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We provide our service users with safe cycling experiences on traffic-free cycle paths or quiet lanes. Enabled through one-to-one supervision, on a range of standard and specially adapted cycles matched to the requirements of each individual.
We currently use part of the Sustrans NCN1 route through the beautiful Halesworth Millennium Green; the path is only used by pedestrians, dog walkers and cyclists.
The route passes through grazing pastures (occasionally cattle may be present), is around 1.2 miles in total, and typically lasts 30 to 40 minutes.
Sessions are delivered by trained volunteers. Helmets and tabards are provided.
Sessions run on alternate Tuesdays, each with three sessions starting at 10:30am, 11:30am & 12.30pm.
We normally run April – October, but we may close sessions in extreme weather conditions.
The suggested donation for each client is £5 per session.
Note: a carer or responsible adult must normally accompany each client, donation-free. Depending on your cycling ability, and if you do not normally require a carer or responsible adult with you, please make this clear on the client registration form so that we can assess all rider needs.
If you want to bring your own bike, please include it on the form. We can provide bikes for carers, but if they have certain needs or preferences too, then please tell us.
If you'd like to join us for a ride, please complete the 'Client Service User Form' from the 'Documents' page and return it to us at Info@bansuffolk.co.uk.
Case Studies
Case Studies
Chris
Chris
Chris says...
"I currently can't walk very far without pain which has stopped me from enjoying the fresh air and much-needed exercise.
I was advised to try a tricycle, so I went along to one of the Bike Active North Suffolk (BANS) sessions at Halesworth.
The team of volunteers was fantastic. They made me very welcome, and I had a super time with them.
They gave me lots of help and advice and supervised the rides with lots of safety and enjoyment for their cyclists.
Now, following their help and advice, I have purchased a Tricycle and regularly ride along Felixstowe Promenade and cycle to the Felixstowe Ferry.
Riding a tricycle is a really healthy and enjoyable way of getting exercis.
Thank you, everybody! 'Onwards and Upwards'."
Sheila
Sheila
For Sheila, BANS cycling sessions have been life-changing.
After struggling with mobility and health issues, Sheila wasn’t sure she could even walk to the sessions.
Shelia says...
“I didn’t expect to do it, I got pushed into it” Once Sheila got on a bike that suited her, she found a new sense of freedom. “It was like a new start, a new life… I pedalled and found that I could pedal better than I could walk.”
The rides have helped Sheila regain confidence, improve her mobility, and reconnect with people.
“It’s not just the bike ride, it’s the people I’ve met… we’ve become friends. It’s kept me out of a care home.” “People offer me lifts and I say, 'No, I want to walk.' By cycling and meeting people, it’s kept me on my feet.”
Now 83, Sheila describes herself as one of the fittest in the group.
“I literally walk home buoyantly… it’s pure joy,”
Mike
Mike
For Mike, who had a stroke in 2021, joining BANS has been transformative.
Mike says...
“I came home from hospital unable to walk a single step.”
Cycling had been a regular part of Mike’s life, but after the stroke regaining independence was difficult.
“It was always my ambition to be able to get back on the bike.”
Using a semi-recumbent trike with specialist foot and hand adaptations, we have been able to help Mike fulfil his ambition and aid his rehabilitation.
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