Inclusive cycling

Everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, can enjoy the benefits of riding a bicycle

Bicycles provide mobility assistance to help more people travel further than they could by foot. For many people, walking can be very difficult. 21.4% of Australians have a disability (2022). And more than 60% of people over the age of 65 are not physically active enough for good health. Foot, knee and ankle injuries or disabilities, some cardiovascular conditions, arthritis, some spinal injuries or chronic conditions can make walking painful.

Bikes can be a fantastic solution to getting around actively with assistance, low coast and whilst maintaining independence. Electric assist bicycles, tricycles and scooters have hugely expanded the possibilities for getting out and about independently. And bike riding regularly is very good for mental and physical health.

The Bicycle NSW blog regularly showcases organisations that champion inclusive cycling for diverse people and people with disability. We support inclusive bicycle events and community programs. Of course, we also advocate each and every day for better infrastructure to make bike riding more accessible for everyone and every body!

Equipment

Your local bike shop is the best place to find a high-quality e-bike. For modified or customised trikes and bikes, contact a specialist retailer such as everyBody eBikes or Freedom Wheels. Such equipment options are unique to each person and therefore should be discussed with your physiotherapist. Buying a non-standard cycle, like a handcycle or e-tricycle, can be very expensive. If you are registered with a disability you may have funding allocated for equipment, such as part of your NDIS package.

Advice and support

Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is a national sport organisation, non-profit, and registered charity dedicated to empowering people with disability through the power of sport. Sport NSW recognises the social and health benefits associated with participation in active recreation and campaigns for sport to be accessible to all members of the community. Cerebral Palsy Sporting and Recreation Association NSW Inc (CPSARA) aims to encourage sporting and recreational opportunities for people of all ages with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions. The Disability Trust CycleAbility program (Illawarra) is an all ages, all abilities cycle skills program designed to build social connections whilst keeping fit and enjoying the outdoors. For racing, AusCycling has details on road and track para-cycling and classification details.

Event and guided rides

Councils often have accessible cycling skills programs that support less able riders. The Bicycle Education Centre in Campbelltown is a great example.

We encourage you to reach out to your local Bicycle User Group and see how they can help you experience the joy of bike riding. Central Coast BUG has a fantastic RidesAssist program for low-vision riders, and many other BUGs run rides suitable for new or beginner riders.

Cycling Without Age is a wonderful global movement that provides joy and vitality to residents of care homes through the magic of the bicycle. Modified electric trishaws allow a pilot to ride with two passengers. This program is invaluable for allowing care home residents to enjoy the recreational benefits and fresh air of a bike ride. Several of our Bicycle User Groups - such a BIKEast, Bike North and Western Sydney Cycling Network - run localised volunteer chapters of Cycling Without Age in NSW.