex needs to cycle at all,” Pedal People Captain, Elly Hargreave, stated.
With there being a particular need during school breaks, the cost of putting on rides is difficult to meet a lot of the time.
As a lot of carers for children with complex needs are often unable to be in paid, full-time work due to care needs, the high expenses to access quality, stimulating activity means donations are often not affordable.
A grant from the GTCT has supported their crucial work, enabling young people aged between seven and 18 to cycle during school holidays by covering the costs of staff training and support.
“Wheels mean freedom for young people,” Elly told us.
“The grant has gone towards cycle-pilot training for carers for ten young people through the school holiday periods this year. Accessible, adaptable trikes enable young people to access 90-minute rides, taking in up to 25Km of seafront and undercliff cycle areas.
“Thank you to Geraint Thomas and the Geraint Thomas Cycling Trust trustees for your support!”
If you would like to know more about applying for a grant, click here.
