Cycling Opportunities at EACD 2026 Galway

Recently, Variety Ireland were invited to attend the (EACD 2026) Annual Congress of the European Academy of Childhood-onset Disability event at University of Galway Sports Arena. This was a fabulous opportunity for people with mobility issues could come along and enjoy a morning of cycling and also sample special mobility trikes.

People with mobility needs can apply for funding for a special mobility bike under our Recycle Mobility Programme which has to date delivered over 1300 new and upcycled special mobility bikes to people with mobility issues across Ireland.

With the support of the HSE, The Department of Children, Disabilities and Equality, the Department of Transport, our Recycle Mobility Programme makes cycling accessible for all. In a report conducted in conjunction with the RCSI, our special mobility bikes improve the mental and physical well-being of both the user and other family members by up to 90% as well as supporting inclusion in outdoor activities.

Variety Ireland would like to thank Aisling from Enable Ireland along with Finn from Frame Running Ireland, Paralympian & World Champion, Katie O’Brien, Rowing Ireland Craig from Comotion as well as all the wonderful parents and volunteers who turned up to make this event accessible for people with additional needs.

Thanks to the continued support of the HSE, The Department of Children, Disabilities and Equality, the Department of Transport and Comotion, it allows our mobile Inclusion Cycling Unit to visit locations across the Connaught and Donegal region to ensure people with mobility issues have equal access to cycling on a fleet of special mobility bikes.

With more Variety Ireland mobile cycling units due to come online across the country in the coming weeks, it will mean we will be able to venture to other regions across Ireland to ensure even more inclusion cycling days for people with mobility issues.

Working together, Variety Ireland, the HSE, The Department of Children, Disabilities and Equality, the Department of Transport are committed to unsure equal access to cycling for people with mobility issues across Ireland.