Our Spotlight Saturday this week features Joanne Smith, our new Essex All Together ambassador, who we warmly welcome to the team! Jo is leading the way in adapted cycling in Essex , helping residents with disabilities and long term health conditions get active and feel empowered, through cycling charity Wheels for All.
We caught up with her at one of the inclusive cycling sessions in Colchester earlier this week, where participants were not only having great fun getting active outdoors and meeting new people, but also working in partnership with other cyclists and enjoying the social side of physical activity.
Wheels for All is a national charity, centred around providing a variety of adapted bikes and trikes, in order to make cycling accessible for everyone. Jo emphasised that “Anyone with any ability can come along and cycle, we have bikes that are suitable for anyone and everyone.”
Jo hopes that by becoming an All Together ambassador she can encourage even more people to try cycling. She said: “Being an Essex All Together ambassador will mean that I can promote a sport that I love to people who will hopefully enjoy it just as much as I do.” […] “Cycling offers so many aspects to improving somebody’s life, they can feel the freedom of air on their face, they get to enjoy the scenery, and also get to socialise. Coming out and having a purpose each week, has improved their confidence no end, it’s been a real game changer for a lot of them.”
With only a couple of months until RideLondon, when 25,000 people will be cycling through Essex, it’s wonderful to see residents getting stuck in at inclusive cycling sessions across the county! Let’s keep the momentum going together.
To find out more about the Essex All Together campaign or register your interest in becoming an ambassador, click here.
