Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence: How Inclusive Cycling is Changing Young Lives
We believe in changing lives through the power of sport and physical activity, building stronger, healthier communities through wellness and inclusivity. Whatever your goals are for 2025, let us support you in making an Active Change.
This month we feature Bikes Without Barriers, and inclusive cycling programme for young people and adults in Stirling.
Meet Etive House, St Modan’s ASN Provision Group
For over three years, young pupils from Etive House’s ASN Provision Group alongside their carers have been attending our weekly Bikes Without Barriers sessions. These unique cycling sessions provide a sense of freedom, empowering participants to make their own choices and experience movement in ways they rarely can.
But it’s not just about the bikes. It’s about creating a vibrant and supportive community where everyone belongs. With the help of volunteers and our dedicated Community Activation Team, each session is safe, inclusive, and brimming with joy.
Victoria Galbraith, our Inclusion Officer, has been instrumental in building strong, meaningful relationships with the students, bringing fun, excitement, and a sense of achievement into their lives every week.
The Impact on Etive House Students
It’s All About Inclusivity!
The impact of Bikes Without Barriers goes beyond the physical. At Etive House, students have shown remarkable growth in confidence, social skills, and their overall wellbeing.
Here’s what the team at Etive House has to say:
Emma Morren: “It’s the only exercise that they get to do each week and enjoy it. It also gives us the opportunity to have a fun time together.”
Diane: “We’ve seen remarkable improvements in our students. Their confidence, social skills, and overall health and fitness have grown so much—it’s truly inspiring!”
Liz: “It’s amazing they have an age-appropriate activity that can be tailored to their needs. Bikes Without Barriers has become a little community, and we love coming every week to see everyone including the volunteers.”
Mrs Poole: “I’ve really noticed the difference in confidence of some pupils throughout the term.”
What Do Participants Love About Bikes Without Barriers?
Tristan: “I love going on the bikes, they make me go super-fast. When we go outside, I feel like a racer, like Turbo from Wreck-It-Ralph. I love coming every week!”
Bikes Without Barriers is a fantastic programme for our ASN group - our learners look forward to coming every week. It’s a great opportunity for them to take part in exercise and be part of a safe environment that’s different and new to them. They become more independent, make their own decisions, choose who they want to play with and grow in confidence – all while having so much fun! They've built great relationships with Active Stirling staff and volunteers and really value their support and being part of their community and world
Active Change in Action: Breaking Barriers, Building Inclusion
At Active Stirling, inclusivity isn’t just a goal—it’s a commitment. We believe that everyone, regardless of ability, should have the chance to experience the joy of movement.
That’s why Bikes Without Barriers is more than just a cycling programme. It’s a lifeline for young people and adults living with disabilities or facing barriers to sports and physical activity. Every week, we witness the transformative impact of these adapted cycling sessions at Etive House—unlocking joy, independence, and a powerful sense of belonging for those who take part.
This is what Active Change looks like—it’s more than just cycling. It’s about building a stronger, more inclusive community and helping others stay active.
Join us in creating a more inclusive, active future for all!
