Consultation outcome

Wheels for Wellbeing response

Updated 22 February 2021

About us

Wheels for Wellbeing is an inclusive cycling charity based in south London. We are a grassroots disability organisation, running five sessions a week at our three inclusive cycling hubs. Using any of our fleet of over 200 cycles (handcycles, tandems, tricycles, recumbents, wheelchair cycles, side-by-sides and bicycles) Disabled people of all ages can discover or rediscover cycling, whilst enjoying its health and wellbeing benefits. Every year around 1,200 Disabled people, aged from 18 months to 99 years-old, cycle at our hubs. We are also increasingly recognised as the voice of Disabled cyclists in the UK.

Motability, physical activity and cycling

The Motability Scheme has provided a valuable service to Disabled people and their families for many years, and should continue to do so. We are familiar with the scheme and know that it is accessible only to those in receipt of the higher rate mobility component of Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or the enhanced rate of the mobility component of Personal Independence Payment (PIP). For those unable to walk or cycle, a scooter or powered wheelchair can provide a vital lifeline and form of independence. For others still, a car or wheelchair accessible vehicle may provide the right solution to enable them to travel independently. As a disability charity led by Disabled people, we are also aware of the many challenges that Disabled people face when accessing and using public transport, and acknowledge that this is not always an easy or viable option for many, especially those who live in remote or rural areas.

However, as our research has shown, it remains the case that Disabled people are overwhelmingly likely to be seen as a pedestrian, car driver, bus or taxi user in transport policy. Very seldom is any thought given to the idea that a Disabled person might also be a cyclist. The result is that many Disabled people will not consider themselves as cyclists, or potential cyclists, simply because the language used around travel and disability focuses on all modes of transport except cycling.

This lack of recognition of Disabled cyclists is problematic, not least because Disabled people are half as likely as non-Disabled people to be physically active and more likely to be socially isolated, and therefore have the most to gain from being physically and socially active. What’s more, the lack of awareness around inclusive cycling only reinforces the misconception that Disabled people can’t or don’t cycle. Many Disabled people continue to rely on driving or being driven for day-to-day travel - either by door-to-door services, such as community transport services, or by taxis and private car hire - even when cycling might be a realistic (or even desirable) option for them. Indeed, we believe that the fact that Motability only provides motorised options under its scheme only serves to reinforce the perception that these are the only realistic aids to mobility for Disabled people.

Recommendations

Though the mobility needs of some Disabled people might be best met through the provision of a scooter, powered wheelchair, car, wheelchair accessible vehicle or other vehicle type, there are many for whom cycling would offer a more flexible and healthy solution. Indeed, we know of many Disabled cyclists who receive DLA or PIP (and would be eligible for the Motability Scheme) but who have accessed cycling through other schemes, such as Access to Work and Cycle to Work, or by purchasing a cycle with their own funds. None of these options provide an optimal solution, however, and are not always accessible to Disabled cyclists. This can be because:

• These schemes can be difficult to navigate and are often not well advertised or signposted
• Disabled people are more likely to be unemployed, making anyone out of work ineligible for the Cycle to Work scheme
• Disabled people are more likely to be on lower incomes and work part-time, creating a financial barrier for those trying to buy a non-standard cycle which can be very expensive (cost is one of the biggest barriers to accessing cycling for Disabled people)

We believe that any scheme aiming to support Disabled people’s mobility needs should provide an active mode of transport (such as cycling) as a matter of course. Currently, Motability only offers fully motorised aids, but the benefit of offering cycles – in contrast to private cars – is that they provide a physically active, non-polluting form of transport, as well as a significantly cheaper and more cost-effective option.

We therefore strongly recommend that the Government explore options that enable the Motability Scheme to expand its offer to include non-standard cycles.

Not only would this encourage and support many more Disabled people to cycle and lead physically active lifestyles, but it would also support the Government to meet its existing policy commitments to:

1. Reduce levels of physical inactivity;
2. Reduce air pollution and tackle climate change (given that Disabled people are more likely to rely on private car hire and taxis to get around); and
3. Ensure “good health and wellbeing”, as per UN Sustainable Development Goal 3.

Wheels for Wellbeing would be happy to assist in the development of any project seeking to broaden the offer of inclusive cycling.