I am so excited to share the progression and growth of disability active travel project.
Inclusive active travel has become a real passion and interest for me during this internship. After writing my first blog “Disability inclusion, diversity and equality of opportunity within Active Travel”, I have been exploring disabled travel and physical activity in many ways; engaging with people, finding out their personal experiences, barriers and physical activity and engaging with different organisations who are doing incredible work in the inclusive active travel space.
After writing that blog, I started mind-mapping different things I could do during my internship to bring more awareness to inclusive active travel.
After planning and engaging with students, I decided I wanted to focus on three main things; raising awareness, providing opportunities for EVERYONE to try adaptive bikes; to have an embodied the experience and gain perspective and provide more than a one-off event; something more impactful and long-term.
SO, what did I do? PS I really wish there was another word for I, I don’t think this was on me to start this project, I am just creating a space for amazing people come together.
I contacted and met with different organisations. I met with David at ABC Edinburgh, he told me about the incredible work they do, I tried their adaptive bikes and we made plans to collaborate.
This set it all in motion, I was planning an event of some sort. I blethered and share my ideas with my supervisor, I even sent emails in the evening as I thought of more ideas. I keep thinking he must be totally sick of my enthusiasm, but still kindly listens!
After lots of discussion, I decided to plan an active travel day at the college. The aim of this event is to enable anyone, and everyone try adaptive bikes, chat with a range organisations, network, make smoothies with Sustrans smoothie bike and eat free cake.
Event: “Inclusive active travel and adaptive bike taster session”
Date/Time: 13th of March, 12-2pm
Location: Drop off point outside the Atrium at Sighthill campus
We will be joined by: ABC Edinburgh, Sustrans, Lothian Disability Sport, Dr Bike, Sweco's Sustainability road show, and our Student Association will be there providing information, support and advice.
There will also be free smoothies, uniquely designed cake and coffee!!
I really wanted to have something in place to follow up the inclusive active travel event. Sometimes we can put on incredible events with any follow ups. It can be really hard to access adaptive bikes- infact I had never seen them in person until I met with David.
Amazingly, ABC Edinburgh are giving us the opportunity to take a group of students to their centre once a week until the end of semester! Feeling confident and comfortable using adaptive bikes can take a long period of time- (I think I will need extra time to get us to hand cycles and for sure some extra arm strength). The weekly sessions will give students the opportunity build confidence, independence, balance, fitness and feel the liberating feels that come with cycling.
Another awesome thing, I secured funding to cover transport from the college to the centre. This means we will have an adapted mini-bus take used to and from the centre every week. Taking away cost and transport as barrier to access the sessions.
Come along to the Inclusive Active Travel Day, Edinburgh College, Sighthill Campus, Wednesday 13th of March, 12-2pm. Pop by even for 10 minutes, your support and presence can make a huge difference.
Let’s raise awareness of inclusive active travel and sustainability together!
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