A cycling club for children with disabilities in the Bradford district has been formed.

More than 70 people attended Sunday’s opening of Bradford Wheels4All, which provides specially-adapted bikes for youngsters with mental and physical disabilities.

The club, run by national cycling organisation CTC, will hold weekly drop-in sessions at Titus Salt School, Baildon.

Community cycling development officer Ginny Leonard said: “Cycling has so many health benefits to it. Developing a feeling of independence for children is really key. Being able to cycle in a safe environment away from traffic allows them to find their own skill levels.”

Gavin Edwards, of Bingley, was at the event with his four-year-old daughter Emma who is registered blind.

He said: “It’s a really good idea. It’s good to find an opportunity for her to be able to access things that other children enjoy. The scheme’s going to try to find an appropriate cycle for her so we can cycle together as a family.”

Pat Byrne, of Thornton, who was also at the opening, said: “I think it’s absolutely brilliant. I’m a foster carer so some of the children I look after may use the scheme. Everyone should have the chance to ride whatever their ability. The more people who get to know about it the better. It’s fantastic.”

CTC was awarded £1 million by the Big Lottery Fund to run 13 projects across the country including one in West Yorkshire.

As well as Wheels4All the organisation also runs a cycling club in Roberts Park, Saltaire, and a women’s only cycling group in Wibsey.

For more information about the project call 07801 552303 or e-mail ginny.leonard @ctc.org.uk.

  • Read the full story in Monday's T&A