Sandfields residents get back in the saddle!

Home news

Nov 13, 2017

Residents at Sandfields were given the opportunity to cycle again after a special visit from a project based in Gloucester. 

Sandfields on St George’s Road was visited by Gloucestershire Wheels for All, an initiative set up by a Leonard Cheshire Disability physiotherapist with funding from the Postcode Community Trust, that is helping people of all ages and abilities get into cycling.

The project offers 27 different adapted bikes, catering for a wide range of abilities, including varying styles of trikes; handcycles, single and side by side; a wheelchair bike as well as four wheelchair transporters.

During the visit, residents and the team cycled around the gardens on side by side companion bikes, a recumbent trike and a wheelchair bike.

Deanna Lane, home manager at Sandfields, said: “We had a fantastic afternoon cycling around the gardens. Many of our residents haven’t been able to cycle for several years, but these adapted bikes have allowed even those with limited mobility to experience cycling again.

“Here at Sandfields, we advocate ‘activity based care’ and encourage residents to stay as active as possible even in later life. You could see from the residents’ reactions just how much they enjoyed the afternoon, it was a pleasure to behold and we hope that Gloucestershire Wheels for All will be able to join us again very soon.”

Cycling Projects – the national inclusive cycling charity started developing ‘Wheels For All’ projects around the UK over 10 years ago. With their guidance Mary Clare Faulkner started developing the Gloucestershire Wheels for All project in 2014.

Mary Clare said: “Cycling is an activity that should be enjoyed by everyone, and at Gloucestershire Wheels for All we advocate inclusivity. We have invested in specially adapted bikes so that everyone, irrespective of age or ability can take part.

“This is the first time Gloucestershire Wheels for All has visited a care home, but it was incredibly rewarding to see the residents that haven’t cycled in many years getting back on the saddle!”