Brief History

Cycling For All started in 2001 as the result of a conversation in the street between two friends. They wanted to be able to carry on cycling when health issues and impairment prevented the use of 2 wheelers. The project has since grown into an award winning project which is one of the largest of its kind in the UK.  It brings together a diverse range of disabled people, paid workers and volunteers who have fun, learn together, and get some fresh air and exercise.

The initial idea came when Croydon residents Trevor Rolfe and Liz Mincer talked about the need for a range of cycles to use.  Trevor wanted to get out of using his mobility scooter and used to ride a tricycle.  Liz wanted to find a way for her mum to continue the cycling she loved after it became clear that increasing health issues made it impossible to continue the riding on a two wheeled bike. 

Determined to encourage disabled people to try out cycling, the two took advantage of Croydon Council’s first car free day to get funding to allow people who needed 3 or 4 wheeled cycles to use a professional ‘try out’ track in Croydon.  The first try out was located in the driveway of Trevor’s block of flats.  The day was a success and it was decided to develop cycling opportunities which would include children aged 11+ too.  Interest in the project was established and after much to-ing and fro-ing a home was found at Croydon Sports Arena.  After the success of the first ‘try out’ day a second day was run there with London Recumbents.

Many funding applications and cycle sessions later, and the number and variety of cycles available to participants has expanded.  In 2007 Liz Mincer decided she wanted to hand on the management of the project she ran as a volunteer, and together with Wheels for Wellbeing, approached Croydon Council to seek funding for this. Hence Wheels for Wellbeing has taken responsiblity for it.

The number of people using the bikes means that Cycling for All now has volunteers and paid staff, including a bike mechanic. People regularly come from Croydon, Bromley, Lambeth, Sutton and even occasionally from as far afield as Westminster and Hertfordshire.  We have over 250 disabled people regsitered with us, plus nearly 250 supporters who come along too. The project grows from strength to strength and has given cycling opportunities to people who are using a cycle for the first time and to others who have believed their cycling days to be over.