Building confidence in inclusive cycling through IAP
Activity Alliance delivered a bespoke Inclusive Activity Programme (IAP) workshop at Cyclopark in Gravesend, bringing together people from across the Kent cycling community to explore how cycling sessions can become more inclusive and accessible.
Organised by Active Kent & Medway, the workshop welcomed participants from Cyclopark, Limitless at Cyclopark, Snodland Bike Club, The Canterbury Bike Project and Kent County Council’s cycling instructors.
The session was particularly valuable for Jimmy McCormack, Sport Welfare Officer at Active Kent & Medway and chair and coach at disability cycling club Limitless at Cyclopark. With more than 10 years’ experience in disability and para cycling, Jimmy wanted to build his knowledge and share what he learnt with his club.
"I wanted to increase my knowledge, share what I learn within our club and ensure that we are a fully inclusive cycling club meeting the needs of all our members."
Key takeaways included the importance of effective communication, listening to participants and using tools such as the Activity Inclusion Model and STEPS to adapt activities. Participants were encouraged to plan thoroughly while remaining flexible and, importantly, ensuring sessions are enjoyable.
The workshop received positive feedback, with one participant describing it as:
"A fantastic day at Cyclopark… Lots of fun, energy and enthusiasm from everyone involved."
Another participant said the workshop had changed how they would approach their coaching:
"It has helped me to think about things that I hadn't really considered previously."
By bringing together coaches, instructors and cycling organisations, the workshop helped build knowledge and confidence to deliver more inclusive cycling opportunities across Kent.
To find out more about booking a workshop visit the Inclusive Activity Programme page on our website.
