At Bike the UK for MS, we believe everyone deserves the chance to feel the joy and freedom of being on a bike—no matter their age, ability, or diagnosis. That’s why we were thrilled to bring together two brilliant local MS communities this March for a pair of accessible cycling sessions in the Forest of Dean and Bath.
These sessions, hosted in collaboration with Goals Beyond Grass and All Cycle Bath and West, gave attendees the chance to try out a wide range of adaptive bikes, connect with others, and simply enjoy a relaxed day outdoors. From side-by-side tandems to recumbent trikes, e-bikes, and wheelchair-friendly options, there was truly something for everyone.
Forest of Dean: Snow, Sunshine and Smiles
The first session took place on Wednesday 12 March at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre. Despite waking up to heavy snowfall, by the time the bikes were ready and participants had gathered, the skies cleared and the sun came out just in time.
Bike the UK for MS placement student and volunteer Olivia made the early morning journey from Lancaster to support the day, teaming up with MaryClare Faulkner, Inclusive Cycling Lead at Goals Beyond Grass, who had prepared an amazing fleet of adaptive bikes.
Eleven participants from the Gloucester, Cheltenham and Forest of Dean MS Group, led by volunteer Simon Ruffley, joined us for the ride. The group tried everything from side-by-side tandems and trikes to recumbents, e-bikes, and wheelchair-accessible cycles. Some even brought their own e-trikes!
The scenic route took riders on a gentle, sunny loop through the woods and along the trail to Cannop Ponds. Everyone cycled at their own pace, but stayed connected as a group—with assistance always close at hand. Afterward, everyone gathered at the on-site café to warm up with tea, coffee, and hot food, sharing stories and laughs over loaded fries and jacket potatoes.
As Simon summed it up so perfectly: “A very good day out. A great experience and looking forward to the next outing.”
The MS group shared their own reflections too: “What a choice there was… I think by the time we were ready, we had chosen every type of bike/trike available… A very big thank you again to Bike the UK for MS and Goals Beyond Grass for a great experience.”
Bath: Spring Sunshine and a Community Feel
Two days later, on Friday 14 March, we hosted our second session at the Odd Down Cycle Circuit in Bath, with support from Hannah Samuel at All Cycle Bath and West.
We welcomed around 10 attendees from the Bath and District MS Group, led by Group Coordinator Steve Plant, along with spouses, carers, and volunteers. As with the Forest of Dean, participants had access to a huge range of bikes, from handbikes and e-bikes to step-throughs, recumbents, side-by-sides, and more.
One participant, in his 80s and living with MS, enjoyed the ride so much that he planned to return the very next day for a public session—proof that the joy of cycling never gets old.
After the session, several members stayed for coffee and conversation, reflecting on the positive experience and the welcoming atmosphere.
Steve later shared in a message to the team: “Our group had a great time… The range of bikes and the course were superb. We will definitely be booking another session soon.”
We were also joined by representatives from Parkinson’s UK Bath, who stopped by to learn more about how sessions like these work and how they might benefit their community in future.
Why These Sessions Matter
For many people living with MS, opportunities for physical activity can be limited by symptoms, accessibility, or lack of confidence. These sessions aimed to break down those barriers and show that, with the right support and equipment, cycling can be for everyone.
We’re so proud of the welcoming, flexible environments created at both events—places where people could try something new, move their bodies, and feel part of a wider community. Huge thanks go to our partners Goals Beyond Grass, All Cycle Bath and West, and the fantastic MS group volunteers and organisers who helped bring it all to life.
Join Us Again: MS Awareness Week Accessible Cycling Events
We’re excited to be running another round of accessible cycling sessions during MS Awareness Week 2025, with the aim of shining a light on the facilities and options available to help people living with MS stay active and engaged.
Upcoming Sessions:
- Wednesday 30 April, 1–2pm – Forest of Dean
- Thursday 1 May, 12–1pm – Moredon, Swindon (run in partnership with Becky Cox of British Cycling)
- Friday 2 May, 11am–12pm – Odd Down, Bath
We’re especially excited to welcome Mark Sinclair to the Bath session. Mark, a Bike the UK for MS alumni, completed our John O’Groats to Land’s End ride on his trike before transitioning to a wheelchair. He’s now training as a competitive hand cyclist (recently classified as H3 by British Cycling) and plans to race in the Disability Series this year. Mark is also tackling the London Marathon this April, kicking off his bid to complete the London Classics, raising funds for Bike the UK for MS along the way. He will be in Bath to share his journey of living with MS.
Whether you’re new to cycling or a seasoned rider looking to adapt, these sessions are for you. Come along, give it a try, and discover the joy of cycling your way.
To learn more or sign up for a session, contact us at info@biketheukforms.org, sign up here or visit our website www.biketheukforms.org.
