Gearing up to celebrate cycling for all at Open Day

As the region gears up to welcome riders from all over the world for the prestigious Tour de Yorkshire cycle race, people with disabilities, their parents and carers, are invited to attend an open day to find out more about an innovative cycle hire scheme enabling disabled people to access the sport.

Now nearing its third anniversary the All Ride cycle hire scheme, coordinated by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s Sport, Play and Arts Service with the support of the Bridlington Foreshores team, is offering disabled people and those with mobility issues the opportunity to give cycling a go when it re-opens for the spring/summer season next month.

All Ride is the only adapted cycling hire scheme of its kind in the East Riding giving people with disabilities and mobility issues, aged five years and over, the chance to hire specially adapted bikes and enjoy cycling.   

For family, friends and carers there are non-adapted bikes available to hire so everyone can cycle together in a safe traffic-free environment along Bridlington’s North Promenade.

Since its launch in June 2014 the scheme has proved incredibly popular, even featuring in the opening ceremony of the very first Tour de Yorkshire event back in 2015.

The scheme will once again be involved in the race when it returns to the East Riding later next month, with adults who access the council’s day services and a local special school getting involved in the event thanks to the adapted bikes.

Councillor Richard Harrap, council portfolio holder for adult and carer services, said: “All Ride is a truly fantastic scheme which really has gone from strength to strength since it was introduced to the East Riding.

“It is fantastic to see it re-open for a new season for a third year running during which time many people will be able to enjoy a sport they might otherwise not have had a chance to experience.”

Councillor Richard Burton, council portfolio holder for civic wellbeing and culture, said: “With the Tour De Yorkshire fast approaching it is the perfect time for people to get involved in such an inclusive sport, enjoy some of the fantastic scenery that Bridlington has to offer while discovering all the fun and enjoyment that cycling can bring.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to attend the open day to find out more about the ever popular All Ride scheme.”

To mark the start of the new All Ride season the council’s Sport, Play and Arts Service, along with the Bridlington Foreshores team, will hold a free open day along the North Promenade, Bridlington from 10am-3pm on Tuesday 11 April.

The open day is part of Active Coast which aims to provide opportunities to get active, be healthy and enjoy life on the East Yorkshire coast.

The event will give everyone the chance to see the adapted bikes, ask questions and become a member of this innovative and exciting sporting opportunity.

Parents/carers are asked to bring along some form of ID, such as a driving licence, passport or utility bill, as proof to become a member of the scheme.

If you cannot attend the open day but would like to join the scheme please contact the Foreshores Office on 01262 678255 where advice will be given regarding registration.

For further information about the open day or the All Ride scheme contact Adam Swann on 01482 392531 or email adam.swann@eastriding.gov.uk