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We’re looking for volunteers for the island’s first inclusive cycling centre!

The new cycling centre will be home to a range of adapted bikes that allow adults and children with disabilities or mobility issues to enjoy riding in a safe, outdoor space. Our vision is to create an environment where everyone can cycle on a regular basis, regardless of ability and can begin to weave more exercise into their lifestyle, to improve mental and physical wellbeing.

Thanks to the generosity of Ocorian Trust, Enable Jersey, HSBC Channel Islands and a private donor, we have been able to order a wide range of adapted bikes including trikes, recumbent bikes, handcycles, companion bikes and power-assisted wheelchair transporter which will be available at the centre. And our volunteers will help us to bring our vision to life.

If you thrive on community projects and would enjoy supporting people with learning disabilities and physical impairments, then we’d love to hear from you. A passion for cycling would be beneficial but not a necessity if you’re willing to learn! We need friendly, enthusiastic volunteers to help us deliver our accessible cycling programme within the community. We’re looking for people who are approachable, well organised, reliable and patient, with brilliant communication skills to create a dynamic, fun-loving, committed team.

As a valued volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills, gain experience, meet new people and feel more connected to your community. Plus, you’ll get to make a genuine difference to the lives of people with physical and learning disabilities.

Cirsty de Gruchy, Head of Move More Jersey, explains, “For many islanders living with a disability, cycling is not accessible without appropriate bikes, but thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we can now change this. The benefits of cycling for the disabled are just the same as for able-bodied riders: it’s fun and promotes physical and mental well-being, enables social connections and gives independent mobility.”

26% of households in Jersey have someone with a disability and we want to provide the opportunity for these islanders to experience the joy of being out on a bike, regardless of age or disability.

The centre allows us the opportunity to provide disabled islanders with freedom from daily constraints and the ability to extend the speed and distance of movement compared to their normal wheelchair or other form of mobility aid. For some, this may be by cycling independently on an adapted bike and for others, being supported by a companion on one of the two-person bikes we will have at the centre.

Cirsty continued, “we’re delighted to be opening this new centre and are looking for passionate volunteers who can join our team to support the project. We can guarantee the rewards of being involved will far outweigh the time you give!”

If you would like to volunteer to help us at the new inclusive cycle centre, please register your interest at: movemore.je/volunteer. Training for the role will begin early this September.

To find out more about the volunteering opportunities available, please contact Cirsty de Gruchy, Head of Move More Jersey at: cirsty.degruchy@jerseysport.je

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