British Cycling to open first West Midlands disability hub

British Cycling has announced that its twelfth HSBC UK Disability Hub will open in Stourport, West Midlands, to improve access to the sport for people with disabilities.

The first two-hour session will be held at Stourport Sports Club on 31st March and will be delivered monthly thereafter by qualified British Cycling coaches.

Since inauguration in 2014, HSBC UK Disability Hubs have enabled over 5,000 riders to access traffic-free locations across the country, with the newest site helping to provide more access in the West Midlands.

In November last year, British Cycling announced the opening of its eleventh HSBC UK Disability Hub in Middlesbrough.

Disability hub sessions are organised and delivered by British Cycling coaches at dedicated cycling facilities, offering support for people with a physical or learning impairment to improve their fitness, technique and confidence.

The activities are tailored to individual riders’ requirements, and are suitable for those just starting out in the sport or rehabilitating from an injury, through to competitive athletes.

British Cycling’s Cycling Delivery Manager for the West Midlands, Amy Gardner, said: “This new opening marks an exciting new chapter for our ever-expanding network of HSBC UK Disability Hubs. We are very pleased to be expanding the programme to the West Midlands for the first time, where riders are able to develop their skills in a fun and enjoyable environment, making cycling a part of their lives. I’m looking forward to seeing first-hand the successes of this twelfth hub in Stourport.”

The centres have adapted equipment such as handcycles, tandems, trikes and bikes to support a range of impairments, meaning riders do not need to bring their own bike.

Luke Harper, HSBC UK’s Head of the British Cycling Partnership, said: “Our partnership with British Cycling is very much focused on grassroots activity, and it is important to give people the opportunity to get on a bike for the first time, develop their skills or improve their fitness. We are proud to be part of this new disability hub in Stourport, providing support to those in and around the West Midlands who may not have had the opportunity through cycling before.”

The sessions will cost £4 when booked online, runing monthly throughout the year with all dates for Stourport in 2019 to be listed online.

To speak with someone at British Cycling about disability hubs and what they offer, please call 0161 274 2070 or email go-ride@britishcycling.org.uk.