Zanib’s thoughts on there being a cycle hire scheme in Sheffield

The following response comes from Zanib, an Independent Advocate at Disability Sheffield.  She is a wheelchair user who is able to transfer independently. It was written in response to questions about the potential introduction of an e-cycle hire scheme in Sheffield. This article includes its benefits and drawbacks, how it could be made more accessible, how disruption to non-users could be minimised, and whether e-scooters should be included. Their perspective draws on both lived experience in Sheffield and time spent using inclusive cycling infrastructure abroad, particularly in Copenhagen. 

‘I love the idea of being able to hire a cycle around Sheffield. 

In order to make this accessible though, we need a safety hub that would ensure the security of our mobility aids. I can say that a wheelchair, like other mobility aids, is basically like having legs that can cost the same as a non-adapted vehicle. It’s designed so specifically to what each individual uses it for, so you can’t leave it unless you’re absolutely sure it’s going to be there when you return.  

This would be fun active travel that doesn’t feel like the workout it is, whether it is an E-Bike/Scooter/trike. 

I don’t have the time or energy before or after work to get to a gym, it costs too much and can be very isolating. I only just make climbing here and there due to fluctuating energy levels, so I’d love to use the scheme as a means to get the workout in my legs if I’m moving around the city, especially since I’m already there for work. It would mean I can go further on my own terms too, without having to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.  

In Copenhagen the cycle lanes were fine for anyone on wheels that wasn’t a car. The traffic light system worked separately for pedestrians, cycle lane and vehicles. There was respect for everyone on paths and roads. Scooters could use this lane too. I used it in my wheelchair because it was wide enough for people to overtake if they wanted to, you could move at your own speed and no one minded, everything still flowed fine.  

I think the attitude to sustainable travel is different there, it is ingrained in their culture, but it can be very liberating for disabled people anywhere. Using that lane meant that, even though I didn’t cycle, I could employ the full range my chair actually has. I am always a pedestrian here, but when there’s a well integrated and consistent inclusive cycling system around, I can be a cyclist even without the E-Bike/scooter.  

There were no secure mobility aid hubs that I could see, plenty of hire and buy shops, but their system meant I didn’t need to get out of my chair or hire anything to take advantage of their cycle lanes. My lane would work on the same timings and route as cars on my side of the road, unless we were at a cross roads where the cars would pass through our lane. This is when the traffic light system accommodated us separately to cars and pedestrians.  I’ve attempted to try ones here in my chair, but you don’t feel as safe and there isn’t much room for over takers on bikes or whatever, so unless can keep moving at their speed it doesn’t work. 

I’ve attached a picture to show you to give a bit of an idea of the layout and width of these lanes.’ 

Cycle Hire schemes need to consider accommodating more needs, especially since there tend to be fewer adapted options available across other modes of transport. [For example, trains do not always provide goods coaches and may not allow some trikes, making these services uncertain and therefore unreliable from of transport for Disabled people and people with long term health conditions]. 

My experience is that there’s too much focus on Motability* for disabled people, so other accessibility is still falling short a bit in other modes of travel. The amount of times everyone has said to me over years, especially when I became amputee –  ‘when are you getting a car? Just apply for Motability!’ It’s not as easy to get as people think and the scheme has just eliminated specific car brands because they feel they are luxury brands. That puts some Disabled people at further disadvantage, those brands may have been the only ones available to provide a particular adaptation.  

If a cycle hire company only provide cycles, trikes, or scooters, but don’t provide accessible hubs/storage for mobility aids they won’t accommodate as many people as they could. Meaning a whole group of people miss out on fun and active travel. Particularly people who have movement and can transfer independently. 

I’ve always felt like I fall into this gap. I question if I’m disabled enough to access something but then too disabled to access something else. 

*Motability is a scheme in the United Kingdom intended to enable Disabled people, their families and their carers to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair. To qualify you need to be on the Enhanced Rate of PIP, or equivalent benefits in Scotland or from arm forces.  The scheme doesn’t currently include cycles. 

