Inclusive Mobile Cycling Unit Launched in the Midlands

Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ireland has launched our Cycling Inclusion Midlands Mobile Unit, which is its third respite inclusive mobile cycling hub, bringing accessible and inclusive cycling opportunities to people with mobility issues and additional needs across the Midlands and surrounding counties.

Supported by the Health Service Executive (HSE), the Department of Transport and the Department of Children, Disability & Equality, the new mobile cycling unit will travel to locations across East Galway, North Tipperary, Westmeath, Clare and Offaly, providing free, supervised access to a fleet of specialist adapted bikes every month.

The initiative is being delivered in partnership with Dick’s Bike Hire & glamping destination village, Podumna in Portumna with this initiative designed to remove barriers to cycling for people with disabilities and mobility issues, ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to experience the freedom, enjoyment and benefits of cycling for free.

The specialist fleet includes wheelchair bikes, side-by-side tandems and a range of adapted mobility trikes, providing safe and supportive cycling opportunities for people across the disability spectrum.

Variety Ireland’s new mobile unit removes barriers and expands possibilities for people with additional needs. It combines adapted bikes with supportive coaching in flexible community environments, making cycling accessible to people with physical, sensory, cognitive and emotional differences.

Inclusive cycling can build confidence, independence and enjoyment while supporting physical health and mental wellbeing. As a mobile respite recreational facility, the unit will also create shared spaces where children, adults, families, carers and communities can ride together rather than separately.

Dr Aoife O’Donohue, Assistant National Director, Access & Integration at Disability Services, HSE, said: “Inclusion Cycling Midlands is a powerful example of what can be achieved when organisations come together to remove barriers and broaden possibilities for people with disabilities. The HSE is delighted to work in partnership with Variety Ireland on this important initiative, which strengthens our shared commitment to inclusion, participation and access for all. “By working in partnership with children and families, CDNTs, disability service providers and community groups, we can create real opportunities for children and adults with additional needs to take part in community life in ways that support movement, participation and joy. “We are also delighted to see plans progressing to expand this model across all HSE Regions, with the South West and East Mobile Cycling Units next up to have their own travelling inclusive cycling mobile unit. This represents an exciting step towards a national network that supports inclusion and wellbeing for people with disabilities in every part of the country.”

Kevin O’Brien, Head of Programmes at Variety Ireland, said: “As a charity which celebrates our 75th anniversary in Ireland this year, we are delighted to unveil our new travelling Cycling Inclusion Midlands Mobile Unit. This is a real game changer for people with mobility issues in the Midlands region who can or want to start cycling. “We are hugely grateful for the support of the HSE, the Department of Transport and the Department of Children, Disability & Equality. With their support, we opened Ireland’s first dedicated Inclusion Cycling Centre of Excellence in Clondalkin, Dublin, in October 2025 and have since gone on to launch both static and mobile cycling units in the West of Ireland and the North East of the country this year. “People with mobility issues can come along and learn to cycle on a range of specialist mobility trikes in a safe and supervised environment. The Cycling Inclusion Midlands Mobile Unit will add to our existing Cycling Inclusion West, North East, South West and East units, giving people access to free inclusive cycling at specific locations throughout the year. “Times, dates and locations will be listed on our website and social media channels.”

The launch marks another important step in Variety Ireland’s ambition to develop a national network of inclusive cycling opportunities, bringing adapted bikes, coaching and respite recreation directly into communities. When routes, programmes and attitudes are designed inclusively, everyone benefits. Inclusion is not about special treatment; it is about fair access.