PAL Fitness is launching taster sessions across the summer at Evesham Velo Park delivering inclusive cycling sessions in partnership with Goals Beyond Grass. The project will use Velo Park’s state-of-the-art track to deliver sessions at a discounted rate, helping to make cycling more inclusive for people with less mobility or a disability that would find cycling with a two-wheeled bike less accessible.
Their upcoming dates are 9th August, 16th August and 23rd August, 10 am-12 pm.
PAL Fitness are recognised, experienced fitness professionals operating within the West Midlands since 2020, delivering a variety of activities to the community with an aim to promote health and improve functional fitness levels. They aim to reach children and adults with disabilities in Wychavon and the surrounding areas, including SEND schools, youth clubs, People in Supported Living, Adult Day Centres and Care Homes.
They want to raise awareness of the accessibility issues surrounding cycling, educating the public about disability rights and the need for equal opportunities in sports and recreational activities. The programme’s bikes can be adapted to various abilities and need to suit the participant and will aim to empower through the sense of accomplishment associated with cycling.
The project aims to benefit individuals by boosting physical health and fitness, fostering social interaction and community engagement, and giving individuals a place to develop a support network and meet new friends.
Other benefits include:
- Increased Independence: For individuals with mobility challenges or disabilities, cycling can offer a sense of independence and freedom. Access to adapted cycles or specialised equipment empowers people to explore their surroundings and engage in activities they might not have otherwise been able to participate.
- Therapeutic Benefits: Cycling can have therapeutic effects for individuals with certain physical or cognitive challenges. It can aid in rehabilitation and help manage health conditions.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Regular participation in inclusive cycling can lead to an improved overall quality of life. It offers enjoyable recreational opportunities and helps people feel more connected to their community.
Sue Bentley – PAL Fitness & Education CIC said: “We are really excited to confirm these dates for our inclusive cycling sessions over the summer, with more to follow in September and October.
This is a project which I have seen first-hand and the team at PAL are working hard to ensure we can create sustainable inclusive cycling sessions in Evesham for people from Wychavon and the surrounding areas to benefit from.
The cycling sessions are currently delivering in partnership with Goals Beyond Grass, who bring their specialised equipment and expertise having delivered inclusive cycling in Gloucestershire for several years now.
We hope to reach people of all ages and create an inclusive cycling environment for everyone based at the Velo Park in Evesham, which is a state of the art facility.”
Brian Dix – Goals Beyond Grass said: “We have worked with PAL Fitness Education for several months, delivering taster sessions in Evesham to see if there is a demand for inclusive cycling sessions.
The uptake and interest have been really good and the track is a fantastic cycling facility so we are delighted to be working alongside PAL to create a long term inclusive cycling project which can benefit their local community like it has in Gloucestershire to date.”