Jan 2026

Ken Talbot, Handcycling Land Speed Record holder at Parkwood Springs

I recently had the opportunity to visit Sheffield Cycling 4 All (SC4A) at Parkwood Springs as SC4A was recommended by the bike shop selling a handcycle that I was interested in purchasing and SC4A was the nearest location that had a similar handcycle. It was a mere five hours away by car but I thought it would be worth the drive before making such as big investment.

I wrote to SC4A to enquire about the possibility of a test ride as, having previously worked for a similar organisation, I wasn’t sure if it would be in their remit. Tom got back to me quickly and after a few scheduling accommodations we managed to get a day when I could pop down. Now, I had told Tom that I’d probably only need 15-20 minutes as I didn’t want to intrude on SC4A’s normal operations and being an experienced handcyclist, I wouldn’t need that much time. But, when I arrived, it seems that Tom was having none of that – he was ready for a full ride.

Now, I’d been away from Mountain handcycling for two years while I worked towards reclaiming a handcycling World Speed Record and I was itching to get back on the trails. But, mountain handcycling is quite different to what I’d been doing for the previous two years so, despite my familiarity; I thought it might take me a while to get back into the flow of trail riding.

I was greeted by a friendly, but small, group consisting of Tom, a volunteer, and another handcyclist. We had a bit of warmup banter before Tom got me situated on the bike, making adjustments to the fit rather quickly. Despite my extensive experience in handcycling, including some mountain handcycling, Tom gave me some additional tips on the nuances of the bike I was trying which I found to be very helpful not just from my aspect of testing, but also safety and enjoyment.

After a short familiarisation lap in the grassy field we set off to ride. Now, I’ve never been to Sheffield and certainly not to Parkwood Springs so I had no idea what to expect. But, having looked at maps, I was thought it was going to be a somewhat superficial ride around a big open field, the sort of thing you often see with Paracycling (or at least would’ve in the past) – something exceptionally easy, and so low risk that it’s boring and doesn’t encourage people to come back. I couldn’t have been more surprised.

The Trails at Parkwood Springs were AMAZING. Who would’ve thought that within a stone’s throw of a large city centre there were fantastic cycling trails that make you feel that you’re in the wilderness and away from all city life, yet while still being so easily accessible. There was an amazing variety of trails in such a relatively small space that it felt like it could accommodate all kinds of abilities. There were flat trails, challenging steeper climbs and descents, everything from straights to hairpins and so many loops that even when we did repeat sections they still felt fresh. And importantly from a handcyclists perspective, all the trails were accessible – there were no gates that had to be opened by an assistant, no climbs where I needed a push because they were too steep or loose, no trails that were so narrow that I couldn’t use them. All this as well as being surrounded by an amazing wee forest. Oh, and let’s not forget the best part: The mid-trail pump track! Especially fun that it was dirt and rideable by a handbike where the paved ones often can’t be.

But let’s not forget the company! Tom was a brilliant host and ride leader. As I didn’t know the area the stops and overviews of the upcoming terrain were invaluable and made the rides more fun in that I knew where I could push myself and where I needed to back off. Tom’s volunteer was great with his company and banter and even though his services were never needed, it was great to know he was there. Then, riding with another handcyclist, as I had the chance to, is always fun especially when as we talked we found a common connection though handcycling (one degree of separation!) even thought we’d never met before. And as far as getting back into the flow of the trails, the combination of the trails, the bike, and the company made it feel like I’d never been away from the trails.

All in all, my visit to Sheffield Cycling 4 All was absolutely amazing and I would not hesitate to take the five hour drive to go back. I’ve also recommended it to the folks I ride with. Despite living in Scotland where we have loads of mountain biking trails, I have yet to see something as cool as the trails at Parkwood Springs. The combination of trail types and curves, in such a small beautifully wooded area, with that brilliant pump track… it’s just amazing. And the guiding and leadership provided by Tom and his volunteers, well that’s just absolutely fantastic service from Sheffield Cycling 4 All.  

Jan 2026 

We are looking for new members for our Steering Group! 

