A Guide to Inclusive Cycling (2nd Edition)

This guide does not claim to be the answer to everything about inclusive cycling. Nor is it a highly technical set of design guidelines. Rather, it is somewhere in between: an accessible but thorough guide on the basic principles of inclusive cycling. We hope that it will be a useful tool for local authorities, transport bodies, civil engineers, academics, cycling organisations, disability charities, campaign groups and, of course, Disabled cyclists themselves.

This guide covers a number of topics. It begins by defining what we mean by ‘inclusive cycling’, providing a context to disability in the UK, dispelling some of the myths around disability and cycling and setting out some key facts and figures. It goes on to look at the benefits of cycling for Disabled people, the types of cycles used by some Disabled people and the barriers faced by Disabled cyclists. The first section finishes with an outline of our current campaigns and how UK equality legislation applies to inclusive cycling. The rest of the handbook is then broken down into four sections - recognition and awareness; inclusive and integrated cycle networks; inclusive infrastructure; and inclusive facilities - exploring the practical ways in which cycling can be made more inclusive in each of these areas. We finish with some concluding thoughts on what a truly inclusive cycling nation might look like in the future.

We hope that our guide provides some useful signposting for anyone designing cycle infrastructure, updating a cycling strategy or who is keen to better understand the needs of Disabled cyclists. Each section features real life stories from Disabled cyclists, case studies and policy recommendations.

This guide updates our previous 2017 version. We are aware that things move quickly in the policy world, and so it remains our intention that this guide continues to be a ‘live’ online working document that can be continually updated.

If you would like to make a contribution or suggestion please email us at info@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk using ‘Guide to Inclusive Cycling - feedback’ as the subject line.

This document is our latest contribution towards reaching the ultimate goal of cycling equality for Disabled people. We hope you enjoy reading it.

Isabelle Clement, Director of Wheels for Wellbeing