Brixton-based disability cycling charity Wheels for Wellbeing (WfW) launched their manifesto ‘Beyond the Bicycle’ at the Herne Hill Velodrome on Monday.
Speaking at the launch, WfW Director Isabelle Clement (right) set out the organisation’s goals including recognition of cycles as a mobility aid, improved infrastructure and better facilities including a ‘blue badge’ parking scheme for disabled cyclists.
Dulwich and West Norwood MP Helen Hayes was in attendance along with members of the All Party Parliamentary Cycling Group (APPCG), including Ruth Cadbury MP, Alex Chalk MP and Baroness Barker.
Speaking to the Brixton Blog’s Colette Webber, local MP Hayes was clear about the benefits the charity brings to local disabled people through increased participation and physical exercise, but also on the wider impacts:
“We want a city where everyone is making an effort to cycle from A to B, not just for exercise and fun but clearly addressing the issue of air quality and climate change in a direct, active way.”
Co-chair of the APPCG and Brentford and Isleworth MP Ruth Cadbury was also in attendance.
“This is a really good opportunity to get us looking more closely at the disabled cycling agenda,” said Cadbury. “Ideas such as extending the cycle-to-work scheme to the users of disability cycles costing in excess of the £1,000 threshold are certainly worth considering.”
Fifteen percent of disabled Londoners cycle for either transport or leisure and 1 in 20 cycling commuters in London is disabled.
WfW is an award-winning charity supporting disabled people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling. It operates sessions five times a week from the Herne Hill Velodrome, Croydon Arena and Ladywell day centre with 200 cycles supporting around 1,300 clients a year.
