Roots to Wellbeing Harlow
Inclusive Cycling Around the Neighbourhood
In partnership with Lee Valley Cycles, Roots to Wellbeing have developed an Inclusive Cycling Around the Neighbourhood project, to encourage cycling in the local community.
The project aimed to address the needs of families in the area that had limited or no access to cycling equipment or facilities to ride. The project also highlighted that there was a need for inclusive cycling programmes, especially for children with autism and balance issues.
Roots to Wellbeing have built a team of volunteers and also a sustainable infrastructure for cycles to be donated, repaired and serviced and then delivered to families in the area.
Supported through the Active Essex Find Your Active small grants programme, along with funding from the Essex Cycle Grant, Roots To Wellbeing held an event specifically for inclusive cycling - ICAN. The event was held at EXL driving school in Harlow providing providing an enclosed, flat surface to enable people to practice basic bike skills in a safe environment.
With the support of a local Autism charity and due to the success of the initial event, Roots To Wellbeing were able to extend their offer with bookable sessions for children and adults to gain confidence in riding a bike without assistance. Important lessons were learnt from this that will help to develop the project in terms of a need for inclusive training, equipment and provisions.
Since its conception, Roots to Wellbeing have made important strides in identifying challenges for families living in priority neighbourhoods, as well as those who have SEN children. Together with their partners, this has enabled them to plan for the future and find a way to make cycling inclusive and enjoyable for all.
