Accessible cycling Initiative, Building a Healthy Community network

Description

The Inclusive Cycling Initiative in Donegal represents more than just infrastructure—it’s a celebration of inclusion, movement, and multigenerational connection. By providing high-quality adaptive cycling equipment, including wheelchair-accessible electric trikes, the project removes barriers and invites everyone—young or old, with or without disabilities—to enjoy the physical, emotional, and social benefits of cycling.

A core strength of the initiative is its age-friendly, intergenerational focus. Grandparents who may once have felt excluded from active travel can now ride alongside their grandchildren on safe, scenic routes in Glenveagh National Park, Burtonport, and the Dungloe-Glenties Greenway. Adaptive trikes offer them the freedom to rediscover outdoor activity, while creating priceless shared experiences with younger family members. One grandmother movingly described “the joy on her grandson’s face” as they rode together—an emotional moment made possible by inclusive design and community effort.

The initiative’s school programmes further enrich this by introducing children with additional needs to the joys of cycling, often for the first time. These young participants not only gain physical confidence but also experience the thrill of shared activity with their families and wider community. Through this, the project strengthens the social fabric, fosters empathy, and bridges generations.

Importantly, this is not a top-down model. Community groups manage, maintain, and promote the facilities, giving locals ownership and pride in what has quickly become a social and health asset. By aligning with the EuroVelo network and broader accessibility strategies, Donegal is positioning itself as a leader in inclusive tourism, creating welcoming spaces not just for locals but for visitors of all ages and abilities.

Funded through a mix of Sláintecare, local enterprise, and national supports, the programme has already shown measurable success in visitor numbers, school participation, and business engagement. Its expansion in 2025 will only deepen its impact.

In a world often divided by age and ability, the Inclusive Cycling Initiative is a powerful reminder that joy, movement, and connection should be for everyone. Grandparents and grandchildren, riding side-by-side, are the most visible symbol of what happens when accessibility is not an afterthought, but the starting point.

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the initiative was to make outdoor cycling accessible to all, regardless of physical ability or age, by introducing adaptive electric trikes and inclusive cycling education programmes in Donegal.

These objectives were successfully met through:
The launch of accessible electric trikes in three key locations: Glenveagh National Park, Dungloe-Glenties Cycleway, and Burtonport Railway Route.

Delivery of inclusive school-based cycling programmes through social enterprise partners.

Active involvement of local community groups in management and promotion of the initiative.

The projects offers tangible physical and mental wellbeing outcomes through community-based, accessible infrastructure.

The initiative has been keenly adopted, empowering older people and people with disabilities to participate in outdoor recreation, increasing school group visits, and expanding Donegal’s reputation as an inclusive tourism destination.

Who is it aimed at

The target sector included:

The Inclusive Cycling Initiative brings real benefits to people of all ages and abilities across Donegal.

Grandparents and older adults can now cycle with their grandchildren using adaptive electric trikes, creating joyful, intergenerational experiences and promoting active ageing.

Children with additional needs experience the thrill of cycling, many for the first time, through school programmes that boost confidence, mobility, and inclusion.
Families enjoy shared outdoor activities, strengthening bonds and encouraging healthy lifestyles.

Community groups, like Conmany Community Centre, have borrowed the equipment making inclusive cycling a highlight of local events and reaching even more people.

Disability support organisations use the bikes for outings, promoting physical activity and social engagement.

Tourism and local businesses benefit from increased visitor numbers and investment in accessible infrastructure.

Local volunteers and social enterprises gain training and ownership, ensuring the initiative’s sustainability and continued growth.

This project is a true community effort, improving wellbeing, inclusion, and connection across generations.

Older adults seeking accessible ways to stay active with the family and friends
The initiative generates intergenerational inclusion. Grandparents and older adults can now share outdoor cycling experiences with their children and grandchildren, creating meaningful memories and stronger family bonds. This promotes mental wellbeing, social connection, and healthy lifestyles across age groups.

This promotes mental wellbeing, social connection, and healthy lifestyles across age groups.

Future plans include expanding the range of adaptive equipment to include hand-propelled cycles and tandem bikes, supporting individuals with who may have a hip operations, have had a stroke or may have impaired vision. This will further extend the reach and inclusivity of the project, ensuring everyone, regardless of ability, can enjoy cycling

Benefits included:
• Freedom and confidence through access to adaptive cycling equipment.
• Skill-building and physical wellbeing from school cycling programmes.
• Social inclusion and participation in outdoor activities.

Families, community groups, and tourists alike now enjoy a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

3 Steps critical to success

1. Community-Driven Implementation
   Empower local groups to manage and maintain equipment and routes. This builds pride, ensures long-term sustainability, and strengthens local engagement.
2. Collaborative Funding & Strategic Partnerships enterprise
   Leverage diverse funding sources (e.g., Sláintecare, local) and align with broader initiatives like the EuroVelo network and SUBS to secure sustainability.
3. Choosing of relevent equipment and route design that meets the needs of all ages and abilities from adaptive trikes to safe, scenic paths—so everyone feels welcomed and included.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Ongoing Maintenance & Resource Demands
   Adaptive cycling equipment requires regular upkeep and can be costly to maintain without sustained funding and trained personnel.
2. Safety and insuring the staff are available to do on site training, this has been meet eagely by voluntary participants and local groups
3. Insurance cover, these causesd initial challenges but were overcome with research and fact finding excercises

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. Improved Physical & Mental Wellbeing
   Participants,especially older adults and children with additional needs—report increased confidence, joy, and connection to nature and community through shared physical activity.
2. Enhanced Social Inclusion & Empathy
   Bringing together generations and people of different abilities reduces social isolation and fosters understanding across communities.
3. Boost in Local Tourism & Economic Activity
   Inclusive cycling routes attract a wider range of visitors, creating new opportunities for local businesses and positioning Donegal as a leader in accessible tourism.