Castle Douglas will be hosting an accessible bike taster session as part of an initiative by the Wigtownshire and Stewartry Partnership (WASP). The event aims to assess interest in expanding the accessible bike project to the town. The taster day will take place at Carlingwark Park, where attendees will have the opportunity to test the accessible bikes and learn more about the project.
WASP focuses on providing positive destinations for individuals with additional support needs, with projects being led by peers with ASN. Currently, the group holds two cycling sessions per week in Stranraer and runs a Stewartry Action Support Group in Castle Douglas on Thursdays. Olivia Donald, a support worker, highlighted that the wheelchair platform bike and side-by-side tricycle are among the popular choices but come with a significant cost of £10,000 each.
The group recognises the financial challenges individuals may face in accessing such specialised bikes and aims to alleviate the burden by managing the storage and maintenance. The taster event in Castle Douglas serves as a means to gauge interest and potentially launch the project in the summer. The session will run from 1pm to 2.30pm at Carlingwark Park.
Olivia expressed the group’s objective to identify the community’s needs, whether it be for a wheelchair platform bike, a hand cycle, a two-person bike, or another variation. Securing funding for additional bikes is crucial, considering the logistical challenges of transferring them regularly. The emphasis is on providing inclusive opportunities for individuals with diverse needs to engage in physical activity and have fun.
The initiative not only promotes physical activity but also addresses the lack of sporting opportunities for individuals with additional support needs, which can impact their overall health and well-being. Olivia invites those interested to reach out for more information by emailing wigtownshirestuff1@gmail.com or calling 07886 707762.
The accessible bike taster session in Castle Douglas signifies a step towards creating more inclusive and accessible recreational opportunities for individuals with additional support needs. Such initiatives play a vital role in promoting physical activity, social engagement, and overall well-being within communities.