…you’ll find cycling adventures for all!
Gloucestershire Wheels for All have teamed up with Pedalabikeaway to offer an inclusive cycling experience in the heart of the Forest of Dean. The Family Cycle activity runs every Wednesday of the school holidays from 11 – 4 and the 1st Wednesday of the month during term time. With a wide range of adapted bicycles available and plenty of additional bikes for family and friends to hire, there is something for everyone. So head to the Forest, grab your bike and enjoy an inclusive cycle round the picturesque family trail.
Active Impact share with you some useful information to help you to make the most of your trip.
Do you have to pay for parking?
On arrival at Pedalabikeaway, collect a free parking permit from the Gloucestershire Wheels for All volunteers to put in your car. If this permit is on show, you won’t have to pay for parking.
What adapted bikes are available?
There are a wide range of riders, recumbent trikes, hand cycles, side by side quads and platform bikes (to give people the experience of cycling from the comfort of their own chair) to try out. You can try more than one style during your visit.
How much does it cost?
It costs £5 for adapted cycle users. Parents/carers are free.
Can you bring your own bikes?
You are welcome to bring your own bikes and trikes or you can hire standard bikes, tandems and trailers from Pedalabikeaway.
Will there be someone on hand to explain everything?
The Gloucestershire Wheels for All team will be waiting at the start of the Family Trail to meet you and explain everything you need to know about the adapted bicycles available.
What is the trail like?
The Family Cycle Trail is shorter, flatter and wider than the main trails so it is easier to access and ideal for families with disabled children.
What facilities are on offer?
There is a cafe selling hot and cold drinks, food, snacks and cakes. There are toilets, a shower and a Changing Places facility on site.
What should I bring with me?
We suggest you pack light weight rain protection as the weather can change quickly. Sunscreen, insect repellent and a first aid kit are also top of our list for any scrapes or insect bites during the day.
How can I share my experience?
On the day you can share how your experience of cycling through the Forest made you feel by using the big Emoji board on site. You can also share you pictures and stories with Gloucestershire Wheels for All on Facebook.
Nicole and Megan (10) recently visited the Forest of Dean to try the adapted bikes on the Family Cycle Trail and kindly sent us their review.
“Deep in the beautiful green glades of the Forest of Dean is a buzzing bicycle centre with bike hire, trails and a cafe. When we arrived we were warmly welcomed and offered a choices of bikes to try out. The team are very encouraging! We needed something that was stable and offered side by side riding to build Meg’s confidence. After a quick chat about route options and some positive encouragement, we were off! Meg finds it challenging to feel unbalanced or to be going at speed so we took it easy. The terrain is rougher than when we ride at the athletics track but pretty soon she was able to relax and enjoy the experience. Arriving back after a 20 – 30 minute cycle round the Family Trail, the volunteer told Meg that the huge smile on her face “made his day!” After a short break, we changed bikes and went off for a second go. We would highly recommend this for families who might otherwise not be able to include everyone in a family bike ride.”
Gloucestershire Wheels for All at Pedalabikeaway
Wednesday 14 August 11 – 4: Teddy Bears Picnic (bring your own cuddly companion to cycle with you)
Wednesday 21 August 11 – 4: Scavenger Hunt along the Family Cycle Trail
Wednesday 28 August 11 – 4: End of Summer Holidays cycle party
In addition to the holiday programme it is open on the first Wednesday of every month.
Gloucestershire Wheels for All at Blackbridge Jubilee Athletics Track
Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays
To find out more:
Call Mary-Clare on 07393 867572
Email: gloucestershirewheelsforall@leonardcheshire.org
Facebook: Gloucestershire Wheels for All
