Walking, wheeling, and cycling should be for everyone. We know that travelling actively can have hugely positive effects for people’s health and wellbeing. In this blog, we've highlighted 11 different organisations and groups from across Wales that make this possible in an accessible and inclusive way.
No matter where you live in Wales, there are accessible and inclusive walking, wheeling, and cycling groups nearby. Credit: Anthony Pease\Sustrans
We believe that walking, wheeling, and cycling – often referred to by Sustrans as active travel – should be accessible and easy to do for everyone.
We also know that some people belong to groups that are underrepresented in the world of active travel.
Here, we want to introduce 11 different organisations and groups from different parts of Wales that support people by offering accessible and inclusive walking, wheeling, and cycling activities or services.
SpokesPerson, Cardiff
SpokesPerson is a community interest company based in the Riverside area of Cardiff.
It was set up to make cycling more accessible to marginalised people.
The company holds a range of activities, including repairs and servicing of cycles as well as classes and led rides specifically for marginalised communities living in Cardiff.
Wheel Together, Aberystwyth
Wheel Together is an inclusive cycling group based in Aberystwyth that offers small group rides.
It has a number of adaptive cycles available for people wanting to get out and explore their local area.
The Wheel Together group out on a led ride in Ceredigion. Credit: Wheel Together
Denbighshire County Council and PKS Watersports, Rhyl
Denbighshire County Council partnered with local sports retailer PKS Watersports to offer a wheelchair that enables people with mobility issues to travel along Rhyl’s beaches.
People can book access to the sand-friendly wheelchair through Rhyl Harbour Office as well as directly through PKS Watersports.
Conwy Freewheelers Adapted Cycling Club, Colwyn Bay
Established in 2017, Conwy Freewheelers is a cycling group that’s based in Colwyn Bay offering group rides for disabled people.
With a range of adaptive cycles and trikes available, the group has volunteer-led sessions on the track at Parc Eirias that gives people an opportunity to experience cycling in a safe environment.
Cycle Power, Dolgellau
Clwb Beicio Addasol Pŵer Seiclo, or Cycle Power Adaptive Cycling Club in English, is a community-run group that offers led rides for cyclists of all abilities in Gwynedd.
Cycle Power offers regular group rides in Dolgellau as well as Plas Menai in Caernarfon, making sure people across Gwynedd can access this opportunity.
Cycle Power in Dolgellau offer people the chance to experience cycling in a safe and supported environment. Credit: Clwb Beicio Addasol Pŵer Seiclo
PIWS Traeth Lligwy (PIWS), Bae Lligwy
PIWS is a community interest company based in North Wales that believes and advocates for making access easier for everyone.
Part of the services they offer to their local community is having beach-friendly accessible wheelchairs at Traeth Lligwy on Ynys Môn, thanks to Green Recovery funding from Welsh Government.
Walking the Brecon Beacons (WTBB), Merthyr Tydfil
This walking group, based out of the Garwnant Visitor Centre in the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, holds walking sessions aimed at differing levels of ability.
Alongside this, WTBB hold discussion groups, fundraise for local charities, and offer outdoor training for walk leaders to try and increase participation in local community groups.
Walking the Brecon Beacons encourages people of all abilities to come and take part in walking activities. Credit: Janine Price\Walking the Brecon Beacons.
Ponthafren's Wednesday Walk, Newtown
In Powys, Ponthafren is a charitable incorporated organisation that runs two wellness, learning, and recovery centres with the aim of bringing people together and removing the stigma around mental health.
On Wednesdays, they run a weekly walk around Newtown which offers people an opportunity to share their experiences and to enjoy some time outdoors.
BikeAbility Wales, Dunvant
BikeAbility Wales is an inclusive cycling charity that offers a range of different services including cycling training, bike maintenance sessions, adaptive cycle hire, and group rides.
They cater to all kinds of different groups, abilities, and ages with the aim of making cycling as accessible to as many people as possible.
The Intersensory Club, Barry
The Intersensory Club runs sessions on Wednesday and Friday afternoons that offer different adaptive cycles, trikes, and tandems for people with varying disabilities.
Their aim is to make specialist, adaptive equipment and facilities available to the people who need it in the Vale of Glamorgan.
Pedal Power Wrexham, Wrexham
Running out of Alyn Waters Country Park in Wrexham, Pedal Power Wrexham enables people with differing mobility needs the chance to experience cycling in a safe space.
The charity has a fleet of specialist and adaptive cycles and has access to a traffic-free cycle track for people to make use of.
