Inclusive Cycle Buddies Part 1: Supporting disabled cyclists with Wheels for Wellbeing

Inclusive Cycle Buddies Training is a bespoke course we have commissioned Wheels for Wellbeing to design and produce specifically for our Cycle Buddies programme.  The training will create the opportunity for Cycle Buddies to support the Wheels4Me inclusive cycle loan scheme through the Cycle Buddies platform.

The course is in 2 parts. The first part is an online 1.5 hour session. The second part is an in-person experience of cycling with and lead by disability cyclists. There are two options for part 2 of the course. Option 1 is to take part in a training day at Herne Hill Velodrome on either the 18th May or 18th June. The alternative option is join oe of the regular Wheels for Wellbeing led rides for disabled cyclists. Option 2 is by arrangement.

This course is free and exclusively for Cycle Buddies.

Find out more about Wheels for Wellbeing and Wheels4Me.

Part 1: Disability Equity and Etiquette for Cycle Buddies

• 1.5 hour online disability equity training, up to 40 participants, date
• Outline: This course will enable participants to feel resourced and confident in buddying Disabled cyclists. The course provides an overview of disability in the UK and uses a disability-rights perspective to explore the different models/approaches to disability, the preferred language, terminology and approach of Disabled people, including the contrasting roles of charities and Disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) and the differences between equality and equity. The course is interactive and encourages open discussion and includes activities on navigating everyday terminology and identifying rights-based approaches.

Part 2 option 1:Experiential Inclusive Cycling Training Day (x2)

• Logistics: 5 hour, in-person training at Herne Hill Velodrome (HHV), 18th May or 15th June, 10:00-15:00, max 12 participants per day.
• Participants will need to bring: Packed lunch; clothes that are suitable to cycle in; note-taking equipment (e.g. pen and paper, laptop etc)
• Outline: This training will equip staff with the knowledge and experience required to be a well-informed, confident cycle buddy for Disabled people. Content includes: understanding key issues for Disabled cyclists, cycle types and adaptations, infrastructure and other issues to consider for accessible cycling, supporting Disabled people cycling on and off the road. The day will include a short classroom learning session with the majority of the training being experiential including, observation, hands-on experience with cycles, discussions with Disabled cyclists, cycling experience with non-standard cycles and Disabled cyclists and input from the cycling ops team, campaigns and policy team, and Disabled cyclists.

Part 2 option 2: Led Ride Experiential Learning

• Join a regular WfW led ride (from HHV) learn about planning accessible rides and speak with disabled cyclists, accompany their ride with the option of borrowing a non-standard cycle for additional hands-on experience.
• Rides usually take place on a Tuesday morning for up to 3 hours and one Sunday per month, but additional rides take place for special events through the year. 1 LCC participant per led ride.