A group of young people have been learning how to ride a bike at a specialist cycling club.
Every summer, our Occupational Therapists and Physiotherapists run a bike club for children and young people from Bristol with a variety of conditions including motor and developmental co-ordination difficulties, mild cerebral palsy, and autism.
Young people are referred to the bike club if they have been trying to learn at home, but have been struggling due to their mobility, co-ordination, or balance.
The therapists work with the young people over five sessions in the summer holidays to teach them basic cycling skills and build up their confidence.
Therese Millar, Specialist Physiotherapist, and Clare Haines, Specialist Occupational Therapist, who co-lead Sirona’s bike group, said: “We are passionate about bike group and never tire of seeing the look of pride and joy on the faces of the children, and their parents and carers, when they learn to ride on their own.
“The group setting is great for building confidence, making new friends, and learning to work together.”
Malachi, aged 12, attended the club this year, as he’s been unable to learn with his mum, Sarah Flanagan. She said: “He’s been really struggling to ride a bike with me. Malachi has suspected autism and issues with his co-ordination.
“This is such a good group. He doesn’t feel overwhelmed, and he seems keen to learn.”
Finley, aged 10, can ride a bike but took part in the sessions as he wants to improve his skills and safety on the road. Mum Ioshi Jones said: “They give them one-to-one attention at the bike group, and everyone can work at their own speed. They get the best out of them.
“Improving his skills will be good for his confidence and he wants to be able to cycle to school.”
The bike group started more than 15 years ago and was held at schools, leisure centres and parks before moving to Bristol Cycling Centre, in Bamfield, which also allows children to use their bikes. This year it was held at St Werburgh’s Primary School, in Bristol.
Eight-year-old Lenny was invited to the bike group this summer as he was struggling to ride due to his hypermobility which affects his balance.
His dad Kevin Brooksby said: “He gets extremely anxious and agitated when he tries to ride, but he really wants to learn so we can go out as a family on bike rides together. He would also be able to cycle to our local sports centre, so it would make life easier for him.”
The group’s success rate for teaching children to ride a bike is very high and the sessions also help to improve their self-esteem and independence.
Lorraine McMullen, Associate Director of Children’s Services, said: “We are thrilled to run the bike club again this year so we can empower children and young people to feel confident in bike riding.
“The bike club is invaluable to children, young people, and their families in Bristol and our therapists’ energy and motivation is what makes it happen.”
Our Children’s Occupational and Physiotherapy Services support young people with complex or long-term physical and developmental conditions. They provide interventions and work with young people and their families to help them improve their functional ability and mobility.
