Cycling and handbiking
Adaptive bikes suited to broad range of needs.
Cycling and handbiking at Calvert
Cycling is an activity often taken for granted, but not everyone can learn to ride a bike with two wheels. Cycling at Calvert Lakes looks a little different and we love enabling people to ride with adaptive bikes suited to broad range of needs.
As our main centre is surrounded by trees and hills, we take our guests cycling at Watchtree Nature Reserve, a local charity who offer a wide, flat outdoor space for riders to explore safely at their own pace. The nature reserve was built on an old airfield, and the perimeter is dotted with wind turbines. Inside the nature reserve are walking trails, a wildlife pond, café, accessible toilets and parking and picnic facilities.
Our fleet includes standard two-wheel bikes, KMX hand bikes that have 3 wheels and are much lower to the ground, trikes with pedals and bikes for multiple riders. Adaptive bikes allow non-ambulant users to ride with a friend or carer, either side-by-side or on the front of the cycle. We can also borrow go-kart bikes, family bikes and hand pedalled trikes ensuring inclusive fun for the whole family.
Under the watchful eye of attentive instructors, guests are encouraged to try a range of vehicles that build strength and confidence at a comfortable pace. People with physical and learning disabilities can enjoy learning new skills with specially designed bikes that offer more independence.
Cycling and handbiking is great for:
Social interaction
Adaptive cycling and handbiking equipment:
Check out the adaptive equipment which allows all of our guests to experience our incredible activities.
KMX - hand-powered low 3-wheel bikes
Hand bikes with 3 wheels
Trikes with pedals
Triple and quad bikes for families
Side-by-side and transport trikes for non-ambulant passengers
Go-karts for two passengers
“Excellent. Appreciate being able to access a facility like this where it’s inclusive of all abilities to be able to see my son take part in things not possible elsewhere that he’s ever had the experience of is amazing”
Calvert Lakes Guest
“They were well managed and staff were very knowledgeable and friendly, and always willing to go the extra mile to help us feel comfortable, safe and secure, without being over cautious.”
Calvert Lakes Guest
“We had so much fun doing everything and it was all so inclusive “
Calvert Lakes Guest
“Activities were amazing, the equipment was top notch. The instructors were very knowledgeable and encouraged the children and adults all week. Our instructor Bea was always energetic and enthusiastic with the group and made accomodation for our child’s SEN.”
Calvert Lakes Guest
Cycling and handbiking FAQ's
Take a look at our most frequently asked questions.
Who can enjoy cycling or hand biking?
Using adaptive bikes, we believe most people can enjoy cycling in some form. For groups with more non-transferrable wheelchair users, passengers may have to take turns trying the bikes, depending on availability.
Young children and babies can experience cycling on bikes with trailers, child bike seats or family bikes too.
Where does cycling take place?
Cycling takes place off-site at Watchtree Nature Reserve – an old airfield that has long, wide, flat runways to ride along. A fellow charity, Watchtree stores our fleet of adapted bikes and rents out all kinds of equipment to visitors.
How long is a cycling session?
It takes approximately 40 minutes to get to Watchtree from Calvert Lakes, so we usually spend a whole day there. There are picnic benches for packed lunches or a café that serves food, cakes and drinks.
Do you qualify for financial support?
At Calvert Lakes, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the joys of outdoor adventure. We also understand that the cost of a residential stay can be a barrier. Thanks to the hard work of our fundraising team, we have regular releases of bursary funding that can further help support your residential stay with us.
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