The project provides adapted cycling along the Great Stour Way between Canterbury and Chartham (three miles away). A shipping container has been sited at the start of this flat, off-road route, containing tricycles, tandem trikes, a semi-recumbent trike, a hand-cycle, wheelchair transporter, recumbent trike, tandem and four ordinary mountain bikes. Groups of people with disabilities can join the scheme for an annual fee, and can then book and borrow bikes using an online system.
The project has an occupational therapy purpose at its heart and aims to address health needs for people with life-limiting illness. There are a variety of partners including Occupational Therapy, Canterbury City Council, Parkinson’s UK and British Cycling.
Users are able to exercise in fresh air and with the company of others. They become more physically active, and in the case of Parkinson’s patients maintain their mobility and flexibility for longer. They learn about the maintenance and cleaning of machines and have the opportunity to try different cycles, progressing as they become more confident.
