Earlier this month, English former Olympic cyclist, Chair of Sport England, Active Travel England Commissioner and Wheels for All Patron – Chris Boardman CBE addressed a sold-out crowd at the North East’s first Accessible Cycling Conference. The event, jointly hosted by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, and charities Rise and Wheels For All, brought together people with lived experience and partners from across the region to explore how people with disabilities and long-term health conditions can continue to be active through cycling.
Data from the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust shows that, each year in the North East, walking and cycling prevent 4,987 serious long term health conditions and generate £1.57 billion in economic benefit for individuals and the region.
The conference, held at the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art in Gateshead, marked a milestone in the region’s mission to make cycling accessible to all. Featuring cross-sector discussions on best practice, the need for more accessible cycling provision and the importance of removing barriers across the region, attendees also took part in workshops and experienced adapted cycles first-hand.
Speaking on the success of the event, Rise CEO, Clare Morley said, “We’re committed to ensuring that cycling in the North East is truly accessible to all. Through collaboration with partners and involving people with lived experience, we want to unlock the huge benefits to individuals and communities. This conference marks a key moment to ensure that accessible cycling is firmly on the agenda for authorities and decision makers across the region.”
Councillor Ferguson, Cabinet Member for Transport at the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority, added: “My own experiences of cycling started, as it does for many people, learning to ride a bike as a child with my dad. But we know that for many people, cycling still doesn’t feel accessible, realistic or welcoming. Routes to getting started, let alone keeping going, with cycling, can be complicated or challenging.
“Cycling not only provides health benefits: it also opens up new opportunities, connects people and brings enjoyment. We want everyone to have the opportunity to experience those benefits.
“We already have some fantastic examples of really positive work going on across the region, but we need to keep developing more accessible and inclusive cycling infrastructure, opportunities and support.
“The conference has been a fantastic way for people and organisations to come together to understand and explore how we can make a difference. Thank you to everyone who took part.”
Ian Tierney, from Wheels for All, said “We want to work with all partners across the region including social care, leisure, public health, and active travel to ensure that there is quality inclusive cycling provision in every local authority across the North East. It is vital that every person gets the opportunity to be active in their local settings on a regular basis and access to a quality service utilising adapted cycles with trained staff and volunteers will be key to the success of the regional being accessible to all”.
A pledge to work to make sure people across the North East can cycle, regardless of ability was signed by 85 attendees, including from organisations and people with lived experienced across the region.