Wheels for All is a national accessible cycling charity, which promotes inclusive cycling through a range of successful community engagement programmes that give people the opportunity to cycle on a regular basis, through help, support and guidance.
Since 2019, Active Essex have supported Wheels for All to work across Essex by providing funding to enable individuals living with long-term health conditions, the opportunity to cycle using an adapted bike. Throughout 2024, they have been continuing their great work, breaking down barriers to participation and inspiring more and more people to give cycling a go.
As a result of their great work, Wheels for All were highly commended at this year’s Essex Activity Awards in the Strengthening Communities category, which recognised the positive impact they are having on people’s health and wellbeing.
In July, Wheels for All hosted a taster event at the Clacton Leisure Centre for members of the Tendring Stroke Services, to help empower stroke survivors. The event aimed to introduce local stroke survivors to the cycling charity and the day proved to be a huge success. A safe and supportive environment was created to allow participants to re-explore cycling, and it was fantastic to see around 15 members join in the session, who each had their own unique and inspiring story to tell.
For many of the attendees, this session was the first time back on a bike since their stroke, and the positive energy at the event proved contagious with participants doubts quickly turning into excitement. The team from Tendring Stroke Services shared their appreciation, explaining:
“What a wonderful job you and your team did! Many of the people this morning were full of doubt and reservations, but that soon melted away as you, Louise, your young helper, and Paddy encouraged and supported everyone. 40, 30, 20—even 10 years ago, a morning like this would not have been possible for those who had a stroke. The cognitive and physical impact leaves many people feeling anxious, unconfident, and tired, but today you energised every single person. It’s given our members a new lease of life.”
Hannah Johns, Regional Manager for the East at Wheels for All added;
“The taster event at Clacton Leisure Centre was a truly inspiring day for everyone involved. It was incredible to see how quickly doubts and reservations transformed into joy, confidence, and a sense of freedom as participants rediscovered the thrill of cycling. Events like this remind us why inclusive cycling is so important—it’s about creating opportunities for everyone to feel empowered, regardless of their abilities. We’re excited to build on this success with more events in 2025 and would love to set up a dedicated session for Tendring Stroke Services members, ensuring these life-changing experiences are accessible to even more people.”
Deborah, one of the Tendring Stroke Services members, suffered a stroke at the age of 46. An active mother of three, she enjoyed running and cycling with her family on the weekends. However, due to her stroke, her vibrant and independent life was put on hold, with the freedom of the outdoors becoming a distant memory to her, relying on others around her to help her get outside.
Despite the unimaginably incredible difficult challenges that Deborah was facing, she wasn’t ready to give up. Thanks to the support of friends around her, they provided her with a static rehab exercise bike she could use at her home. Still wanting to get active outdoors and thanks to a chance discovery online, Deborah found ‘Cycling for the Disabled’ near her home in Hertfordshire where she could cycle outdoors again, in an adapted side by side bike in the fresh air and amongst nature with her friends.
In 2019, Deborah moved to Frinton-On-Sea where she found new opportunities to rebuild her life. Living in a less rural town opened up access to resources and services that she didn’t have before. These included Tendring Specialist Stroke Services, who introduced her to the Wheels for All team. Eager to get back into cycling, Deborah embraced this new chapter with open arms and without hesitation.
Thanks to partners, and the continued funding support from other local organisations, Wheels for All is able to continue to bring confidence, freedom and joy to those who may have once felt that cycling was out of reach. The success of their programmes and the inspiring service users like Deborah, motivate the charity to keep up the great work and continue expanding their reach and impact.
When asked about the impact of the sessions on her health and wellbeing she explained;
“The Tomcat bike has been a great bike for me, it has enabled me to get back to cycling independently after I suffered a stroke. It’s helped to strengthen my legs and regain my confidence on a bike , I love being able to push the pedals around on a bike again.”
The success of this taster event has paved the way for exciting plans in 2025 and the team at Wheels for All are looking forward to holding more events like this one. They are also currently planning a dedicated session at one of the Tendring hubs specifically for Tendring Stroke Services members with simple key mission, to make cycling inclusive for all.