SC4A set up a Steering Group 1 year ago to make the voice of our cyclists more central to our decision-making. The group currently has four members who all bring different skills and experiences. Collectively they have agreed a first terms of reference for the group, given feedback to staff on project progress, and represented SC4A at various external meetings. Individually they have pursued different areas of interest including:   

• > outreach in NHS services,   

• > bringing together Disabled cyclists with disabled walkers and wheelers and mobility scooter users, and   

• > campaigning on better infrastructure and visibility.   

We are now looking for more members to join our Steering Group!  

Who can be a member?   

You can become a Steering Group member if you:  

• > you are Disabled or have a long-term health condition and, 

• > you take or have taken part in SC4A activities, or you would if you were able (this includes coming to our cycle sessions or rides, loaning an e-cycle from our scheme, taking part in campaigning, outreach and advocacy work).  

You don’t need to be an expert in cycling or Disability rights! We are looking for people who have been involved in our project and have experience of disability and willing to share your experiences and ideas. 

The Steering Group is a closed group. There will be a maximum of 6 members, and each year there will be a new opportunity to apply. With the support of the Steering Group, we aim to increase opportunities for our cyclists to be involved in all our work.  
 

What is expected of me as a member?  

We are asking Steering Group members to join for at least 1 year. You will be expected to attend 4 meetings across the year and do some preparation beforehand. Any more than that is up to you!  

The meetings will be held either online or in person depending on the needs of the members. You will need access to a computer and the internet so that you can read emails and documents in between meetings.    

As a Steering Group member, you are representing the voice of our cyclists, so you are expected to work in line with our ethos as a project and make decisions in the best interest of all our cyclists.  

SC4A notes that various factors including health can impact members’ capacity to attend meetings and carry out duties as a Steering Group member. We are a project by and for Disabled People, and it is part of our ethos to ensure people are welcomed regardless of challenges posed by health. Our expectations of members will remain flexible and we will accommodate members’ needs to work according to their own capacity. We are also open to feedback if there are ways we can improve how the group is facilitated to better accommodate health and disability related (or indeed any!) needs.   

SC4A commitment to you  

The SC4A staff team will provide support in administering and facilitating meetings.   

All Steering Group members will be offered compensation for their time. This includes involvement payments, travel expenses, and any other reasonable out of pocket expenses.   

This is in line with Disability Sheffield policy, which you can read here: https://disabilitysheffield.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Involving-people-with-lived-experience-in-the-work-of-Disability-Sheffield.pdf 

The involvement payments are currently £12.21 an hour (national living wage) for:  

2 hours per quarterly meeting  

3 hours prep time per quarterly meeting  

What now?   

If you have any questions about any of the above, don’t hesitate to ask!    

If you think being involved in the steering group is for you, please let us know by filling in this form before midnight on 23 January: https://forms.office.com/e/42dQDR6Djm  

We will review all applications and aim to get back to you before the end of January. We aim to bring together a group with a balanced range of skills, experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.   

Jan 2026 

Michael and the Cycle Loan scheme

Cycling gives me a real lift and makes me feel much better and less grumpy. 

I was knocked down by a van about 3 1/2 years ago and as a result lost my right leg. Before the collision I used my bike the whole time, mostly locally but I used to go on cycling holidays with friends.  

My physio at the Northern General Hospital suggested that I should get in touch with Sheffield Cycling 4 All (SC4A) when I said how much I had enjoyed cycling before my accident. When I turned up on a Wednesday at Hillsborough park I was amazed by the range of cycles available and it was good to be able to try various different types.  

The breakthrough for me came when one of you told me about the Van Raam Easy-Go trike which you lent me. I was able to ride it all over Hillsborough park which gave me a really good chance to see whether it was suitable and it was. 

It has made a huge difference to me. I now use it almost as much as I used to use my electric bike. With only one leg I find that walking is a bit of an effort and is rather slow. The great advantage of the trike is that it means that I can get proper exercise. I can easily get around town and sometimes go out into Derbyshire. 

