Disability writer David Reilly will cycle the Caledonia Way to help raise awareness of accessibility along the National Cycle Network, setting off on Sunday 16 September.
Reilly, who was born with Cerebral Palsy, will undertake the 10 day long Caledonia Way Challenge Ride with support from Sustrans Scotland.
He hopes his journey, which will see him travelling the length of Scotland, from Campbeltown to Inverness, will help to challenge perceptions about disability participation in cycling.
As part of his ride David will stop off in Oban to speak to Sustrans Scotland Network Engagement Manager, Niall Shannon, about some of the challenges faced in making the National Cycle Network more accessible and inclusive to all.
Speaking about his upcoming journey David said:
“As a disability sports writer, I work to improve opportunities for disabled people to take part and participate in outdoor sports.
“Inclusion and access are issues very close to my heart and I’m delighted to be working with Sustrans on this project. The Caledonia Way is an iconic route through the heart of some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery and I’m really looking forward to riding it.
“I don’t underestimate the challenge however, 237 miles lie between Campeltown and Inverness which is a really big push for me. I really look forward to completing the project.“
The National Cycle Network reviewDavid’s ride comes as Sustrans nears the completion of a year and a half long audit of National Cycle Network Routes across the UK. The results of the National Cycle Netowrk review, which are set for publication in November 2018, will help us to create a network of safe, accessible and high-quality routes and paths that will make walking and cycling easier and safer for everyone.
Sustrans Scotland Head of Network Development, Tom Bishop said:
“We are really excited that David is to set out and ride the length of the iconic Caledonia Way.
“As the National Cycle Network has grown over the years, we recognise that its quality has varied and that this has resulted in an inconsistent experience for the people who use it. We need to make it better, which is why we are undertaking a UK-wide review of the National Cycle Network.
“As a leading disability writer, David’s unique experience of cycling the Caledonia Way, and the conversations we hope it will inspire, will help us to understand what is required to make all of our National Cycle Network routes accessible and inclusive to all.”
Find out more about the Caledonia Way and plan your own adventurefrom News http://www.sustrans.org.uk/news/disability-writer-david-reilly-sets-out-cycle-caledonia-way
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