Feature Friday: Cardiff- Pedal Power
- Wheels4Me
- Oct 16
- 3 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Based in the centre of Cardiff, Pedal Power Inclusive Cycling Charity has helped thousands of people to access the many pleasures and benefits of cycling since opening its doors 24 years ago.
With a particular focus on helping those furthest removed from cycling due to disability (over 95% of our ~1600 members have a disability) and age, we work with all ages and abilities and offer standard and non-standard cycle hire, cycle skills training (for children & adults with and without disabilities) and adaptive cycle sales (we’re the largest adaptive cycle dealer in Wales).
As well as keeping our own fleet running, our workshop also offers standard and adaptive cycle servicing and repairs and our on-site café is fully accessible, providing a welcoming and relaxing space with no pressure to purchase. We frequently run free events in our café as well as weekly recitals from students from the nearby Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama.
With over 100 adaptive cycles for hire, we have the largest fleet in Wales and one of the largest in the UK. This, along with a wide range of adaptive accessories and a highly skilled and experienced team, means we can enable almost anyone to cycle if they wish. Whilst non-members can hire from us, our membership model gives members discounted hire rates as well as allowing one carer to cycle free of charge, and additional carers to hire at a subsidised rate.
The challenges that disability brings are extensive, and whilst being able to cycle doesn’t alleviate all of these, we see every day that it can bring huge benefits, including freedom and autonomy, physical exercise and movement, the emotional lift of being in nature and social inclusion.
We’re keen to spread the word and extend our reach so that we can help more people access the joy of cycling. We’re located in central Cardiff, next to the beautiful green spaces of Bute Park, Pontcanna Fields and the Taff Trail, giving our customers the option of totally off-road cycling. We’re open year-round and members and non-members can hire our cycles.
Customer testimonials
“I have a condition known as Retinitis Pigmentosa, which slowly deteriorates the peripheral vision, leaving only central vision. I explain my current vision as like looking through a smartie tube. During the lockdowns I found myself couch surfing far too much and sinking deeper into depression. And so, I decided to take control of my health and approached the wonderful Pedal Power group. I cannot explain the absolute shift that my life has taken since then. Being out in nature, exercising the body, chatting over a cuppa, making good friends, the list is endless. I cannot thank Pedal Power enough for being the catalyst to totally transforming my life. (Joe, attends our social ride, Tandems for Sight Life)
“The Ice Trike has e-assist which is great for hills, but I only tend to use it when I need to because my main goal is to improve the strength in my legs to aid with everything else. It's not just the physical aspect that’s a factor for me. Getting outdoors, and cycling around the lovely parks, and up the river Taff gives such a huge mental boost.” (Rhys has a rare neurological condition that affects his balance, hearing and ability to walk. He uses one of our Ice Trikes twice weekly).
“Without the use of the e-velo I would not be able to take Louise out, it has enabled us to both enjoy cycling and keeps me fit. Pedal Power is an inspiration to all disabled people and their carers, we can be in a normal situation and not feel embarrassed. The atmosphere at Pedal Power is wonderful and is the highlight of our week.” (Richard and Louise, regular users of our e-velo that enables a wheelchair to be fitted to the front of the bike).
Get in touch with Cardiff Pedal Power to find out more!
Call Cardiff Pedal Power on 02920 390713
Email Cardiff Pedal Power at bookings@cardiffpedalpower.org.uk
Find Cardiff Pedal Power using WHAT3WORDS