I don’t think I would have heard about it without SC4A nor do I think I would have had the opportunity to be able to test it out so comprehensively. This was important because it is very expensive and I didn’t want to make a mistake. So Many thanks for your help. – Michael  

We say: 

Michael used our regular Hillsborough Park cycling sessions and Cycle Loan Scheme to explore a wide range of cycles and find the one that worked for him. Before coming to SC4A, Michael had purchased a Jorvik trike which was a significant financial investment and did not meet his needs. 

One of the reasons Sheffield Cycling 4 All exists to help prevent situations like this. We provide people with the opportunity to try multiple cycles, in real-world environments, and to borrow them for extended periods of time. This allows individuals to properly assess comfort, suitability, and how a cycle fits into their everyday life before making a costly decision. 

Jan 2026 

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 all Disabled People and people with long term health conditions, 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 cycle, 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.

Lucy – A volunteer profile

Lucy Gelder, 45, started volunteering at Sheffield Cycling 4 All (SC4A) in April 2025.  

She was born in Salford, Manchester – “so not technically Yorkshire, but I moved here when I was two.” She grew up in Penistone.  

“My main focus for the last 17 years has been being a mum, but before that I was quite clever, went to uni… I’m probably still quite clever if I had the time!” she laughs.  

She’s definitely underselling herself: an undergrad in Maths, an MSc in Statistics, a PhD in facial identification, plus four kids aged 17, 15, 11 and 6.  

During her PhD she got pregnant, “so I was looking for a different kind of job because I had a baby,” and moved into healthcare statistics, working for the Trent Cancer Registry and then Edith Cowan University, Perth WA. She now does stats consulting at the university of Sheffield. 

“I do like cycling. I have to go slowly because I’ve got small kids with me, but I used to do more. My hobbies are gardening, cooking, eating, running, climbing big hills… that’s about it really!” 

Living in Hillsborough, she’d seen the SC4A cyclists in the park for years. When her dad Chris was diagnosed with brain cancer, she hoped to bring him for a ride, but he didn’t live in Sheffield and it never happened.  

Chris stayed with Lucy twice during his illness – once during Tramlines and once when it “pissed it down all week.” He loved cycling and would have loved SC4A. When Lucy was a kid they’d cycle to a pub for crisps and lemonade, and he was still going on cycling holidays right up until he became unwell. His Facebook is basically all bikes and big rides.  

He’d just come back from a 300-mile trip in Roscoff with a mate when he had a seizure the day after, in April 2022.  

“I never got the chance to do it with my dad, but I can share the joy of cycling here with people like him.”  

Chris Morecroft died in April 2024, aged 73. He’d said that if he never cycled again, his last trip in France had been the perfect one.  

“I feel like I’m getting as much as I’m giving at SC4A. I’m meeting new people, it’s totally different to my day job. I usually just sit at a computer and think about things – this is physical, social, a nice mix.”  

Lucy hopes to do more cycling outside SC4A as the kids get older. Right now she ends up carrying their bikes halfway home, so bringing her own is tricky. Her youngest (6) recently managed 2.6 miles on the Forge Valley track, so big rides aren’t far off.  

“Volunteering at SC4A is perfect for a part-time working parent. It fits around school drop-off and pick-up, you don’t have to be super fit (but you will get fitter), and you’ll make new friends who are all really cool. It’s a nice way to get a different perspective on life.”  

Thanks Lucy — it’s a pleasure spending time with you too. 

Richard and Parkwood Springs

Background

Richard lives close to Lincoln, with his wife and family. Richard has a degree in Geography and has built a 35 yr career in logistics, working in a wide range of roles from operations to business development, project delivery, and general management. 

In 1998, Richard’s life changed dramatically when he broke his back in a sports car accident, resulting in paralysis from the chest down (T5/6). A full-time wheelchair user since then, he discovered handcycling during a Back Up multi-activity course, a discovery that would later become central to his wellbeing. 

Interests and Personal Life 

Richard says: 

“I love something that challenges me, it doesn’t matter what it is, but it’s great if it’s a physical challenge.” 

