Matthew loves his Bicycle Made for Two

Published 24 July 2014

 

When Matthew first started riding a bike, he wasn’t quite sure if it was going to be for him. It didn’t take long, though, for him to decide it was one of his favourite things.

Matthew rides a ‘bicycle made for two’ whenever he gets chance. In actual fact, he will ride any bike he can get his hands on, including a range of three and four-wheeled machines at his local Wheels for All group.

His love of riding a bike has introduced him to Sky Ride Local, with easygoing rides providing a perfect opportunity to take his riding a little further.

‘Matthew can't ride a two-wheeled bike, so it's important that he has a tricycle or different forms of bike to use,’ explains his carer Mike, who joins him on the side-by-side tandem.

Jamie Agar, who leads Sky Ride Local guided rides as well as overseeing the Wheels for All session, said it had been amazing to see Matthew’s confidence grow through his participation.

‘Matthew’s confidence has improved, his fitness has improved, his social skills have improved and he's met new people; cycling benefits him in every single way possible, really.’

It is perhaps no surprise that Matthew has taken to cycling and enjoys the social aspects of Sky Ride Local, according to his mum, Heather:

‘Matthew likes to be outdoors, he has energy to burn and he loves being with other people. When he first started coming, it was just “oh, I'll see if Matthew likes it’,” she explains. ‘I never thought that he would become as confident, as happy as he has.’

As a Ride Leader and Disability Sports Development Officer, Jamie is perfectly placed to describe the benefits of Sky Ride Local, including the accessible nature of many ‘easygoing’ the routes.

‘The routes are organised so the participants know everything they're going to be doing is achievable. It's also a great way to build confidence and meet new people,’ he said.

And if there was any doubt about just how much Matthew loves his wheels:

‘If you see him out on his bike he's always smiling and laughing, I think it's one of his favourite times of the week,’ said Mike.

If Matthew has inspired you to get on your bike, many of our guided rides are suitable for all types of bike – tandems and adaptive bikes included. Simply pop your postcode into our ride finder to discover a ride coming up near you.

 

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