A campaign will be launched to buy a wheelchair transporter
Disabled outdoor enthusiasts who were inspired by the Paralympics are being invited to try out a range of specially adapted bikes in a national park.
The Wheels for All taster day will give members of the public to use the machines on a safe, traffic-free trail in the Peak District.
Trained staff from the Parsley Hay cycle hire centre near Hartington, which is run by the Peak District National Park Authority, will be on hand at the taster day to help disabled visitors try out the bikes.
The base is one of the Wheels for All network of more than 50 UK centres with bikes for the disabled or less mobile, including hand-crank cycles, wheelchair cycles, tricycles, electric bikes and an all-terrain mobility scooter.
Charlotte Bowler, Peak Cycle Hire team manager said: “Peak Cycle Hire is special in that we are one of the few, if not the only cycle hire provider in the area to have such a wide range of equipment for disabled users.
“The location of Parsley Hay with access straight on to the High Peak and nearby Tissington Trail makes it ideal for users to enjoy the wonderful views and fresh air of the Peak District.”
Peak Cycle Hire is working with Cycling Projects, a national cycling charity for people with disabilities, to raise awareness and funds for more adapted cycles.
They are also working with Pedal Peak District, a cycling-for-fitness campaign that offers novice cyclists free information, support and incentives through its website.
Pedal Peak District co-ordinator Carol Parsons said: “As well as demonstrating the different bikes, we’re launching a campaign to raise at least £4,300 to purchase a wheelchair transporter bike for Parsley Hay.
“These bikes are perfect for anyone who is unable to ride a normal bike, but wants to participate in cycling activities. In particular they make cycling accessible for people who cannot easily move out of their own wheelchairs.”
The taster day will take place between 10am and 3pm on Tuesday 9 October.
To book a slot for a free session on the taster day call the Parsley Hay cycle hire centre on 01298 84493 or email them.
More information on Peak District cycling is available on the authority’s website.
