BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
British Cycling has reported that its inclusive cycling programme, Limitless, has now helped 5,551 disabled people to get cycling, with most participants reporting improvements in their mental and physical health and sense of purpose.
According to British Cycling, now over two years into the Limitless programme, it has exceeded its initial four-year target for number of participants, making cycling more accessible to thousands of disabled people, changing the lives of participants across the UK.
The “internationally recognised programme,” provides cycling opportunities for disabled people, regardless of age, impairment and ability. It allows many clubs and organisations up and down the country to connect communities through cycling, reduce social isolation and improve the health and wellbeing of disabled people.
British Cycling research has found over 75% of riders feel their physical health has improved because of the programme, with another 82% feeling their mental health has improved by being a member of a Limitless Club.
One of those people is Casey, an adaptive mountain bike rider and part of The Cornwall Bicycle Project; a Limitless Focus Club that is supporting participants with a wide range of impairments to enjoy the positive benefits that cycling can bring.
Casey said: “Limitless means opportunity for everyone, it doesn’t matter what ability or if they’ve got a disability. Even if they’ve got a different disability, it’s nice to meet other people who are going through a similar thing. It’s nice to have found this tribe of people.”
A new video tells several powerful accounts from people who have benefited directly from Limitless and highlights the impact it has had on people’s lives whether they are a rider, a coach, a volunteer or a parent or guardian.
Joe is a tandem pilot at Herne Hill Velodrome, just one of many Limitless venues who run sessions for people with a range of disabilities up and down the country. Joe himself plays a key role in enabling participation for visually impaired riders
Joe said, “Inclusion in cycling means spending time with my friends. We spend time with each other at the track and outside the track. I do it because I enjoy it. Track is a big passion of mine, and making it available to everyone is really important”
The success of the Limitless programme has been driven by the work of volunteers and coaches, allowing sessions to take place. Across the country, volunteers are helping to create opportunities for disabled riders and ensure cycling is accessible to all.
Over 600 volunteers now support Limitless, who are the driving force behind the programme. Over 1000 coaches have now also engaged with our learning resources available to those interested in hosting sessions.
By creating a safe and supportive environment, 85% of riders have said that Limitless has improved their cycling confidence, while 70% say Limitless gives them a strong sense of purpose.
Flick is a volunteer at Limited Edition Cycling Club in Greenwich, which runs a variety of weekly sessions specifically for disabled riders of all ages. She said, “I get a real sense of satisfaction seeing people achieve things they didn’t think were possible, seeing people enjoying themselves, getting a bit of independence and having fun.”
Limitless continues to build a community of disabled riders who really feel that cycling is a sport where they can thrive. By collaborating with clubs, we are ensuring sustainability of disability inclusive opportunities.
Regardless of a person’s ability, bank balance or postcode, they should be able to engage in cycling and feel the mental and physical health benefits that come with it.
Limitless has showcased a significant impact in breaking down the barriers that prevent disabled people from engaging in the sport, enabling more people to connect with their communities and learn new skills.
A core aspect of British Cycling’s strategy is to tackle inequalities through creating opportunities. We are proud of the impact that Limitless has had and will continue to support the clubs, volunteers and participants who are the early adopters of the programme – Sport and Participation Director, Amy Gardner
With the support of our Official Partner, Shell UK, Limitless Focus Clubs can access dedicated funding to break down barriers to participation for disabled riders. Funding can be used towards the purchase of adaptive equipment, maintenance and storage, along with education costs for aspiring coaches and volunteers.
Thanks to this support, we have seen 46% of Limitless Focus Clubs report an increase in the number of riders participating, and a 23% increase in their volunteer workforce.
Parminder Kohli, Shell UK Country Chair, added,
“The stories emerging from the Limitless programme are deeply moving. They speak to the resilience, joy and connection that cycling can bring. At Shell UK, we are honoured to support this incredible initiative that is changing lives and redefining what inclusion in sport truly means.”
Clubs, groups and other organisations (such as charities and schools) can begin the process of joining the programme at any time by contacting [clubs@britishcycling.org.uk]. For participants and parents looking to find a Limitless club in your area, you can find a full list and further information on the British Cycling website.
