Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) – in partnership with leading accessible cycling charity, Wheels for All – is seeking three organisations in GM to benefit from a specialist ‘Bike Buddy’ programme.
The ‘Bike Buddy’ programme aims to give disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and older-aged people the confidence and skills to use adapted cycles as part of their everyday lives, to keep active and to get around their communities – right from their front door or from the settings of their support organisation.
As part of the programme, Wheels for All also provide training and mentoring to the organisations, equipping them with the skills to go on encouraging and enabling cycling amongst the individuals within their care in the long-term.
Organisations and charities across GM that are interested in being involved in the programme need to submit an Expression of Interest by Friday 21st October 2022.
Dame Sarah Storey, Greater Manchester’s Active Travel Commissioner, said: “Wheels for All have been delivering opportunities to help people with disabilities and long-term health conditions to gain access to cycling in Greater Manchester for several years, so the announcement of the Bike Buddy partnership is a new and exciting step for the region.
“The health and well-being benefits of cycling and spending time outside must be available to everyone and the Bee Network is being built to be accessible for everyone too. It is therefore vital that opportunities to access cycling are provided to help break down past barriers that are often faced by people who need a non-standard cycle and additional support.
“Bike Buddy is an exciting programme with huge potential for positive and long-lasting impact, so I’d like to encourage all organisations and groups that may benefit from this programme to please submit an expression of interest.”
Wheels for All is the UK’s leading cycling charity which promotes inclusive cycling through a range of successful programmes that give people the opportunity to cycle on a regular basis through offering adapted cycles, support and guidance in fun and safe environments.
Caroline Powrie, Bike Buddy Coordinator at Wheels for All in Greater Manchester, said: “We are immensely grateful to Transport for Greater Manchester for their commitment to and enthusiasm about this project. We are looking to partner with up to three organisations from across Greater Manchester to enable their staff, volunteers and participants to embrace cycling as a regular activity for everyone to enjoy.
“Cycling is a fantastic leisure activity for all ages. It gets people out and about in all kinds of different environments and is brilliant for improving overall fitness, raising levels of activity generally, and boosting your overall mental health and wellbeing. We’re passionate about encouraging all kinds of people in every circumstance, age and ability to get on a cycle and have fun.”
The three chosen organisations will receive support that includes:
•A fleet of adapted cycles (tricycles, recumbents, and hand cycles)
•Helmets and Hi Viz vests
•Lock and lights
•Cycle training
•Route planning
•Buddy support and participant mentoring
•Maintenance support packages.
The programme has received £145,000 of funding from TfGM and will be reviewed after 12 months.
To submit an Expression of Interest for this programme, please go to https://wheelsforall.org.uk/latest-news/welcome-to-greater-manchester-bike-buddy-project.
