Wheels for Wellbeing are celebrating 10 years of enhancing disabled people’s lives through the many benefits of cycling with our first Beyond the Bicycle Conference.

With Public Health England finding that not enough is being done to promote cycling and walking and equalities legislation requiring transport professionals to consider the needs of disabled people, our Beyond the Bicycle Conference is perfectly timed. This event offers practical strategies for making cycling more inclusive and increasing numbers of disabled cyclists.

Topics include:

• Promoting inclusive cycling in your area and understanding its benefits
• The importance of recognising cycles as mobility aids
• Making cycling infrastructure inclusive

With investment in cycling increasing, it is imperative that we create an environment that is accessible to all. The world is moving forward. Do not miss this opportunity to make sure that everyone can go along for the ride.

Speakers include:

Will Norman, Walking and Cycling Commissioner
Dr Justin Varney, National Lead for Adult Health & Wellbeing (Healthy People), Public Health England
Rupert Furness, Head of Active and Accessible Transport, Department for Transport
Isabelle Clement, Director, Wheels for Wellbeing
Dr Andrew Boyd, GP and Clinical Lead, Physical Activity, Royal College of GP’s, Clapham Park Group Practice
Dr Rachel Aldred, Senior Lecturer in Transport, University of Westminster and Chair, Policy Forum, London Cycling Campaign

What are the benefits of attending?

• Hear from Public Health England about the health benefits of increased cycle use among disabled people
• Discover innovative, practical solutions to meet the specific needs of disabled cyclists.
• Gain an update from the Department for Transport on their Accessibility Action Plan and the implications for cycling
• Ask your own questions at panel discussions with the Walking and Cycling Commissioner, disabled cyclists, and local government representatives.
• Engage with the transformative relationship between disability and cycling through multimedia including a film and photo exhibition.
• Learn about building a more inclusive cycling strategy in order to reduce inequalities and remove barriers for disabled cyclists.
• Network with other industry professionals in healthcare, transport, disabled people’s organisations, cycling groups and local authorities.
• Gain insight into the barriers that exist and how we can influence the future of infrastructure development to make cycling more accessible for disabled users.
• Celebrate the birthday of a small, local charity with a big impact and enjoy a slice of birthday cake on us!

Who should attend?

This event is targeted at stakeholders who can join in our mission to continue to develop inclusive cycling through better recognition, equipment and infrastructure. This event is aimed at Local Authorities; Transport Professionals; Health Professionals; Disabled people’s organisations and cycling organisations including:

• Physical Activity Leads
• Lifestyle and Wellbeing Leads
• Cycling Officers
• Disability Teams
• Learning Disability Teams
• Mental Health Teams
• Public Health Teams
• Active Travel Teams
• Inclusive Cycling Providers
• Physiotherapists
• Occupational Therapists
• General Practitioners (GPs) and Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs)
• Highway Engineers and Transport Planners
• Town Planners and Architects
• Access Consultants
• Developers
• Cycle Manufacturers
• Anyone who campaigns for or has an interest in inclusive cycling!