“There hasn’t been anyone we couldn’t get cycling, one way or another”

Manchester-based cycling club, Simply Cycling, has been providing accessible cycling opportunities for people of all ages and abilities for over 20 years.

Founded by former SEND teacher Sue Blaylock, Simply Cycling prides itself on the inclusive nature of the club, ensuring that anyone can take part in cycling regardless of their physical or learning capabilities.

The club currently operates at three venues across the city: Longford Park, Wythenshawe Park, and Boggart Hole Clough.

Starting with just four bikes and one morning a week, Simply Cycling has grown to offer over 680 bicycles adapted for all sorts of conditions, including hand cycles, recumbent bikes, tandems, side-by-side bikes, trikes, and even wheelchair-accessible bikes.

What’s more, the club is open all year round, allowing participants to cycle and enjoy the great outdoors regardless of the weather.

Simply Cycling has become a pillar of the Manchester community, attracting hundreds of people each week who want to get involved with the club.

Sue Blaylock, who made the transition from teaching to running the club full-time, explains: “It’s grown by word of mouth initially, but apart from the website, we don’t do much advertising.

“We’re set up as a charity and employ four people now, we aren’t funded by the Council but we make enough money now to cover all our costs.”

At just £3 to get involved, Simply Cycling provides a mainstream activity for people who aren’t mainstream.

The club has successfully taught people with additional needs, special education needs, autistic spectrum disorders, sensory impairments, rehabilitation needs from strokes or surgeries, and much more, how to cycle.

“Anybody is welcome to come down and have some fun,” Sue adds.

“The inclusion aspect is so important to us, and I think that’s something we pride ourselves on here.”

Simply Cycling’s success is due to its focus on providing accessible cycling for all. By having a wide range of bicycles available, the club can cater to the individual needs of each participant, ensuring that everyone has the chance to enjoy cycling.

“I had a phone convo with a grandma who wanted to bring her 7-year-old down,” Sue recalls.

“I told them both to just come down and give it a go, let her find a bike that works for her and you find one for you. With us, we can get anyone cycling. Come down and give us a try! You’ll surprise yourself.”

Simply Cycling’s 20th-year celebrations include a party and various events throughout the year to mark the special milestone. Sue reflects on the past 20 years with pride, “all ages, all abilities, there hasn’t been anyone we can’t get cycling one way or another, which is quite the achievement. This is a special, welcoming space where everyone is welcome to come and be a part of. I think that’s something we can be proud of.”

Simply Cycling’s success story is a testament to the power of inclusion and accessibility. By offering a mainstream activity for people who are not mainstream, the club has created a welcoming community where anyone can enjoy cycling.

With its growing popularity, Simply Cycling has become a vital part of the Manchester community, proving that no one should be excluded from an activity as simple and enjoyable as cycling.

To find out more about what they do, please click here.]

Simply Cycling also offer group and 1-to-1 rides out from £20 per person- please message Sue or Helen for further info or to book.

You can telephone them here Sue 07753 428 937 or Helen 07871 621 778