We understand the positive impact that physical activity has on people’s physical, mental, and social health, and it’s the mission of our Wellbeing team to provide support and access to a wide range of programmes to ensure that everyone, regardless of their age, ability or any challenges they face, can become more active. 

Enter our All-Ability Cycles, a fleet of adapted bikes that are designed to make cycling accessible for everyone. Although available for anyone to hire, the bikes are primarily aimed at people who have disabilities that make riding a standard bike challenging, including anyone with balance and coordination issues, visual impairment or mobility difficulties.

We met up with Ella from our Wellbeing team to find out more about the All-Ability Cycle programme and how people can get involved.    

What is your position within Live Active?

All-Ability Cycle Co-ordinator

How long have you worked for Live Active?

Just under 6 years

Do you take part in any sports or activities?

I do triathlon so all the cycling in my day job really helps. And I love a run around the North Inch a few times. I've not been tempted to jump in the Tay for a swim on my lunch breaks yet though!

What do you love most about your job?

I work on the beautiful North Inch and get to cycle all day with a range of different people - what's NOT to love? One of the best parts is when someone who was nervous comes back and can't stop smiling at the fun they've had. I love that. Or when someone discovers they CAN cycle one of the bikes when they didn't think they ever could. 

Tell us more about the All-Ability Cycle programme

The programme provides a range of adapted bikes to help and encourage people of all abilities to cycle. Whether it’s a physical, mental or confidence issue – I can provide the support and the right bike to get you cycling. The programme offers leisurely cycles you can do yourself, with a loved one, friend or carer and I can also teach you how to cycle. I also have adapted children’s bikes that can be used by local schools or by families coming down to the North Inch.

Who can benefit from All-Ability Cycling?

Genuinely every single person. The range of people who come to the programme are endless. From people who have never been on a bike and never believed they could, to people who used to race and now have a disability that requires a specific type of bike. I have children as young as 8 to people in their 80’s coming to the programme and using the different bikes I have.  

What sort of bikes do you have in the fleet?

I have your standard 2-wheel bikes, e-bikes, trikes, e-trikes, a hand bike, semi-recumbent bike, an electric assisted wheelchair bike, side-by-side bikes (which are by far the most popular) and 6 adapted children’s bikes.

What sort of positive impact have you seen the bikes have on people’s lives?

Everyone knows physical activity improves your life and cycling is just that. When someone can no longer walk for a distance due to having medical conditions but they can ride round the North Inch four times (in all types of weather!) it’s very clear how the bikes are benefiting both their physical and mental health. For many of the users of the programme the bikes are the only activity they can do. And the fact they get so many people smiling back at them and saying hi on the Inch really adds to that as well.

Are there any exciting new additions to the All-Ability Cycling programme coming up in 2024?

It took a long time to get the children’s bikes so I am very excited to get into the schools with them and showcase that no one needs to be missing out when it comes to cycling. I’m also hoping to partner up with some of the local GP surgeries and physios to offer sessions. Lastly, I’m a very strong advocate for women cycling and understand the many fears you can have, so I am looking at doing some more women only sessions to encourage more ladies onto bikes.

When and where do the All-Ability Cycle sessions take place?

The programme is based out of Bell’s Sports Centre where the bikes are currently kept and the route is typically round the North Inch, although I do have other options available. With it being an outdoor activity it is seasonal – I typically open up again at the end of March and will be open Monday to Friday. There will be weekend sessions available in the summer too.

How can people find out more and book a session?

Emailing myself is the best way to get in contact – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If I am out cycling with someone I don’t answer my phone as my attention is fully on that person or that group. You can contact the lovely ladies at the Bell’s Sports Centre reception who will pass your details on to me and I will get back in touch with you.

Are there any other ways people can get involved in the programme?

I am always looking for volunteers. There are many people who come and need someone to cycle with them and obviously I can only cycle with one person at a time. It’s honestly not a hard role – you just need to be able to talk and listen to people.