Pompey Pedals is Pompey in the Communityโs (PitC) inclusive cycling project which has been relaunched following the reduction in government restrictions as we come out of lockdown. The aim of the project is to engage adults and children with disabilities and differing needs in a quality cycling activity that is socially, physically and mentally stimulating. It will enable mixed groups and families to share the experience of cycling together using regular and specially adapted bikes and equipment. Unlike most other schemes, PitCโs is free for all users.
The project has been running successfully for the last four years and was formerly known as WheelsForAll, but has been relaunched with funding from the Places to Ride Fund from British Cycling and Return to Play Fund from Sport England. Participants can access the specially adapted bikes and equipment at two sites in Portsmouth:
Bransbury Park on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9.15am โ 12.30pm
Mountbatten Centre on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9.15am โ 3.30pm.
The sessions are run by a group of loyal and dedicated volunteers with a main project lead who represents the charity. Some of the volunteers have undergone bike maintenance training and are able to keep the equipment in good working order.
Most participants generally cycle round the parks, but a few groups/individuals/families will take the bikes a little further out, maybe onto the coastal path towards Hilsea Lido or down towards Southsea seafront from Bransbury Park. Many of the users come along with their families or carers who are able to join in either on a separate bike or on one of the twin machines.
There is no need to book to use the bikes, just turn up and get pedalling! If you would like to volunteer to help with the programme, please send your contact details to: [email protected] or call 02392 728899 during office hours Monday to Friday. More volunteers are particularly needed for sessions at Bransbury Park on Mondays and Fridays.
