After an acquired brain injury, some activities can seem quite scary and trying new activities may be daunting. However, if you thought cycling wasn’t possible for you, Headway member and Trustee, Aly Wilma, wants to encourage you to think again!
Why You should Consider Cycling:
- Riding a bicycle helps you stay fit and active
- Cycling can be an enjoyable experience outdoors or a way to go sightseeing
- It is a great mode of transport for visiting family, friends or shops
- Cycling is a great life skill and can help with practicing balance
- It can be a social activity to go cycle with friends
- It’s low impact and easy on your joints
Cycling In Scotland:
It’s also becoming safer, easier and more popular than ever to be a cyclist in Scotland through various initiatives. In fact, cycling participation is up by 67 percent since lockdown, with more and more people happily taking to the roads, parks and canal ways.
As the world works to stop the spread of COVID 19, people still need to get around cities for essential tasks. The Scottish Government are responding to this spike in demand by opening emergency bike lanes and giving workers personal access to their own bikes from shared fleets.
What if I have balance issues after my ABI?
There are so many different styles beyond the standard two-wheel bicycle. You can check out Freewheel North who have an established partnership with Headway Glasgow if you want to find a bicycle that works for you.
Based in Glasgow Green they have over 150 different bikes, tricycles, tandems, go carts, wheelchair adapted bikes and staff and volunteers trained to work with a full cross section of people, including people with disabilities or those that need help and encouragement to get back on their bike.
What if I don’t have a bike?
There are many groups and charities setup to promote cycling around Scotland with the Scottish Government target to get 20 percent of the population to cycle. There are some resources at the end of this article that may be able to help.
If you don’t want to make the investment in buying a bike until you’re sure you’ll use it, consider a bikeshare app. City Nextbike, for example, has both electric and manual bike available throughout Glasgow!
-Aly Wilma
What if I don’t know how to ride a bike but want to learn?
Aly is a friendly face at Headway Glasgow and is an established volunteer cycle coach with FreeWheel North (FWN) and teaches people, including folk with an ABI, to cycle.
At these lessons, all bikes, equipment and safety helmets are provided. FWN cam help you build up your confidence both in the park and out on the road and are motivated to do all they can to make your cycle journey safe and enjoyable.
Plus they have just opened a fab coffee cabin, so a coffee and cake awaits once you have earned your treat.
Further Resources:
If you want to find out more about Cycling after an ABI or get in touch with Aly about cycling lessons, please send an email to info@headwayglasgow.org. You may also find the following resources useful for starting cycling in Scotland
FreeWheel North
Email: info@freewheelnirth.org.uk
Glasgow Green 0141 551 8869
Contact Carol – Volunteer opportunities available
Cycling Scotland
Scotland’s National Cycling Organisation
https//www.cycling.scot
Cycling UK, formerly CTC
Everything to help you get into cycling. Just google, plus opportunity to get your views heard, as they are a campaigning organisation.
Nextbike Glasgow
200 schemes worldwide
Innovative bike share scheme
Want to try something new but cycling isn’t for you? Try taking up an instrument instead! Check out the Uke & Friends group for learning to play the ukulele.
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