Active Stirling were delighted to support the Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire Parkinson’s Support Group through their adapted cycling programme Bikes Without Barriers, they supported the group by providing cycles for them to complete a sponsored adapted cycling challenge at Forthbank Football Stadium in Stirling.
The event was organised to give members of the support group an opportunity to take part in a fun and inclusive cycling challenge, while also raising awareness of Parkinson’s and funds for the group.
At Active Stirling and through their Bikes Without Barriers programme, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the benefits of cycling, regardless of age or ability. Adapted bikes can remove many of the barriers that can prevent people from cycling and allow participants to experience the enjoyment, freedom and sense of achievement that cycling can bring.
For some of the participants, getting back on a bike was a new experience, while for others it was an opportunity to challenge themselves and take part alongside friends and members of their community.
The atmosphere at Forthbank was fantastic. There was so much encouragement, laughter, determination, and support from everyone involved. It was brilliant to see the participants challenging themselves and enjoying the experience of cycling together.
Events like this really highlight the importance of inclusive cycling. An adapted bike can make such a difference, giving people the opportunity to be active, build confidence, socialise and, most importantly, have fun. We were incredibly proud to support the Parkinson’s Support Group with their sponsored challenge.
I took part in a sponsored cycle this morning to increase awareness of Parkinson’s and to raise funds for the Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire Support Group.
I was a bit apprehensive about cycling beforehand as I hadn’t been on a bike for years, but the adapted bike I used was easy to control, which gave me the confidence to complete my challenge. I had a lot of fun.
The success of the event was also down to the fantastic support we received from Forth Environment Link and Fast Aid. Both organisations helped support the cyclists throughout the event and assisted with the adapted bikes, providing valuable encouragement and practical support to participants.
Their involvement helped create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone could take part at their own pace.
From an Active Stirling and Bikes Without Barriers perspective, the day was a fantastic example of the positive impact that adapted cycling can have. It demonstrated that with the right equipment, encouragement and support, cycling can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
A huge congratulations to all the members of the Stirlingshire and Clackmannanshire Parkinson’s Support Group who took part in the sponsored ride. Their enthusiasm, determination, and willingness to take on the challenge made the event a great success.
We would also like to say a huge thank you to Forth Environment Link, Fast Aid, the volunteers, supporters, and everyone at Forthbank who helped make the event possible.
Active Stirling and Bikes Without Barriers are proud to support inclusive cycling opportunities within our community and look forward to helping more people discover the joy and benefits of getting on a bike.