He is most at home in the outdoors, especially in mountainous areas. Before his accident, he enjoyed canoeing, mountaineering, and rowing. He has been a keen hand cyclist since 2000, riding mainly for leisure but with a period of competitive involvement several years ago. 

His interests now span an impressive range: 

• – Handcycling and outdoor adventure 

• – Environmental sustainability (despite being a self-described petrol head!) 

• – Running a local men’s support group that uses “fire pit therapy” 

• – Mentoring newly spinal cord–injured people through Back Up 

• – Mentoring teachers in schools via the Teach First charity 

• – Allotment gardening 

• – Cooking 

• – Craft cider-making with close friends 

Connecting with Sheffield Cycling 4 All 

Richard was introduced to Sheffield Cycling 4 All (SC4A) by Jack Sims from Adaptive Sports, who suggested we might have a Maddiline handcycle suitable for him. Looking for a new handcycle at the time, Richard decided to visit. He came to Parkwood Springs to join the Inclusive Trail Cycling Session and try out the hand cycle. He then borrowed the trike as part of SC4A’s Cycle Loan Scheme. 

“I have been blown away by the kindness and thoughtfulness of everyone I have come into contact with at SC4A. Joe and Tom being great examples. So helpful and easy to work with. It was brilliant that after a ride with Tom and a couple of others around the local park in Sheffield that I was trusted to borrow a bike that is worth thousands to test ride it at home over a weekend , and then take it again on another weekend to Kielder in Northumberland. This generosity has really helped me understand if that bike will work for me.” 

Richard has since secured a place in the 2026 Dirty Reiver, a major off-road cycling event. He is chuffed that SC4A has offered him the use of the same bike for the event—and proud to represent us by wearing our logo during the ride. 

Impact of Cycling and SC4A 

For Richard, cycling is far more than a hobby: 

“Honestly – cycling is my therapy – my escape. I knew this was the case from when I first sat on a hand bike a year or so after my accident. 

Using a wheelchair full time can be a real challenge at times – not just physically, but mentally. However – no matter the weather (in fact sometimes, the worse the weather the better) – when I’m on my bike it’s a release for me, a re-set somehow.  On top of that it’s played a big hand in keeping me healthy (physically and mentally) over the last 27 years since my accident.” 

Richard plans to keep cycling “until I can’t anymore.” 

An account of Richard’s first visit to Parkwood Springs

“I met with SC4A on 02/09/25 to ride their Maddeline RaceX E handcycle. It was a glorious warm day. Once we adjusted the handcycle for me, a group of four of us cycled round Parkwood Springs. As soon as you cycle away from the main flat area by the bike containers you are in what appears to be post industrial landscape in places and in others a former grand house country park now with wilder vegetation that has taken a secure hold. It has a feeling of being managed but also with elements of rewilding.

The trails are a mixture of hardcore and dirt. They were dry, and as we rode we kicked up dust that coated the bikes and us. Every time we stopped we were surrounded by bees and flying insects. We disturbed the odd bird when we rode through the patches of woodland especially at the edge of a housing estate. There is a decaying sculpture representation of an eagle at one of the vantage points we stopped at. The hedgerows and brambles had the unmistakable evidence of rabbits, interspersed with concrete areas festooned with graffiti. The view was amazing. On such a bright warm day this place was intoxicating –  in a good refreshing revitalising way.  

We rode round the park several times. I could have done this several times more, but the session had to end as another group would be needing the bikes after lunch. I really enjoyed that ride.”

Julie and Sam in Rotherham

Julie and Sam Sharp, both 39, share a love for spending time together and exploring a variety of activities that keep them active and connected. Sam grew up on the Wirral and Julie in Rotherham, but they’ve built a shared routine that includes regular personal training sessions via WhatsApp video calls. 

They first discovered Sheffield Cycling 4 All (SC4A) during the COVID-19 lockdowns, when they joined the organisation’s Tuesday evening yoga sessions on Zoom. These online meet-ups provided a welcome way to stay active and connected at a time when face-to-face activities weren’t possible. 

