Wheels for Wellbeing’s response to the Covid-19 virus situation (last updated Friday 27th March 2020)
We are very sorry to confirm that we are cancelling all our timetabled cycling sessions until further notice. This is in response to global public health advice regarding the new Coronavirus (Covid-19).
We’re doing this with a heavy heart as we understand how important it is to cycle and to meet up with others, and for everybody to have enjoyable exercise in the fresh air. But we all need to do our bit to avoid non-essential travel and contacts, to slow the spread of the virus and to support the health and safety of our participants, staff and volunteers and the wider public.
We will not be running any of our regular drop-in sessions at Herne Hill Velodrome, Croydon Sports Arena or Ladywell Day Centre until further notice, and we will not be running any sessions during the Easter Holidays unless Government advice changes. We are also cancelling all other additional and private sessions.
Our work isn’t stopping entirely, of course! Although all members of the Wheels for Wellbeing team are now working from home (so the best way to contact us is to email info@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk), we are still in contact with one another, with team meetings taking place every Wednesday. Here is our Director Isabelle working from home!
We are currently exploring the possibility of loaning some of our cycles to some groups, individuals or families. Please get in touch if you are interested in borrowing one of our cycles. You would need to have somewhere to store the cycle securely, be able to insure and keep it maintained for the duration of the loan. We are also in contact with Lewisham Council, discussing how we can support their efforts in reaching out and helping isolated residents. We hope to share some ideas to keep fit and cheerful at home; you can find us on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook @Wheels4Well.
We will also continue connecting with Disabled cyclists to ensure their voices are heard by politicians and other decision makers so that cycling conditions improve for everyone.
If you are interested in booking a session for a group when this unusual situation is over, please contact us. We will get back in touch as soon as we are able to start planning the re-opening of our face-to-face activities
We will keep the situation under constant review and will issue further statements as soon as anything changes.
With very warmest wishes and dreams of happy cycling!
From all at Wheels for Wellbeing
5 Comments
I went to Mission Cycles, recently, a disabled trike specialist near Maidstone who let you test ride them. It turned out to be a unit on an industrial estate, and it took us too long finding it and they had gone home.
I can share your experience Richard. I visited Mission Cycles myself (looking for a new trike). I found that it was inaccessible except by car but I called before my visit and they very kindly collected and returned me to the train station.
If it’s any help, they do sell many of their trikes in London shops and they must be able to advise you where. ‘I do appreciate that this may limit the try before you buy’ option.
I have never seen trikes for sale in London, Neil. In the event, a friend suggested getting one online, so as to get exactly what I need (light frame, foldable, baskests, etc.). To our surprise, it turned up in boxes marked ‘For Professional Assembly,’ and with a puncture. Further confusion was caused by the fact that there are at least three different cycle shops along the Brighton Road. When I collected the completed tricycle, I pushed it a long way to a tram stop because I have no recent road cycling experience. The trams refused to allow the trike aboard, even tho there was plenty of space, and I explained that it was foldable, and even when I explained to some passing supervisors that there would be dangers trying to get it home otherwise. This resulted in a hair-raising journey home in the rain. I can see no reason why the trike could not be allowed aboard at the drivers’ discretion, and sympathise with a view I have heard from Wheels for Wellbeing re cycles being recognised as a disabled aid.
I’m a stroke survivor with limited mobility on my right side. I initially tried a conventional trike but felt unstable on it. I then tried a recumbent trike and loved it. You’re vulnerable, so it’s recommended to stick to parks and quiet roads. My trike is a ICE Adventure HD. I feel very stable and I’ve got up to some hair-raising speeds on it. I can thoroughly recommend them.
I’m a disabled stroke survivor and proud owner of an ICE Adventure HD trike. After several years of investigation, I found a cycle shop in Marlow called Saddle Safari which is an ICE dealer and managed by a keen club cyclist who’s also disabled. They are welcoming and empathetic to the needs of the disabled cyclist and can highly recommend them.
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