All-Ability Bikes: Cycling for Everyone at the North Inch
At the North Inch in Perth, just outside Bell’s Sports Centre, a fleet of adapted bikes is making a real difference to the people who use them.
Connor Ireland, Wellbeing Coordinator at Live Active Leisure, oversees the All-Ability Bikes programme and is passionate about what it offers to the local community.
What are the All-Ability Bikes?
The bikes are a collection of specially adapted cycles available for anyone who finds cycling difficult or challenging – whether due to age, confidence, disability, or a lack of suitable equipment or support. Regular visitors include people from care homes and residential homes, as well as those with additional support needs, but everyone is welcome.
The fleet includes electric trikes and bikes, wheelchair bikes, hand-pedalled trikes, side-by-side trikes, semi-recumbent bikes, and more, so most people can find something that works for them. For many riders, finding the right bike is key to building confidence.
Grace, who has been attending for around three years, uses a tricycle to support her balance. “I love the bikes because it gives me freedom from my walking sticks,” she says. “I use them on Tuesday and Thursday. Brilliant time when I am on the bikes.”
The feedback is consistently positive. “We never have anyone come off the bikes and leave in a bad mood,” says Connor. “Everyone’s having a great time.”
Why cycling matters for mobility
For many riders, the All-Ability Bikes aren’t just a fun outing, they’re an important way to exercise. A lot of people struggle with weight-bearing activity due to joint or mobility issues, and that’s where adapted cycling makes a real difference.
Connor explains: “Once they get on a bike, all the weight’s taken off their ankles, off their joints and they find it so much easier to get out and exercise. I’m just so glad we can provide a different alternative for them.”
Grace agrees, adding: “Most definitely. I think they are brilliant and I am out in the fresh air and am exercising my legs.”
A breath of fresh air
Beyond the physical benefits, there’s something uplifting about getting outdoors at the North Inch. With plenty of wildlife and fresh air, it’s a welcome escape from urban life, particularly for people in care or residential housing, for whom a session on the bikes can be a real highlight of the week.
Fiona, who has been involved with the project for around ten years, highlights the social and environmental benefits. “I love the All Ability cycling because it is outside in the fresh air and we meet lots of people with their dogs,” she says. “It is also on a reasonably flat park area with the cycle and walkway encircling the park.”
She now rides an electric tricycle to support balance, often attending once or twice a week. Her connection to the programme goes back to its early days. “I firstly came as a volunteer with young adults from Giraffe and then never left,” she explains.
Fiona believes the bikes can benefit a wide range of people. “I would recommend them to other people of all abilities as there are many bikes available to suit most people’s needs.” She also praises the support behind the scenes, adding: “Connor does an excellent job organising the cycling and looking after all the bikes. He is very approachable and friendly towards anyone enquiring about cycling and his enthusiasm is just great to see.”
How to book
To book an All Ability Cycling session or to ask any questions relating to the suitability of the bikes, please contact Connor at [email protected]
