About Us

What got us started? Seeing fantastic cycling groups in Norfolk and South Suffolk! A few of us, already passionate about helping out through charity rides and fundraising, decided our community needed something similar.

We bring experience to the table, especially from volunteering with similar groups, where we learnt loads about cycling with people with disabilities.

At BANS, we share a serious love for cycling, staying active, and exploring the outdoors. We truly believe that getting outside and moving together is a powerful way to combat isolation and make everyone feel happier and healthier.

The spark for BANS ignited in autumn 2023! After seeing the amazing work of similar groups, a couple of dedicated volunteers felt the pull – we realised just how crucial it was to bring something like this to North Suffolk.

It started small, with just one or two of us championing the idea. But from that initial passion, the concept quickly snowballed and gained real momentum!

From Idea to Action:

We really knuckled down during 2024 to make BANS official. This meant appointing our trustees, setting down our core principles in a constitution, and successfully registering with the Charity Commission.

To raise critical funds, one of our volunteers even completed a sponsored cycle ride from Land's End to John o'Groats; we also held a fundraising 24-hour cycle event at Snap Fitness in Beccles. We're now actively pursuing financial support, reaching out to generous local sources, donors, and national funders to power our mission forward!

We're all about sharing the simple joy of cycling with adults who have illnesses or disabilities! Think gentle breezes and happy smiles as we cycle along the lovely path through Halesworth Millennium Green. Our friendly volunteers (all DBS checked) team up with clients and their wonderful carers (who get to enjoy the ride too!), leading small, relaxed group rides.

Whether you prefer a classic bike or need something specially designed for comfort and ease, we've got just the right wheels. Our short, easy route is carefully chosen to be safe and enjoyable for everyone. It's not just about the cycling itself – it's about connecting with others, making new friends, and discovering the wonderful feeling of being out and about together. We truly believe that everyone deserves the chance to experience this.

We've had the pleasure of riding with fantastic groups like MenCap and individuals with visual impairments, balance challenges, or other health conditions. Our enthusiastic volunteers and our well-cared-for bikes mean we can support all sorts of needs, offering as much independence as possible while always being mindful and caring. Come join us for a gentle adventure and feel the happiness of the ride.

Beyond just knowing our stuff when it comes to making these rides safe and smooth, you can always count on us having at least one qualified first aider in every group, along with a fantastic ride leader and our wonderful trained volunteers. We're big believers in learning from the best, so we always team up with outside experts for our training where required.

As a registered charity, we have developed a fully compliant governance framework that recognises the importance of safeguarding and respect for all. Many of our policies and procedures are available to view in the 'Documents' section of our website.

As well as being a registered charity, we are affiliated with British Cycling, Cycling UK and Wheels For All – each being national bodies and recognising our provision. Through these and others, we’re able to ensure that we make the best use of the latest knowledge and share learning so we can keep abreast of developments and best practice.

We were absolutely thrilled to bits to receive the 2024 'Active Suffolk' Inclusive Organisation of the Year award! Plus, our amazing Chair was recognised as the runner-up for Inclusivity Champion of the Year! It really shows how much we care about making cycling accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

We continue to build our client and volunteer base and resources, plus our fleet of cycles – all of which will grow with the demands presented by our clients. 

We have a business plan guiding us forward as our provision grows. 

We firmly believe in developing our most significant asset, our volunteers, promoting training and knowledge such as client needs, cycle maintenance, wellbeing and leadership.