Bicycle Made for Two
Bristol & BathWarmley Wheelers offers specialist equipment and a safe, friendly environment to support people who would normally find it difficult to ride a bike.
Wooden Spoon’s donation meant the Wheelers could add a side-by-side tandem, with an electric motor, to their fleet of specially adapted bicycles. Service Coordinator John Simmons explained why the tandem is so important: “The young people are sitting next to their carer. It’s a chance to exercise in a controlled and safe way, allowing everyone to explore as much as they can.”
The cycle scheme uses a 4km stretch of the Bristol to Bath railway path, as well as a quieter area in Warmley Forest Park, to bring the freedom of cycling to everyone, regardless of ability.
John has noticed how riders at Warmley Wheelers benefit from the tandem: “The bike allows them to put effort into the ride and give riders a focused, positive experience that has benefits both during and after the ride.
“The new Vanraam tandem bike is the most used, most popular, and most requested of all the bikes we have.”
The scenery is all part of the experience, John adds: “It’s beautiful; there are trees and nature. It’s an old railway line, so there are a few tunnels. The tandem bike allows people to be out and about, watching the world go by and the seasons change. Some days it rains, some days it’s sunshine – it’s just nice to experience it all. It’s good for mental wellbeing.”
The children and young people also get a chance to improve their bike ability. “They might start with the Vanraam to get them moving and cycling. Then we progress them onto a solo trike and then onto a classic bicycle,” said John.
Wooden Spoon Bristol, Bath & Somerset granted £5,000 for a side-by-side tandem bike for the Warmley Wheelers in Bristol.