Get on a bike and get fit for life.
That’s the invitation from Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) as it launches an initiative to encourage people of all ages and abilities to take up cycling.
Bike 4 Life starts with an open day the National Sports Centre raceway on Tuesday 23rd June from 12 noon to 5pm.
Novice and nervous cyclists, those recovering from illness, with special educational needs or disabilities or simply trying to get fitter can try out the sport in a safe environment, free of charge.
Zoe Crowe, Disability Sports Development Officer with MSR, said the introduction to cycling would be ideal for those trying to improve their fitness, recuperating from ill health or surgery, suffering long-term health issues or disabilities, with reduced/little mobility, including wheelchair users, amputees and those with coordination problems – or simply those who have always wanted to cycle but are wary of riding on roads.
The initiative is supported by Isle of Man Sport – the body that advises the Isle of Man Government on sport and recreation.
It is being run in conjunction with bike shops, clubs and associations and bikes and helmets will be available to hire, with instruction available from experienced cyclists.
There will be bikes to suit all participants, including hand cycles, tricycles, bikes adapted for wheelchair users, two-seater bikes and quad cycles.
Participants are welcome to bring their own bikes.
Those who enjoy the experience can then, for a nominal cost, continue cycling at weekly sessions at the NSC on Tuesdays throughout June, July and August. Suitable bikes will be available to hire.
Zoe said: ‘The Strategy for Sport 2014-2024 highlights the benefits of physical exercise as a way to improve health, wellbeing and confidence in all sectors of society and whatever your age and fitness level.
‘Cycling has many physical and mental health benefits. It is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of health problems such as stroke, heart attack, depression, diabetes, obesity and arthritis.’
The NSC raceway ‘offers a safe and enjoyable cycling environment for those who want to ride with more confidence, with support at hand,’ Zoe said.
Gary Corkill, Executive Chairman of Isle of Man Sport, said: ‘Cycling is a healthy, low-impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities, offering a fun hobby and freedom. Isle of Man Sport is delighted to support such an event and we hope that this initiative will encourage even more people to engage in a healthy and active lifestyle.’
For more information about Bike 4 Life, contact Zoe on 688575 or email Zoe.Crowe@gov.im or follow @iomsportsdev on Twitter or like “MSR” Sports Development Unit on Facebook.
