E-trike is a game-changer for Sian – Rural Connections | Cycling UK

Due to a disability, Sian Thomas had never tried cycling until Cycling UK’s Rural Connections project came along. An electric trike has been transformative for Sian, enabling her to get out and explore her surroundings on the island of Graemsay in the Orkney Islands.

Targeting Scotland’s rural and remote areas, Rural Connections supports people to cycle, walk and wheel – for everyday journeys, leisure and adventure: https://www.cyclinguk.org/rural-connections.

We want everyone in Scotland to have the opportunity to cycle, walk or wheel to get around. Getting active is great for physical and mental health and puts a smile on people’s faces. We know that there are unique circumstances in rural and remote communities, which require a tailored approach. Rural Connections works with people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities in Shetland, Orkney, Highland, Eileanan Siar, Moray, Argyll and Bute and Scottish Borders.

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[Music] I had never ridden a bike before because  of my disability and reduced lung function I   don’t have the puff to actually get on a bike and  pedal I mean I would never be able to balance on  

A proper bike. My neighbours had um got a trike  on loan. But they they decided it wasn’t wasn’t   really for them and uh and just on the spur of  the moment I said oh can I come and have a look,  

Have a go. So I went down and um and we  were all laughing and having a go on it   and I said; can I take it up the driveway and then  I just kept going and I kept going and I loved it  

And and I just wanted to see how fast I could  go I think really. I mean to be honest it was   a game changer because I love being outdoors  but again you know because of my lung capacity  

I can rarely go walking with people and  be out with them so i’ve had friends come   over and they walk and I cycle. We have top  speed [Laughter] I have to run to keep up! [Music]   And even in the winter when  the weather wasn’t great  

Um you know just to go out and just get  some fresh air it just felt so freeing.