Ride Rochdale ready to show cycling is for everyone

Double Olympic gold medal-winning and World Champion cyclist Joanna Rowsell Shand MBE is supporting Ride Rochdale

The benefits of cycling for people with disabilities will be highlighted at Kingsway Sports Centre in Rochdale this month when the 'Ride Rochdale' accessible cycling day is staged.

Final preparations are underway for the event on Sunday 21 May, aimed at giving everyone the opportunity to get on their bike. A wide range of bikes will be available, including three wheelers, bikes that accommodate wheelchair users, arm powered bikes and tandems. Two wheeler bikes will also be available if you want to make it a family and friends ride.

Graeme Hill from Link4Life said he hopes the event will give people who want to try cycling but haven't previously had a suitable bike the chance to give it a go: "Accessible cycling sessions are growing in popularity and what's great is everybody can join in including support workers, family members, brothers and sisters. It's an activity that brings everybody together to share the thrill and challenges of the sport. There will be lots of people around who are very knowledgeable about the sport, including people who can assist you onto the bikes even if it requires a mobility hoist. We want to show that cycling isn't just for those who can sprint up big hills on super-fast bikes, it's for all."

Middleton's double Olympic gold medal-winning and World Champion cyclist Joanna Rowsell Shand MBE is supporting the event, and will meet participants during the morning.

Various safe signposted routes around Kingsway Sports Centre have been designed, to show how cycling is for everyone. National organisation Cycling Projects with Link4Life Rochdale Wheels for All will provide a broad range of accessible bikes for the event, and Ride Rochdale is supported by us.

Mr Hill added: "For people with disabilities cycling offers exercise, fun, mobility and independence. There is a huge variety of cycles and adaptations, but too many are bought without proper advice, so we hope this event will give people a chance to try them out, and experience all that cycling brings with it whether it is speed, movement, fitness opportunities, going places or doing a family activity together."

Rides leave Kingsway Sports Centre every half hour from 10am, with the last ride leaving at 3.30pm. Taking part is free, and no booking is required, just turn up on the day.