‘Bikeability scheme got me cycling again’
A WOMAN who was reluctant to get back on her bicycle after a stroke has regained her confidence after joining an adult cycle skills class.
Sandra Robilliard said that after her stroke she tried cycling a couple of times but had not felt comfortable and that made her feel even less confident.
She had even seriously considered selling her bike.
But after joining Bikeability and thanks to the positive feedback she received from her instructor, she discovered she had not forgotten her cycling skills.
Bikeability is a joint initiative between the States of Guernsey’s Traffic and Highways Services and the Health Improvement Commission.
Miss Robilliard has had spinal problems for several years and nerve damage has led to difficulties moving her feet and the need to wear foot braces.
That meant she had difficulty going on tip-toe when stationary on the bike.
‘[My instructor] Euan taught me a different technique for setting off and stopping, and by the time we’d completed our practice I was already feeling much more confident about this,’ she said.
‘The use of the gears and motor – I have an e-bike – came back very naturally. It’s true what they say – you never forget how to ride a bicycle.’
After her experience with Bikeability she said it was now a case of building up her confidence again and doing some more practice with hand signals.
‘My plan is to go out on my bike again at the earliest opportunity so I keep up the momentum with this now.’
Cycling will help her get fitter and assist with her continued stroke recovery, said Miss Robilliard, especially since her leg braces mean that walking is not such an effective form of exercise.
‘I used to love cycling – and the cycling class enabled me to see I can still enjoy it despite my challenges.
‘I am looking forward to lots more cycling adventures.’
But she said that she did not mean that anyone who had a stroke should take up cycling. Everyone’s journey would be different.
n Anyone interested in taking a Bikeability course, which will be tailored to individual needs and are currently free of charge due to funding from the Health Improvement Commission, should email bikeability@gov.gg to sign up.
