Cycling

Disability Cycling and Para Cycling

Continued success from the Great Britain’s Paralympic Cycling Team has provided inspiration for riders of all levels of abilities to get involved with disability cycling.

There are opportunities for riders who want to get involved with the sport at a recreational level or for those who have aspirations to compete in para-cycling at an elite or international level.

Hand cyclist cycling at Stoke Mandeville Stadium

Para-cycling was first developed by cyclists with visual impairments who competed on tandem bicycles. Since then the sport has continued to grow and was first introduced to a Paralympic Games in New York in 1984 with road events for athletes with cerebral palsy included for the first time. Further events were added over the course of the next four Paralympic Games, with track cycling making its debut in Atlanta 1996.

“Whether it’s on the track or the road, two wheels or three, para-cycling offers something for everyone who wants to get on a bike.” (British Cycling)

Classification

Para-cycling currently includes individuals with cerebral palsy, visual impairments and physical impairments. Road cyclists compete on handcycles, trikes, tandem bikes or bikes depending on their condition. On the track, cyclists compete on either tandem bikes or bikes.

All individuals with a disability looking for a place to get involved with the sport of cycling, meet new friends, engage in physical activity, rehabilitation etc., look no further.

The HSBC UK British Cycling Disability Cycling Hubs are located across the country to improve access for people with a disability and ensure that those wanting to improve their cycling ability receive the support they need.

These Hubs bring people together on a regular basis to engage in coach-led cycling activity in a traffic free environment. The Hub sessions are organised to offer support and help individuals to improve their fitness, develop technique and build confidence.

The cycling session are delivered by British Cycling’s Go-Ride coaches and other partner organisations, providing opportunities for all-ability cyclists across a wide range of impairments. Each Hub has a range of adapted equipment on site which includes bicycles, tandems, handcycles and trikes, making them accessible to all.

There are currently 12 disability hubs across the United Kingdom:

Visit the British Cycling Limitless website

Who can take part?

The sessions are open to all ability cyclists and include riders with a physical or learning disability. The disability hubs have a range of two-wheeled bikes, hand cycles, trikes and tandems for participants to use and we can provide a pilot rider for anyone with a visual impairment. Family members and friends are also encouraged to get involved with the sessions.

How to take part?

All the sessions are listed on the British Cycling events calendar. Once you find a suitable disability hub session, then please contact the lead coach or the British Cycling Development team for further details. We will go through your requirements as a rider and what you would like to achieve from the disability hub session going forward.

Find a club

If you feel the disability hub sessions are for you or you would just like to find out some further details then email clubs@britishcycling.org.uk

Hand Cycling UK organise regular handcycle taster days that take place over four weekends at Stoke Mandeville Stadium, the first being in April and the last in October.

These ‘Come & Try’ events are run by experienced hand cyclists and qualified coaching staff.  We welcome beginners and those without a bike, keen for another try. On the day we supply hand cycles, coaching and safety gear.  These events are relaxed affairs where you can do as much as you want, it’s about having a go in a fun and safe environment.

Further details about handcycling taster days can be found by having a look at the Hand Cycling UK website.

Visit the Hand Cycling UK website

Find out more about handcycling

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