Sense at Herringthorpe

How Cycling at Herringthorpe has impacted our group 

November 2025 

Sense supports disabled people with complex need throughout all aspects of their life.  ‘We believe everyone should be able to take part in life, and we’re now aiming to reach more people than ever.’  

This case study have been written by Laura Bebbington Active Lifestyles Lead (Yorkshire & North East) and the support workers who work closely with the cyclists and know them well. All the cyclists can and do communicate, but often it is repeating what someone has said, and not necessarily reflecting their experience. 

Over the summer, a new cycling session started in Rotherham that was open to everyone, ran by Sheffield Cycling 4 All. It gave disabled people a chance to try something new, get active and meet others. A large group from the Sense Rotherham Hubs day centres attended and really enjoyed it. The sessions were held at Herringthorpe Track, which was a great Venue – safe, easy to get to, and had good accessibility including wheelchair access, changing spaces and public transport nearby. Most of the group walked there, which shows how close and welcoming it was. For many, it was their first time on a bike, and they loved the freedom and fun of it. This case study looks at how the sessions helped people, what challenges they overcame, and the amazing stories that came out of it. 

Chloe.

Chloe was initially reluctant to join the inclusive cycling sessions, she indicated this by repeating ‘No’. Cycling had never felt like something for her and wasn’t sure if she would enjoy it. But once she arrived at the welcoming accessible venue and saw her friends giving it a go, she felt at ease straight away. Sense staff could tell that Chloe was relaxed at the cycling sessions because she was communicating directly to SC4A staff, when she is nervous she is reluctant to communicate with people she is unfamiliar with.  

With her confidence growing and full of excitement, Chloe not only began to take part, but she began racing others around the track, laughing and pushing herself to achieve more each week. She can’t wait to do it again and asks every week about when she can next go cycling.  

Jenny.

Jenny is relatively new to the Sense services. She is very sociable, and likes being around people. A big thing for Jenny is that she doesn’t believe she can do something, but given the right environment she will try anything. 

Jenny was really excited to go cycling. She hadn’t been on a bike since she was a child and couldn’t wait to try it again. After the first session, she said “it was the best thing I’ve ever done” and wanted to come back every time. Jenny loves being around people, and the cycling helped her make new friends. She came to every session and by the end, she was doing things on her own such as getting the bike ready and riding without help. She never thought she’d be able to do that, but she did. 

Carl.

Carl finds it hard to find something that works for him. He likes quiet places and doing things at his own pace. The day centre can be too busy sometimes, so being outside in a big open space was perfect. It is a group activity. Carl came to most of the sessions. At first, he was unsure, but he liked being out in the fresh air and couldn’t stop smiling. Each week he did a bit more – he got better at coming to the venue, communicated more with external staff, something he doesn’t often do, and even got on the bikes towards the end of the block. Whilst Carl still received support during the session he was able to establish a sense of independence and allowed him to make big steps in a short time. If he keeps coming, with support, he could do even more.  

Corey.

Corey came to every session. He was always excited and couldn’t wait to get on the bikes and go round the track. Some days it was hard to get him off, he just loved it. Corey likes having a routine, so trying new things in places he doesn’t know can be hard. But he really liked the cycling and felt part of the group and enjoyed being with everyone. He started helping too and working on his leadership skills by putting equipment away and helping others get on their bikes. It helped him feel more confident and like a leader. Cycling became something he looked forward to every week and he can’t wait for the sessions to return.  

He gets a lot out of helping, and being able to help his friends and others around him.