The Wheels For You initiative, which has been running for about 18 months, aims to make cycling accessible to everyone. It has just increased its popular fortnightly cycle sessions to weekly, having acquired a second outdoor venue, at The Track in Victoria Avenue.
Only Fools and Donkeys – the island’s fundraising cyclists – has been a long-term supporter of its work.
Having previously purchased three adapted bikes for its users to enjoy, it has now gifted a bike trailer – allowing the Wheels For You team to transport the multiple bikes with ease.
‘Transporting our tricycles to various events or venues has so far been very time-consuming,’ said Ian Brown, co-founder of Wheels For You.
‘The new trailer can fit up to four bikes at a time, depending which ones we take, which makes a huge difference.
‘There are still plenty of people who have not had the opportunity to try the bikes.
‘Having the trailer gives us the opportunity to not only run our weekly sessions but attend events like the Parkinson’s Awareness Day and carry out more outreach work with charities, community groups and residential homes.’
The trailer has been sponsored by Butterfield.
Only Fools and Donkeys board member Jim Smart said helping hard-working and deserving charities, such as Wheels For You, was always a humbling experience.
‘It’s one of those charities that helps a wide variety of people,’ he said.
‘From young children who are extremely autistic who love the sensory feeling of being on a bike with the wind in their hair, to adults who aren’t so mobile, or who are visually impaired, who suddenly get to experience the joy of riding again, with someone alongside. It gives me goosebumps.
‘All the effort you put in for training and doing our long rides is worth it when you get to come back and see how much enjoyment the money you’ve helped raise gives to the people that receive it. It’s really humbling.’
Only Fools and Donkeys are gearing up for their sixth fundraising expedition around France, Belgium and Holland in June.
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