The first bike that we have purchased is a wheelchair bike, where someone in a wheelchair can be placed on a platform at the front of the bike, enabling a limited mobility user to enjoy a ride along the Middlewood Way, a local traffic free cycle route, serving several communities. We aim to purchase further and varied bikes. Our next target is to purchase a side-by-side bike, enabling an able-bodied cyclist to support a less physically able cyclist. We will also need to maintain and insure the bike, train volunteers and set up a community base in the Boar’s Head Public House in Higher Poynton. We also hope to purchase two mountain bikes, to enable families to enjoy outings together.

What we'll deliver:

• Purchase further adaptive bikes eg side by side bike.
• Decorate and set up the stable block in the Boar's Head ready to house the adaptive bikes
• Equip the stable block with tools and bike pumps, further helmets and high visibility jackets
• Train volunteers as necessary, eg first aid, safeguarding, bike maintenance

Why it's a great idea:

The adaptive bike(s) could be used both by individuals with limited mobility as well as by many local community groups – for example students from the Seashell trust, local nursing homes and dementia groups. Able-bodied cyclists would be able to join with the limited mobility user and together they enjoy the social aspect of getting outside, enjoying the countryside, improving both their physical and mental wellbeing. Our project would also provide volunteering opportunities for the local community, and could also include opportunities for Duke of Edinburgh students. The vision of our project is to encourage inclusivity and diversity within our local community.

Steps to get it done:

• Purchase one more adaptive bikes
• Launch the hiring of the adaptive bikes
• Volunteers to have completed training
• Enlist help of 5-6 further volunteers
• Purchase basic mountain bikes to enable family cycling
• Ensure that the Boar's Head stable block is ready to store bikes

The Middlewood Way is perfect for cycling but it currently has limited accessibility for wheelchairs and adaptive bikes. With a few small changes it is ideal for this cycling activity; it has an ideal surface for safe for traffic-free cycling and is flat easy riding. It would provide suitable safe cycling for many miles. Some of these changes have already been made. Working with a local countryside ranger, and local town and regional county representatives, we have identified an ideal access point at Nelson's Pit, which is part way along the Middlewood Way and would allow access to either Marple or Bollington. There are both able bodied and disabled toilets here as well as ample parking, tourist information and refreshments at the Boar's Head. In addition, there is access to the recreational facilities of the canal. The Boar's Head have kindly allowed us storage of the adaptive bike, and permission to run the project from there.