Pedal People: accessible Cycle Rides

We are a small, independent Brighton charity, offering accessible Cycle Rides in Brighton and Hove, for elders living in care plus anyone of any age with disability or health needs

We offer two different, quality-of-life transformative services:

1. Elder Care Home Rides.
Crewed by our team of trained Volunteer Cycle-Pilots.

2. All-Ages Accessible Rides.
For anyone with disability or health needs. We train carers/friends/family to cycle-pilot these.

From our sea-container base on Brighton’s seafront, we put out over 4000 rides per year, operating year-round. We are a unique UK example in terms of seafront, city-centre and in-community (not tucked on outskirts) accessible cycle rides.

Our specialist trikes are all adaptable and suitable for complex needs: electric-assist, seating 2-4 people, with pedal and non-pedal options. They enable, often for first time, riding together.

The trikes are distinctive and highly engaging to both users and the wider community; they draw positive attention from passers-by, bringing vital community connection.  Interactions, smiles, waves, meeting children and dogs – all add richness to the unique ride experience. Rides literally bring participants ‘back into view’ and back into meaningful interaction with community. Participants and carers tell us they feel noticed, connected, happier and valued during and after rides.

Need we are addressing

• Lack of community-based, outdoor activity for people living with disability and/or in care.

• Decline in health through lack of stimulation, isolation and depression.

• 82% our participants reported our rides are their ONLY outdoor activity.

The difference it makes

Rides are transformative for participants, families and carers.

Outdoor activity and community connection are proven elements for quality-of-life and health. Pedal People rides enable people with limited or no access this vital outdoor activity, regularly, expanding worlds, improving health and dramatically enhancing quality-of-life.  They are a therapeutic, stimulating physical activity that combats effects of sedentary and isolated living.

Riding out along the seafront and in Brighton and Hove’s parks mean that passers-by interact positively, adding community connection to all.  This aids systemic inclusion, reinforcing that disabled lives are not peripheral.

Our anonymous survey data highlight the consistent high-quality, life-transforming impact of cycle rides with us:

“Pedal people are a highlight of the week at our home. They absolutely love it. The team are so kind and considerate treating each person with dignity and respect”.

“This is the first outdoor activity that our disabled son has been able to access in the last 12 years.”

“I feel back in the land of the living.”

“Fabulous to feel the wind in your hair!”

“With limited mobility it is so good to be able to get out in the fresh air and expend some energy in attractive surroundings and be made welcome.”

My Dad age 87 with Alzheimer’s, really enjoys the rides and was able to be a part of the local community with dignity and people smiling at him.

For my daughter and I it is such fun to cycle together as equals!

For more information, how to get involved and how to support us, please visit our website www.pedalpeople.org.uk