Doncaster opens its first Wheels for All Centre

A new Wheels for All Centre at Doncaster Dome has been officially launched by Dame Sarah Storey, to mark the start of new sessions for all-inclusive cycling, with a range of adapted cycles that cater for a wide range of abilities.

The sessions, organised by Cycling Projects as part of a contract with the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, are part of a strategy from the Active Travel Commissioner to enable more people, regardless of their personal circumstance, to have the opportunity to learn to ride and gain confidence on a bike.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Dame Sarah Storey said:

"One of the four pledges I made when I was first appointed as South Yorkshire's Active Travel Commissioner was to make active travel accessible to all. Aside from ensuring the infrastructure being built is suitable for use by people riding the myriad of different cycles available, we know that at least three quarters of people who are disabled or living with a long term health condition find accessing suitable activities very difficult and almost all of those people could never imagine themselves riding a bike independently.

"Having seen the success of the Sheffield Cycling 4 All in Sheffield's Hillsborough Park, I made it a priority to expand this opportunity to reach all parts of the region. Despite the challenges of the pandemic the work has continued at pace and I am delighted that we are able to open this new centre in Doncaster. Not only will the centre provide opportunities for people to ride and gain confidence on a cycle that works for them, but they will be supported to progress at their own pace by a team of experts."

Ian Tierney, Director of Cycling Projects said: We've worked with Dame Sarah since she became Active Travel Commissioner in 2019 and this is the first of several new centres that will offer regular sessions for anyone to book. As part of the Active Travel Advisory Board for South Yorkshire, Cycling Projects is realising the goal of having an accessible cycle offer in each of the four authorities."

Councillor Nigel Ball, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Leisure, said: "We warmly welcome Wheels for All to Doncaster. I'm sure the sessions will be a big hit with all abilities, ensuring as many people as possible have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of cycling in a fun and sociable environment."

Michael Hart, chief executive of Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust who manage Doncaster Dome said:

"We are pleased to be working with Cycling Projects and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Authority to enable these vitally important all-inclusive cycling sessions to take place.

"The cycle track has provided Doncaster with a great space to deliver sessions for people of all ages and abilities and we are looking forward to seeing even more people getting on a bike and enjoying the space."

Weekly sessions begin Wednesday 2nd February at the Cycle Track, from 10.00am - 1.00pm.
Sessions cost £5 per participant, including helmet hire (Support workers/carers go free).