Oxford,
01
November
2021
|
09:49
Europe/London

New Witney venture for cycling enterprise Wheels for All

Windrush Bike Project launches Junior Wheels for All initiative at Wood Green School in Witney

Councillors at Junior Wheels for All launch in Witney

Young people from Oxfordshire are benefitting from the relaunch of a popular scheme that helps countywide efforts to make cycling more accessible for everyone.

Oxfordshire County Council, together with Active Oxfordshire, is delighted to be supporting the relaunch of the Junior Wheels for All initiative. The volunteer scheme operates from Wood Green School every Saturday. Wheels for All is a national programme providing regular cycling opportunities for people of all ages with a disability or differing need.

Windrush Bike Project operates the sessions for 2-16 year olds, maintaining and helping people use a fleet of standard and specially-adapted bikes, recumbents, trikes, handcycles and wheelchair carrier.

Junior Wheels for All celebrated its first session on 16 October with several new riders attending. Feedback has been very positive, with users praising the opportunities offered, and the benefits of being able to drop in and try, or even come every week:

Brigitte Hickman, Windrush Bike Project Manager said: “We are delighted that these bikes will be back in action so young people locally have the chance to cycle with us again. Thank you to our partners, West Oxfordshire District Council, Active Oxfordshire and Wood Green School and our volunteers who help with the sessions.”

Wood Green School Headteacher Robert Shadbolt added: “We’re very proud to support and provide a home for this enterprising project that aims to improve access to cycling for children. Cycling is so good for wellbeing and independence. It is positive to see the project taking off here especially when many children have missed out on these opportunities during the pandemic.”

Witney mayor Joy Aitman said: “Junior Wheels for All gives young people the sense of freedom that cycling brings. There is an opportunity to try an amazing range of adapted cycles that can be cycled around a large safe area. I was delighted to try out the hand pedalled tricycle and I look forward to another visit to see the enjoyment it will bring.“

Junior Wheels for All is every Saturday, at Wood Green School, Woodstock Road, Witney. You can book a one-hour session at www.bookwhen.com/windrushbikeproject?tag=wfa

 

 

 

Image shows (l-r) Witney mayor Joy Aitman, Rosie Rowe - Oxfordshire County Council, Cllr Mark Lygo, Cllr Duncan Enright, David - Windrush Bike Project trying out some of the adapated cycles available at the Wheels for All sessions.

 

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