AN EVENT will be held in York this weekend to help people with disabilities celebrate cycling.

Cycling to Freedom will take place this Sunday (September 16), to prove that cycling is not just for able-bodied people, and is increasingly used as a convenient and healthy mode of transport by people of all ages, with varying levels of fitness and ability.

The event is run by the York Cycle Campaign in partnership with disabled cycling charity 'Empowered People' , and involves a specially-organised cycle ride "to demonstrate the freedom and independence that cycling can bring", and how new opportunities are open to a wider range of people, with electric bikes and adapted cycles more easily available.

Jamie Wood is a member of York Cycle Campaign and said cycling provides him with "a freedom that no other form of transport can match".

He said: "Multiple Sclerosis means I can only walk a few metres.

"Now cycling has become my main means of getting around and enables me to exercise and challenge myself. Last year I was able to attempt the Coast to Coast bike ride with the support of Empowered People."

Jon Phillip, also a member of the campaign, said cycling enabled him to be independent, as his epilepsy meant he could not hold a driving license.

He said: "Cycling is a vital means of transport for getting to work, leisure and domestic duties.

"It’s lovely to have the freedom to be able to take the children to their activities and explore farther afield without having to rely on other people. Furthermore, cycling - with trains - has enabled me to have solo adventures and explore areas of Scotland, France and Wales which gives me a huge sense of independence and freedom."

York Central MP Rachael Maskell is supporting the event, along with City of York Councillors and officers, and said the ride - between York and Selby - would be useful in raising awareness.

She said: "Cycling is so liberating, and I believe that everyone must be given the opportunity to cycle and barriers to cycling be removed. In drafting Labour’s Active Transport Strategy, I have stressed how disabled people must be enabled through making adaptable cycling available and through investment in safe infrastructure.”

The ride is open to anyone over 16 and will cover about 50km from Cycle Heaven in York, along quiet roads and cycle paths to Selby, and then returning along the planetary trail. Empowered People will provide full support for the ride, and any disabled riders will be teamed up with a dedicated support-rider.

To book a place, go to yorkcyclecampaign.bike/events