Our participants

We offer a variety of experiences for people who come cycling with us, whether to our regular Croydon or Lambeth sessions, the Cycling for Health sessions we used to run for Croydon Council or as part of short term projects. 

What do our participants have to say? Here’s a range of views from people who’ve been cycling with us.

2009
“You provide something we can’t do elsewhere. You provide equipment that all people across the impairments can use. In our case, people who struggle to walk can ride a bike non stop, giving them exercise they can’t do otherwise. You also give more social opportunities , a rare place people with multi-impairments can meet and mix.”
Will Plant, who has a physical impairment

“We love cycling with you! There are cycles to suit everyone’s needs. The track provides a safe and secure environment for everyone to ride confidently. The instructors are helpful and understanding and enable all of our pupils to participate. We would like to come all the time. “
Collin Jones, Head of Physical Education, Turney School (Lambeth special school)

“I think this is a wonderful scheme for kids with special needs, where they can practice their cycling skills in a very safe place. There is a nice selection of bikes. Harvey [who has autism] loved the afternoon and will definitely come again.”
Jo Ward, Harvey’s mum

“I actually look upon cycling for health as “getting my life back”. After the initial first visit of nerves, I managed to ride around the track slowly without wobbling. After visiting twice a week I soon picked up speed and confidence.
My riding skills improved (off road) and I bragged to my family. My 2 daughters decided to join me, along with a granddaughter. I bought my own bike and had a council 1-1 lesson to give me road confidence. I have now been on a few 25 mile rides with the Pollards Hill Cyclists. I love cycling as it takes me back to my childhood and I love the feeling of freedom it gives me. I have met a lot of nice people socially through my new found fitness. Everyone I know knows I have become a cycle person. “
Fran Taylor, a Cycling for Health regular visitor

“I enjoy cycling because it gives me exercise every week. The bikes are very comfortable to ride and it’s good seeing everyone with big smiles on their faces. Cycling is a good place to meet up with friends from Cherry Orchard and Beulah Resource Base. Cycling is a great way to start the week. “
Paulette Brown, participant who comes with the Whitehorse Resource Base, Croydon Council. She has a hearing impairment and learning difficulties.

2008
”Murray has been an enthusiastic cyclist with Cycling for All since the New Year and he very much looks forward to the sessions on a Saturday morning. The safe environment of the Arena, the helpful and cheerful staff, his fellow cyclists and their supporters, make Saturdays a good social experience for him, and his family enjoys it too”.
Murray’s Mum

“I first went to Cycling for All last September. I really liked the tricycle. Charlie taught me to steer and brake. I can now ride a bicycle. I like the track because it is safe. I ride really fast because I want to cycle in the Special Olympics. I like seeing all my friends and trying out different bikes.”
Kate S

“I really look forward to the twice weekly Cycling for Health sessions as I just enjoy the fun and freedom of cycling round the Arena or the Country Park. Whenever I have been unable to attend, I have the feeling that I have missed a positive time in my week. Besides the exercise (which we are told is good for our health!!!) , there is also the meeting of new people – fellow cyclists and the stewards who give their advice so readily if needed”. 
Christiane E, a health visitor

“The children gained confidence and motor skills. They shared and took turns on the cycles and they persevered in the cold wet conditions. They learned to ride bikes and some now have their own at home. The physical exercise is very good for them as they can be less willing to join in with playground games such as football.”
Mary Gambrill, a teacher at Castlehill Primary School, commenting on the weekly cycle sessions pupils attended.

“I last rode my bike when I was 8 or 9. If I hadn’t had the 1-1 lessons I’d never have had the confidence to ride again. I thought the roads were too dangerous but now I’m happy to ride on the road.

I used to spend 30 minutes getting the bus to the Healthy Living Group but when I cycle it takes only 20 minutes. In my next cycle lesson I’m going to ride from home to Camberwell, where I attend my therapy sessions. It usually takes me about 40 minutes on the bus and hopefully will be quicker by bike.

I really enjoyed our fun rides. It’s nice to get out into the park. I’m looking forward to doing some more. The bike maintenance sessions were really good. I learnt how to fix a puncture and I saw a wheel being taken off a bike, something I’d never seen before. The classes have built up my confidence to maintain my bike.

The project gave me the opportunity to learn a new skill which I will continue to use and encourages me to be more active. I used to spend lots of time moping around at home but now I think I can just pop out on my bike. Having transport, being mobile and being able to go here and there is good. I can do what I want quickly without having to put things off”
Serena, a participant in our project for people with severe mental illness