“It was great to do exercise throughout the lockdowns. We were sad when it ended.” 

For them, exercise is more than just a way to stay fit—it’s something that boosts their mood, lifts their spirits, and improves their physical health. 

“Exercise makes us buzz and feel emotionally and mentally good. It also helps our physical health.” 

Sam and Julie’s introduction to cycling came through SC4A’s pilot programme at Herringthorpe Stadium in Rotherham—a series funded by Rotherham Council in Spring and Summer 2025. Over six sessions, nearly 100 people took part. These sessions gave Julie and Sam a safe, traffic-free environment to ride together without the need to travel to Sheffield, making cycling accessible, enjoyable, and part of their routine. 

They would love to see these sorts of cycling sessions return and expand—both at Herringthorpe and in other Rotherham parks—so that cycling can become a regular fixture for them and others in the local community. 

“When you are cycling you feel the wind in your hair and everything just feels ok whilst you are riding.” 

Their story is a reminder of how cycling can bring joy, improve wellbeing, and strengthen connections—but also of the importance of making such opportunities local, safe, and sustainable. With the success of the Herringthorpe pilot, expanding projects like SC4A into places like Rotherham could help many more people experience that same uplifting “buzz” that Sam and Julie have found. 

Samad and our Cycle Loan scheme

Samad, aged 65, has lived in Sheffield for over 40 years. 

He has paraplegia from a T2–3 spinal injury and uses a wheelchair. He also manages diabetes and high blood pressure. 

Samad’s hobbies are varied—he enjoys knitting carpets, woodwork, metalwork, and developing practical equipment. Notably, he created a prototype exercise machine for Disabled people and those with long-term health conditions. 

Samad has enjoyed Laser cutting and made some art work with laser engrave and cut on different materials such as wood or acrylic sheets. Photos below. 

“When I was younger, I used to do a lot of swimming, but it is cold. I would still go if someone was interested and could get me in and out.” 

He loves being outdoors—camping, travelling, and visiting places like the Peaks and Lake District. 

“Not cities – cities are all the same!” 

Day to day, Samad uses a manual wheelchair, which causes discomfort and makes travel over long distances or uneven terrain difficult—especially in Sheffield’s hilly environment. This limits his ability to shop, socialise, or access green spaces, reducing his independence and opportunities for exercise. 

With limited accessible equipment, he can only manage one gym visit per week, which isn’t enough to support his health. Without an adaptive device like a handcycle, regular physical activity remains out of reach. This impacts his diabetes, blood pressure, and muscle strength. 

“I worked at the [Sheffield] university. My project was related to Disabled people and their health and movement. It was practical work – simulation and prototypes – not academic papers.” 

Samad earned an MSc in Control Engineering after a BSc in Electronic Engineering at The University of Sheffield. He later became a project assistant at Leeds and Sheffield universities, helping students develop accessible equipment like rowing machines and sit/stand devices. 

He also has a fluffy, “self-invited” cat named Negin, she now refuses to leave the house. Samad has two adult children—one studying linguistics, the other a medical surgeon. 

He began coming to Sheffield Cycling 4 All (SC4A) in Hillsborough Park in 2017 or 2018. He saw SC4A advertised on Disability Sheffield’s website and saw it advertised at Zest community centre. 

“I was looking for somewhere to cycle for exercise. I tried the gym – they had lots of cycling stuff but no adaptations like pedals with straps for me to use.” 

Samad brought his own adapted pedals to SC4A and was pleased to find a box of further adaptations. He regularly cycled using the Berkel bike, which engages his whole body. 

“Cycling is very good for me – it reduces my diabetic sugar levels, tones my legs, and reduces cramping in my arms.” 
“When you are physically happy, you can be emotionally happy.” 
“The volunteers are really good people, and helpful, and the staff are helpful.” 

He’s also used SC4A’s Cycle Loan Scheme multiple times to ride outside the park and hopes to exercise every other day—when and where he chooses. 

