We love cycles and we love people’s cycle stories. Our Staff and Trustees share our passion, and we wanted to share it with you too! Our Cycle Stories is a new blog series devoted to introducing you to our wonderful team, and the diverse and varied ways that cycling has become an enriching part of their lives.

What is your name, and what do you do at Wheels for Wellbeing? 

Kay Inckle, Campaigns and Policy Manager.  

What has been your career trajectory; how did you come to end up working at WfW? 

I guess I have what is called these days a “portfolio career” – although not always by choice. I’ve worked in supported housing and mental health, I’ve been an academic and a youth advocate, a freelance researcher and now Campaigns and Policy Manager at Wheels for Wellbeing.  

I think if there is one thing that links all the different roles I’ve had it’s a belief in social justice and social change. I’ve just published my first novel, titled “Overspill”, a cli-fi (Climate-Fiction!) thriller which I’m hoping is the first published novel to feature handcycling!  

Do you use a cycle? What/how/where? 

I use a DaVinci e-assist clip-on handcycle and I cycle everywhere I can. I do own a car, but I’m an environmentalist and really try and limit my use of it. In addition, it’s not that easy to get the wheelchair in (I have to take off the wheels and lift it over me onto the passenger seat) and added to the difficulties in parking (even with a Blue Badge) cycling is often much easier.  

I also love being outdoors and the physical activity of cycling. I cycle to my local pool and swim 2km five mornings a week (including before work) and I love cycling through the parks or along the river Mersey and experiencing the changing seasons.

I also enjoy cycling holidays in North Wales and the Scottish Highlands and I was very pleased to complete the Ride London 30 miler raising money for Wheels for Wellbeing last year.   

What does cycling mean to you, and your overall wellbeing? 

Cycling has always provided essential transport and pain-free mobility for me. It’s also the joy of autonomous mobility that is rare as a Disabled person, given how inaccessible most transport remains. It also provides access to the outdoors and nature, which is so important to my mental health and wellbeing.

Three years ago I was without a cycle after my Stricker handcycle attachment died and I was waiting for my replacement Da Vinci to arrive, and it was absolutely devastating not being able to get out and about. I could drive, sure, but I couldn’t go through the parks or along the river or experience the joy of powering myself along with my own body. It felt a bit like lockdown all over again.   

Do you have a favourite session, route, or adventure? 

Some of my favourite routes include Prestatyn to Rhyl along the sea front, around the Great Orm in Llandudno, the Waterford Greenway in Ireland, through the parks or along the Mersey in Liverpool.

I have also had some incredibly memorable cycle rides in the Cairngorms, including Newtonmore to Dalwhinnie via the “Centre of Scotland Stone”. 

Is there anything that you think WfW does better than anyone else? 

I feel really privileged to work with an amazing Campaigns and Policy Team. My colleagues are talented, creative, problem-solvers and change-makers and I’m really proud of our impact.

I think what is unique about us is that we are run by and for Disabled people, and while it’s impossible for one person, team, or organisation to experience every inequality or injustice in the world, our own experiences give us the principles and determination to solve even complex accessibility and inclusion issues for everyone.   

If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change in #ActiveTravel #InclusiveCycling to benefit Disabled people, their mobility, and their wellbeing?  

I’d give every Disabled person (who wants one) their perfect cycle and somewhere safe and accessible to store it.