Live! Adapted Cycles Project

Aim: To provide disabled people of all ages with access to adapted and accessible bicycles so that they can enjoy the thrill of cycling.

Live! is an independent charity that provides a varied programme of fully inclusive and accessible clubs and social activities for more than 200 disabled people of all ages. We are based in Chester, but people come from throughout Cheshire, Wirral, and North Wales to take part, make friends and have fun.  Whilst doing so they develop their self-esteem and confidence, improve their physical well-being and develop social, vocational and independent living skills. 

Our mission is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of those taking part, challenge disadvantage and promote choice and inclusion. First established in 1993 as a small community group we have grown to the point where we now run 84 monthly activity sessions.

We are ‘pan disability’, which means that we work with children, young people and adults that have any kind of disability.  These can take the form of mild to profound learning disabilities, wide ranging physical disabilities, autism, sensory impairments, and mental health problems. Many people have multiple disabilities. 

Our Adapted Cycles Project.

Adapted cycling makes the hobby of cycling accessible to everyone regardless of the challenges they face. ‘Adapted Cycles’ is our adapted cycling project, for people aged 6 upwards, that offers a wide range of bikes to suit people with differing health, physical and learning disabilities. The project provides opportunities to enjoy our collection of adapted hand bikes, 3-wheel bikes, tandems and wheelchair accessible bicycles.

We are based on a traffic free, circular paved greenway that provides a safe and well surfaced environment for cycling. The Adapted Cycles project is available for schools, groups, or individuals on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm. We also offer tailored sessions for SEN Bikeability and guided cycle trips.

The project is overseen by our Cycle Project Manager supported by a Cycle Project Lead (qualified cycle mechanic) and a team of volunteers. They work closely with people to identify the most appropriate type of cycle for them, they are then taught to ride safely (with protective gear) and are supervised at all times. The project encourages people to undertake healthy exercise, to improve motor skills, to make friends, to build confidence and to have fun!

The Adapted Cycles project provides opportunities for around 100 children, young people and adults a year, supporting them to:

• Improve their physical health – cycling is a great form of exercise that can help improve cardiovascular fitness, build strength and improve coordination. This can help people to reduce the risk of obesity and other health problems.

• Improve their mental health - cycling can also have a positive impact on mental health, reducing stress, anxiety and depression. This is particularly important for people with learning disabilities, who may experience higher levels of mental health issues.

• Develop social skills, by providing opportunities to interact with others and build positive relationships.

• Develop independence - cycling can provide learning disabled people with a sense of independence and freedom, enabling them to explore their local area and to travel to places they might not otherwise be able to access.

• Build confidence - learning to cycle, and becoming proficient at it, can help to boost self-confidence and self-esteem, which has a positive impact on overall wellbeing.

Thank you so much for reading about our project. Your donation will go directly to the continued running of Adapted Cycles. 

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 31st October 2025 at 12:34pm