'Gear-Up' Inclusive Cycling

Aim

We’ve chosen to keep the campaign open. With your help any additional funds raised will help us invest in more adapted cycles in the

Who are we?

EcoLocal is an independent charity based in Carshalton, dedicated to making our community healthier, more connected and more inclusive. For over 10 years, we’ve run Sutton’s much-loved Inclusive Cycling programme at the David Weir Leisure Centre, giving disabled people, older adults and families the chance to enjoy cycling in a safe, friendly and completely accessible environment. Over 980 people take part each year, supported by our skilled staff and amazing volunteer team.

Why are we crowdfunding?

We urgently need to replace several of our adapted cycles, which are now beyond repair after many years of constant use. Without new cycles, people who rely on specialist bikes to take part risk losing access altogether.

We’re crowdfunding so we can buy new handcycles, trikes, side-by-side bikes and accessible two-wheelers—ensuring disabled people, older adults and families can continue riding together. Replacing these cycles will reduce waiting times, increase capacity and give more people of all abilities the chance to enjoy safe, regular outdoor activity.

How will we spend the money you help us raise?

So far we have successfully raised funds towards purchasing and maintaining new accessible cycles. Our priority purchases are:

• 1 Upright handcycle trike – for people who cannot use their legs

• 1 Tomcat Dragon trike – highly stable and ideal for many riders with learning disabilities

• 1 PF Mobility side-by-side trike – enabling people to ride with a carer

• 2 low-step hybrid two-wheel cycles – for more independent riders

• 1 Veloplus wheelchair transporter bike (from separate raised funds)

All cycles will be checked and maintained by our trained mechanic and volunteer team.  But we need more new cycles - please help if you can.

Community impact

Our Inclusive Cycling sessions are a lifeline for many people who struggle to access mainstream sport and physical activity. Last year:

• 92% reported improved physical wellbeing

• 89% became more active

• 91% valued the social connection

Participants tell us cycling helps them build confidence, strengthen mobility, feel part of a community and enjoy being outdoors—often for the first time in years. Families can ride together, carers feel supported, and volunteers gain new skills and purpose.  

Our sessions provide a traffic free, safe, healthy and fun way for those with physical and learning difficulties to be active and experience cycling outdoors, where normally their opportunity to do so is very limited. They say:
– “Rosie really enjoys it here. It’s really good for her because her mobility has gone downhill, but when she gets on the bikes she really gets her muscles going. We showed the photos of her cycling to her physio, and the physio said it’s amazing.”
– “Tony is not so keen on other types of exercise like if he uses the treadmill, he just gives up. Cycling here keeps him fit because he’s so interested”
– “I see my daughter smile and she has lost weight and got fitter”
– “I can’t use a two wheel bike due to balance + co-ordination issues – so these sessions allow me to cycle in the outddoors, which I’ve never had access to before!”

New cycles will sustain this vital programme, reduce inactivity, strengthen social bonds and keep our community active, healthy and included.

How you can play your part

Make a donation – early support builds momentum!

Spread the word – share our project and help us reach more people.

Together, we can keep inclusive cycling rolling for years to come.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made