'Bikes Not Barriers' comes to Leeds for the first time
Published on: 20th September 2011
Leeds is to hold the first festival of disability cycling this September.
On 23 and 24 September, Leeds City Council and Get Cycling will hold the 'Bikes not Barriers' event at the John Charles Centre for sport.
This is a fun event aimed at encouraging people with disabilities, whether they are major or minor, to give cycling a go. With over 100 adapted cycles to ride there will be something for everyone.
The event has just been awarded the Inspire mark by the London 2012 Inspire Programme, with the presentation of the mark happening on Saturday 24 September.
Jim McGurn chief executive of Get Cycling says:
“Cycling combines fun, variety, practicality and exercise. In other words, you can have a great time getting where you need to be, under your own steam, and keep fit in the process.
"Those with learning difficulties can enjoy mastering a new skill, and enjoy practical benefits. And cycling can make a phenomenal difference to a disabled person's physical and mental development. It offers a magical combination of independence, individual challenge and just plain fun. It also teaches co-ordination and promotes strength, stamina and general health.”
“Cycling is an activity all the family can join in with, by getting a disabled person cycling it can allow the whole family to go on days out or just a ride together.”
Councillor Keith Wakefield, leader of Leeds City Council said:
“The show will be a fantastic and fun opportunity to have a go on a range of wonderful and varied cycles.
“Cycling is a great way of keeping healthy and getting out and about.”
The event isn’t just for people with disabilities but also for their families and carers. There will be a variety of other activities including face painting, inflatables, and entertainment from local youth organisations. Other disability sports including rugby league and basketball will also be giving out information about their sports.
The Bikes Not Barriers Festival of Disability Cycling has just been granted the Inspire Mark by the London 2012 Inspire programme.
Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games commented:
"The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like the Bikes Not Barriers Festival of Disability Cycling are enabling people in Leeds and Nottingham to make positive life changes."
