Saddling up for new cycle project
Young people with disabilities are set to benefit from a new cycling project in Callander.
Fabb Scotland is celebrating after its Blazing Saddles programme received a grant from the Scottish Government.
In partnership with local community groups and Forth Valley Disability Sport it will teach disabled children how to ride a bike and progress to mainstream cycling activities.
Based at the Trossachs Tryst, Blazing Saddles’ inclusive cycling hub will build on work with the Callander Pedals Partnership by providing a programme of cycle rides and training courses that show how to support people with disabilities to enjoy the outdoors.
Fabb Scotland workm with young people and children with disabilities and additional support needs.
The charity has been granted £41,100 from Active Scotland and Transport Scotland.
A fleet of adapted bikes is being purchased for the Callander project at a cost of around £15,000 and the remaining funding will be spent on recruiting and training staff and volunteers tp support the Blazing Saddles project throughout the Forth Valley area.
This may include the fleet of children’s bikes being transported to areas throughout Scotland.
Minister for public health and sport Aileen Campbell said: “Getting people across Scotland to be more active is something we are striving to do and that means we need to look at ways to make that easier for everyone.
“This Blazing Saddles project will allow more people with disabilities the chance to try cycling and can lead to a number of benefits, including increased activity and a greater sense of independence, and encourages us to get out and cycle through the fantastic scenery that the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park has to offer.”
Fabb Scotland chief executive Fiona Hird said: “We are very excited about our new facilities at Callander and as a result of this funding we’ll be able to develop our activities at the Trossachs Tryst and welcome newcomers to cycling.
“This in turn will help Fabb’s young people to achieve independence, develop socially and emotionally and progress to taking part in mainstream cycling activities.”
Trossachs Tryst operations manager Emma Close said: “We’d like to hear from anyone who may be interested in volunteering with Fabb Scotland or learning more about the facilities available at Callander.”