Paralympic gold medalist, Gregg Stevenson MBE, recently attended one of British Cycling’s new inclusive cycling sessions, where he spoke with participants and learned first-hand how the programme has supported them.
Launched in September by British Cycling in partnership with Burnley Outdoor Town, Limitless Cycling provides people who face barriers to physical activity with the opportunity to enjoy cycling in a welcoming and supportive environment, using adapted bikes designed to meet a wide range of needs and abilities.
Around 20 people were present at The Hive in Padiham, enjoying the opportunity to cycle alongside the world and European champion on adapted bikes supplied by local community initiative, Active Cycles. He also joined in with the group’s Couch to 5K session, offering encouragement and inspiration throughout the day.
Participants later shared with Stevenson how the sessions have supported them in becoming more physically active whilst boosting their confidence and mental wellbeing. Now working as a mental health practitioner and veteran support lead with NHS Op COURAGE, the Paralympic gold medalist understands the importance of projects such as Limitless Cycling and the positive impact which they can have on those with disabilities and long-term health conditions.
Speaking of the programme’s importance, Stevenson said: “It’s been an incredible day here at The Hive. As someone from East Lancashire, I’m very aware of the challenges around long-term health conditions and inactivity in our communities.
“To come along and see people out walking, riding bikes, and just enjoying being active is fantastic. On a rare sunny day like this, it’s great to see people engaged, enthusiastic, and connecting with others. Reducing social isolation and promoting wellbeing is so important and The Hive is doing exactly that.”
Volunteers from Active Cycles – a community-driven initiative based in the Arndale Centre, Accrington – met Stevenson at the 2025 Active Hyndburn Awards, where they connected through their shared ambition of ensuring that those who face barriers to sport and physical activity are able to access the support and resources they need to become more physically active.
He was then invited to a Limitless Cycling session and told more about the Active Cycles project, which was set up with the aim of rescuing bikes from landfill and restoring them with the support of volunteer mechanics. These would then be sold back to the community at an affordable cost or donated to community projects such as Limitless Cycling.
Michelle Grimes, Project Lead at Active Cycles, said: “Active Cycles is proud to be able to donate bikes to projects like Limitless Cycling in Burnley, we see the fabulous work that’s going on here and if we do our bit to support and give more people the chance to be active and to access bikes then we are happy! It was great to have our volunteers visit the session so they can see where all their hard work in fixing bikes makes a difference in the community.”
To get involved, individuals can sign up for British Cycling’s inclusive sessions through the British Cycling website or by contacting. Those wishing to support the programme can donate unwanted bikes to Active Cycles by contacting news@Activelancashire.org.uk.