“Being able to just pop to Weston Park and cycle around when you have time, rather than having to wait until 10:30 to go to Hillsborough Park. It’s about freedom and choice.” 
“For the period I had the trike [Tri-Ride] it was very useful for my daily exercise and activities which contribute a lot to my well-being and health.” 

The Tri-Ride allows Samad to move with ease and integrate exercise into daily life—key for managing his health and maintaining strength. He’s used it in Manchester, around Ladybower, and even to get to Waitrose. 

However, transport access is inconsistent. The Supertram scooter policy requires a CPT permit, and enforcement varies. 

“The carriage of mobility scooters is covered by the Supertram Scooter Policy…” 

Samad has been denied access before due to unclear rules and staff discretion, leaving him to ride back home. Being at the whim of people or how busy it is shouldn’t affect his right to move. 

Even a single step blocks access. At Ponderosa park, he has to take long detours to avoid steps. 

“Even one step needs to be made into a ramp.” 

Samad also struggles with parking. Though the Tri-Ride can be detached in tight spaces, he’s hesitant to lock it outside, as parts could be easily removed. He advocates for secure indoor cycle parking in places like supermarkets, libraries, and universities. At the university, he swaps his Tri-Ride for a supplied wheelchair via an arrangement with the porters—a system that could benefit others too. 

His next goal is to own a Tri-Ride, and he’s working with SC4A to apply for funding. 

Ownership would mean reliable, independent access to exercise, errands, and social life—boosting both physical and mental health. Long-term, it would help manage his conditions by supporting cardiovascular fitness, reducing atrophy, and strengthening joints and muscles—especially in the upper body. 

Its ergonomic design lowers strain on his shoulders and arms compared to a manual wheelchair. The hybrid manual-electric system helps him handle Sheffield’s hills and reach areas he otherwise couldn’t. 

It also supports mental wellbeing through outdoor activity and connection with nature and community—essential for reducing anxiety and depression. In bad weather, he could use it indoors as a stationary cycle. 

SC4A worked on funding applications with Samad so that he could buy his own Tri-ride . The majority of people who have loaned e-cycles through us are keen to purchase their own e-cycle, but the high cost of the equipment is a major barrier. In August 2025 we received the wonderful news that DTD charity decided to fund Samad’s Tri-ride! 

Owning a Tri-Ride has given Samad lasting access to safe, effective, and enjoyable exercise, improving quality of life and reducing dependence on short-term loans. 

“Cycling has improved my circulation, lessened my bed sores, reduced my diabetic sugar levels, toned my legs, and reduced cramping in my arms.” 
“I forget the negative thoughts and become more hopeful.” 

Further research-based evidence of the physical health benefits of hand cycling: 

Enhanced Physical Activity 
Hand cycling promotes cardiovascular health and upper-body strength. It significantly improves peak power output (POpeak) and oxygen uptake (VO2peak) (Valent et al., Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 2009). 

Biomechanical Advantages 
The cyclical motion distributes force evenly across joints, reducing shoulder strain compared to manual wheelchairs (Arnet et al., Journal of Biomechanics, 2012). It also lowers the risk of shoulder impingement and rotator cuff injuries (Finley & Rodgers, Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 2007). 

Musculoskeletal Health 
Unlike the high-impact motion of manual wheelchair use, hand cycling is smooth and ergonomic. It improves upper-limb strength, especially in shoulder rotation and elbow extension (Hettinga et al., Clinical Rehabilitation, 2010). 

Samad’s Publication and Annual Citation History 

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Samad-Gharooni

https://scholargps.com/scholars/70604022643528/samad-c-gharooni

Making Tram & Tram train accessible – SuperTram – https://www.travelsouthyorkshire.com/getmedia/a789361a-8b72-464c-a921-944354f299ac/KC5569-Making-Tram-Train-Accessible-leaflet-v4.pdf 

Inclusive cycling in and around Sheffield

Below is some basic information on inclusive cycling shops, centres, groups, and hire places. If you know any others please let me know and we will add it to the list. Click here for our contact form.

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