Cycling Inclusion West Visits Roscommon

There were smiles all around last weekend as Variety Ireland’s Mobile Cycling Inclusion West team visited the scenic Lough Key Forest Park in Boyle, Co. Roscommon, giving children and young adults with mobility challenges the opportunity to enjoy a safe and inclusive afternoon of cycling.

Variety Ireland’s Cycling Inclusion West Mobile Unit, is a recently launched initiative designed to ensure people with mobility issues have supervised access to cycling using a range of specially adapted bikes.

Delivered in partnership with CoMotion Mobility and supported by the HSE, the Department of Transport, and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, the mobile unit travels to communities across Sligo, Roscommon, Mayo, Leitrim, Galway and Donegal, bringing accessible cycling directly to families throughout the west of Ireland.

Families attending the event at Lough Key Forest Park had the opportunity to try a wide range of specially adapted mobility bikes from Variety Ireland’s fleet, including wheelchair bikes and side-by-side tandem cycles. These innovative bikes provide safe cycling opportunities for people across the disability spectrum who might otherwise not have access to cycling.

Throughout the afternoon, the Cycling Inclusion West team supported children and young adults as they explored the beautiful facilities at Lough Key Forest Park. For some families, it was a particularly special moment.

Several parents shared how thrilled they were to see their child ride a bike for the very first time — an experience that created unforgettable memories for both the children and their families!

In addition to providing inclusive cycling events, Variety Ireland also supports families through its Recycle Mobility Programme. In partnership with the HSE, the Department of Transport, and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, families with children and young adults who have mobility challenges can apply for subsistence funding towards specially adapted mobility trikes.

This programme reflects the strong commitment from Variety Ireland and government partners to ensuring equal access to cycling and outdoor recreation for people with mobility challenges.

Independent research conducted by RCSI has shown that the Recycle Mobility Programme significantly improves the wellbeing of participating families, with 87.5% to 90% reporting improvements in both mental and physical wellbeing for the child and other family members.

Variety Ireland would like to extend its sincere thanks to the team at Lough Key Forest Park for facilitating the cycling afternoon and for their warm welcome to the families who attended.

With additional Cycling Inclusion mobile teams set to roll out across other regions of Ireland in the coming months, Variety Ireland — together with its partners at the HSE, the Department of Transport, and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality — remains committed to expanding inclusive cycling opportunities and ensuring greater access to mobility and recreation for people with disabilities nationwide.