Initially the project was based at Alice Holt with the Forestry Commission and now operates from within the Community Services Department at East Hampshire District Council offices in Petersfield.  CTC Charitable Trust’s Cycling Development Officer is a partner on the Cycling for All Steering Group and works with other partners to develop the project.

The aim of the group is:-

To provide the opportunity and facilities for access to cycling for all people within and around the East Hampshire District Council Area whatever their age, ability or location and, in so doing, help them to become more physically active, and to improve mental and physical well being.

The objectives are:-

• To create accessible cycling opportunities for all individuals but in particular those that, for whatever reason, are not able or are not likely  to access cycling, through the provision of cycles, cycle  training and cycling facilities in appropriate locations.
• To promote cycling as a means of transport
• To encourage the development of sustainable cycling facilities and activities.

CTC have been an integral part of the Cycling for All Steering Group and have assisted with the development of the project and help and advice with cycling training and are also supportive of the ultimate goal of making cycling available to all.

Additional information about the project.

East Hampshire Disability Forum (EHDF), a partner in the project, is conducting a needs assessment to raise the quality of life and improve the levels of activity of disabled people.  Physical activity opportunities have been identified as greatly lacking in the district.  In addition, the Forum is exploring opportunities for cycling for children with disabilities to increase their independent mobility, using it as a means of transport and to improve fitness and reduce social isolation. This is particularly relevant for those living in rural areas.   

Both South Downs Association for Disabled People (SDAD) and EHDF have survey statistics which show a strong desire for outdoor activities, and a need to improve access to the countryside for people with disabilities.

Consultation with the Kingsley Centre – a day centre for disabled people has identified the growing need for accessible adapted bicycles because very few, if any, of these exist in this area.  The consultation revealed that trikes and tandems help to overcome the difficulties of balance and coordination.  

The project's initial focus has been on the needs of the disabled community within the district. This has initially built on disability cycling projects that have been piloted at Alice Holt Forest which has become a centre of excellence in disability cycling.

However, the project will grow, to work with 35 community groups over four years. The groups will also come from other disadvantaged communities typically under-represented amongst cyclists. Beneficiary groups include women’s groups, and members of minority ethnic communities. Sarah Walker, our Cycling Development Officer in East Hampshire, is working to bring cycling to these hard-to-reach groups.

Each group will receive support, advice and equipment to encourage beneficiaries to take up cycling. Our model will identify lead “champions” in each group who will receive training to become cycle instructors and mechanics and will carry on the programmes after a year’s input from our officer.

Groups will be supported by:

§                     providing access to bikes, either new or recycled,

§                     training individuals under the National Standards for Cycle Training,

§                     training volunteers to become cycle instructors/mechanics,

§                     working with other community groups and organisations,

§                     providing access to a central hub of resources,

§                     providing supportive networks,

§                     and providing an opportunity for social activities such as group cycle rides.

The development of off-road cycle paths to complement the existing facilities at Alice Holt will contribute to the project.

Partners and Supporters

East Hampshire District Council www.easthants.gov.uk/getactive

Forestry Commission

East Hampshire Disability Forum

Hampshire County Council

Hampshire Primary Care Trust

Hampshire Partnership NHS Trust

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