Free Wheel North helps people of all ages and abilities to get out and enjoy cycling, even when they have been told they shouldn’t ride a bike, or told they can’t ride a bike. We know the physical and mental health benefits of cycling, and enable people to experience that for themselves. The difference that cycling can have on depression, loneliness, obesity, and many other conditions can be life changing.

From our dedicated disability track at Glasgow Green, our group rides from Glasgow Green and the White House in Maryhill, to helping both adults and children learn how to go a bike in the first place, we help people to get out and cycle. Our Cycle Track at Glasgow Green has over 30 different types of bicycles, including tandems, side by sides, hand-cranks, recumbent go-karts, trikes with various adaptations and many different sizes and styles of 2 wheelers including adult balance bikes. Our team at the track are able to help and advise people with different abilities on which bike may be suitable for them. 

We regularly teach adults and children of all abilities how to ride bikes. From the young 4 and 5 year olds who are just starting out, to the 8/9 year olds who are too embarrassed because they think they are too old for it, all the way to those who have just retired and now have more time to cycle and enjoy the outdoors. Everyone is different and learns differently and our tutors take this on board, getting to know each learner so the individual learns to feel comfortable and confident on their bike.

Our group rides from both Glasgow Green and Maryhill help people to explore the cycle paths in and around Glasgow, helping them navigate and locate new places they never knew existed. Our ride leaders plan out routes to include cafes or places of local interest, while the rides themselves help people integrate and feel a part of something. Many riders attend both rides, which helps reduce social isolation for those who don’t live alone or don’t have anyone else. The rides are attended by people who are new to the city, and by people who don’t have a bike because we can loan people a bike. They are accessible to all, and inclusive to all.

We have a core team of 11 staff, 6 sessional staff and get support from 24 volunteers, all of whom work together to provide all of our services, with a warmth and friendliness that doesn’t go unnoticed. One doesn’t work without the other, and this is where we may struggle in 2021. The Covid19 Pandemic has hit charities in different ways. Many are surviving but have had to adapt. Many funding routes are adapting to deal with the pandemic. We have been advised that one of our main funding sources for staff wages will not be available to us in 2021. This will have a huge impact on our charity and the activities we provide, and the day to day running of our facilities. So we are asking those who support what we do to continue to support us. We thank you all for your support throughout 2020 and look forward to working with you all to help us continue our work in 2021 –hopefully this will be a better year!