Launch of Inclusive Accessible Cycling for the Midlands Region

Dicks Bike Hire, based in Portumna, in collaboration with Variety – the Children’s Charity and the HSE, is delighted to launch a new inclusive and accessible cycling programme that will bring the joy, freedom and fun of cycling to children and adults with additional needs across the Midlands and surrounding region.

The programme will operate across East Galway, North Tipperary, Offaly, Clare, Westmeath and Laois, with each county receiving free access to a range of specialist bicycles specifically designed to provide more inclusive cycling opportunities for people with a wide variety of abilities and needs.

The official launch took place at the Swimming and Recreational Park in Portumna on Friday, 14th August, and was attended by public representatives, representatives from the HSE, Variety – the Children’s Charity, Ability West, An Garda Síochána and members of the local community.

Senator Anne Rabbitte, former Minister for Children, officially congratulated the partners on this exciting joint initiative. She wished everyone involved every success and encouraged local authorities to support the programme and promote the opportunities it will provide within their respective counties.

Kevin O’Brien of Variety – the Children’s Charity spoke about the huge benefits that can be achieved through cycling, both physically and mentally. These benefits are fully supported by research carried out by Trinity College Dublin on behalf of the Charity.

A special thank you goes to An Garda Síochána, who attended the launch and showed great interest in the range of specialist bicycles, taking the time to learn how the different bikes operate and the opportunities they provide.

Importantly, all of the battery-assisted bicycles included in the programme are fully roadworthy and compliant with current road legislation. The attending Gardaí were delighted to see the range of bikes, their safety features and how they operate, and gave the initiative their full endorsement.

Speaking at the launch, Dick Ridge of Dicks Bike Hire thanked everyone for attending and said he was looking forward to rolling out the programme across each of the six counties within his area of responsibility.

This exciting initiative aims to remove barriers to cycling and give more people the opportunity to experience the independence, enjoyment, health benefits and social connection that cycling can provide.

Dicks Bike Hire is proud to be working alongside Variety – the Children’s Charity and the HSE to make inclusive cycling more accessible throughout the region and looks forward to seeing the programme develop over the coming months.

For further information:
 info@dicksbikehire.ie