John talks about the ways barrier removal work on his local National Cycle Network routes have a given him better access on his recumbent trike. Our work to improve accessibility means people like John can commute to work, exercise and socialise on the Network with ease.
Since physical barriers have been removed on his local route, John can now join and leave the path at access points he was unable to navigate before. Credit: John Skelton
John, who lives just a stone's throw from the Foss Islands path, uses a recumbent trike to get around.
After experiencing a stroke, John developed left hemiplegia, which means the limbs on his left side are paralysed.
He uses his local National Cycle Network (Route 658) three to four times a week to commute, to go to the shops and to socialise in nature with people from his cycling club.
Since 30 physical barriers were removed and redesigned on his route in York, John can now join and leave the path at access points he was unable to navigate before with his trike.
Effortlessly navigating on three wheels
“Since the barriers have been removed and redesigned the route has improved remarkably from my point of view – it’s a fantastic traffic-free route across York.
“I can get to the Foss Islands Path from my home through some quiet residential roads then I’m on it.
“From there I can get to the opposite side of York without coming across any barriers.
“Cycling post disability using the Network and getting out in the sunshine and nature frankly has had an amazing effect on my mental health.
“They’re not just access routes, they’re social spaces – people gather, walk along and chat or stop on benches.
“My recumbent trike is a bit of an usual sight, so it’s a great conversation starter. People will stop and say, ‘nice bike’, ‘what’s that?’ or ‘how does that work?’”
Using traffic-free routes to build confidence
Shortly after becoming disabled, John used traffic-free stretches on Routes 65 and 66 to build confidence cycling on his recumbent trike.
Along with being physical and getting outside, John said the most important thing for him was the feeling of independence it gave him.
“That then gave me the confidence to cycle on roads, go further and do more on my own.”
“That then gave me the confidence to cycle on roads, go further and do more on my own." Credit: John Skelton
Creating more accessible routes
Our barrier removal and redesign work on the Network creates more accessible paths for everyone.
To understand the long-term impacts of barrier changes, we conducted a research project on John's local routes in York.
All path users we spoke to, like John, were happy that the path had been rid of restrictive barriers, which had been described as a “nuisance”.
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The positive lasting impact of barrier removal on the National Cycle Network
The positive lasting impact of barrier removal on the National Cycle NetworkOur barrier removal and redesign work on the Network creates more accessible paths for everyone.
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Our plans to improve the National Cycle Network
Our plans to improve the National Cycle NetworkWe have an ambition to improve the whole of the Network over the next few years to benefit everyone.
