Sustrans and the Motability Foundation to create London-wide accessible cycle loan scheme
Sustrans, a UK-based walking, wheeling and cycling charity, is working with partners to create a London-wide accessible cycle loan scheme, to provide improved options to travel actively for disabled people across the capital.
Wheels4MeLondon, in collaboration with Wheels for Wellbeing and Peddle My Wheels and funded by the Motability Foundation, will provide free cycle loans for disabled people.
Lisa Jones, Director of Charitable Operations at the Motability Foundation, said: “We’re delighted to award Sustrans, in partnership with Wheels for Wellbeing and Peddle My Wheels with this grant to launch Wheels4MeLondon, a non-standard cycle loan scheme for disabled people in London.
“The project will give disabled people in London greater access to travel and offer the opportunity to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that active travel can provide.
“Awarding grants to established and local organisations like these helps us to make an immediate difference to the transport needs of disabled people.”
Sustrans’ latest Walking and Cycling Index, the largest independent survey of active travel in the UK, found that 27 per cent of disabled people do not cycle but would like to. Further to that, one quarter of all people surveyed said access to a non-standard cycle like a tricycle or a handcycle would help them to cycle more.
Alison Litherland, Head of Behaviour Change and Engagement, London, Sustrans, said: “Everyone should have the right to walk or wheel around their neighbourhoods with ease, independence and confidence.
“We are proud to be working with Wheels for Wellbeing and Peddle My Wheels on the Wheels4MeLondon project as these organisations are experts in increasing opportunities to access cycling in London. Our 2.5-year project, funded by the Motability Foundation, will increase cycling capacity for disabled people and will provide long-term motivation for changing travel behaviours.
“Increasing access to non-standard cycles and tailored training across London will show that accessible cycle loan schemes are possible, practical, and much needed. We are excited to raise awareness around what is possible and inform best practice on how cycle hire can be fully inclusive.”
By increasing access and training for non-standard cycles across London, the charity is working towards creating fully inclusive cycle hire. Through this project, more people will be able to take advantage of the wellbeing and physical health benefits of cycling.
The Wheels4MeLondon scheme will offer free, month long, accessible cycle loans for people across London. The types of cycle available include upright trikes and semi-recumbent trikes, with the fleet to be expanded to other models in the future.
The scheme also includes free delivery, a training session, insurance against theft or damage, and collection when finished. The included cycle training is tailored to meet each individual’s specific needs, which helps to increase travel safety and confidence when travelling in the city.
To ensure that participants receive the right services and cycles, Wheels for Wellbeing will provide consultation sessions to provide essential support and guidance.
Lack of access to a suitable mobility aid can reduce or remove the ability to travel safely and independently for many, says Sustrans. The Disabled Citizens’ Inquiry found that 86 per cent of disabled people across the UK would find it useful for them to walk or wheel more if everyone who requires a mobility aid had financial support and advice to access one to meet their needs.
Alper Muduroglu, Chief Executive Officer, Peddle my Wheels, said: “Peddle My Wheels is thrilled to bring accessible cycling to more Londoners through this vital Motability Foundation-funded initiative. Creating a comprehensive adaptive cycle loan scheme in London has been a long-held ambition.
“Collaborating with two great organisations in Sustrans and Wheels for Wellbeing means this vision is finally becoming a reality.”
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