Adapted bike charity sees huge rise in demand

Handle-cycle bikes enable those without full use of their legs to explore the forest while platform bikes are used to secure wheelchairs to the back

A charity is experiencing huge demand for its inclusive cycling sessions at which adapted bikes are provided for people with disabilities.

Goals Beyond Grass (GBG) Bikes, based in the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, has been fundraising for eight years to provide expensive adapted bicycles.

The charity is desperate to buy more after seeing the number of participants double since the pandemic, with up to 500 people now taking part each month.

Debbie Cooper-Jones, who medically retired from the military in 2014, said the sessions inject "fun, joy and independence" back into exercise.

Ms Cooper-Jones said she found retirement "confusing and depressing" before discovering recumbent bikes

Ms Cooper-Jones has taken part in numerous triathlons and traversed more than 5,000 miles (805km) with the help of a recumbent bike since joining the charity in 2017.

"After realising I couldn't ride a conventional bike anymore because of my balance and other health issues, it's just been fantastic to find a way to do it again," the 57-year-old said.

"To not be stuck in the mentality of not being able to do something, it's just about finding the right kit to get back into it.

"It brought back that element of fun and joy, just being in nature.

"Making it more accessible for people who might not be able to get into the forest as easily is hugely important," she added.

Zade Luker (L) said the cycling sessions boosted Simon's (R) wellbeing

Another of the adapted bikes on offer is the side-by-side bike, a four-wheeled tandem bicycle which allows riders to share the exertion.

Zade Luker, a day service support worker at the Royal Forest Day Centre for people with learning disabilities, accompanies Simon along his nine-mile (14km) rides through the forest.

"He particularly likes the fast off-roading and the sensory side of things," Mr Luker explained.

"The forest is such a beautiful place to live, with all the flora and fauna. Simon can smell the forest and experience it.

"He gets a lot of sensory stimulation from it."

The couple said the sessions were an opportunity to spend quality time together while getting some gentle exercise

Married couple Kathryn and Roger Bellchamber said the adapted bikes allow them to explore nature without risking their health.

"I come to these sessions because my husband has heart failure and he can't cycle otherwise," said Mrs Bellchamber.

"On this bike, I can do all the work and he can just have a rest."

Mr Bellchamber added: "It's very nerve-wracking with her controlling the brakes and steering near ditches but I can't complain."

The sessions are held every other Wednesday in the Forest of Dean