PEDALL New Forest Inclusive Cycling has opened its first permanent hub in Burley thanks to the support of volunteers, local organisations and National funding.

Providing cycling sessions for people who would otherwise be unable to cycle in the New Forest due to disability or confidence, PEDALL is a charity helping more people get out exploring and enjoying the National Park.

Using a range of specialist bikes to suit different needs, the sessions are for all ages and abilities and are led by trained staff and volunteers on traffic free routes, surrounded by wildlife.

PEDALL is supported by the New Forest National Park Authority and has received three years’ of funding from the National Lottery’s Big Lottery Fund to allow the team to expand the range of sessions for people with disabilities and their families.

The new base has been leased by the Forestry Commission and will provide somewhere to maintain the specialist bikes. It will also provide a space for volunteers to meet and manage the overall project as it is hoped that in the future PEDALL becomes a community led project.

Long term the team is hoping to use the space to provide opportunities for young people to learn practical skills, maintaining the bikes through work experience and apprenticeships.

Donna Neseyif, PEDALL Project Manager, said: ‘We have a super group of volunteers who help to support the project. We have just had a fabulous couple of days refurbishing the new base. It is amazing what a focused collaborative group of people can achieve. It is a privilege to be part of the PEDALL team and work alongside such an amazing group of volunteers!

‘The result is the new base has been transformed! It is a really positive step forward for the project and will help to ensure the sustainability of this fabulous project.’

In the first year of funding over 2,300 cycling sessions were delivered, with participants commending the team on the benefits sessions bring to their mental and physical wellbeing, as well as making new friends, feeling calmer and enjoying being part of a group.

One rider said: ‘[We] Thoroughly enjoyed our intro session thank you! Our son enjoyed being on a par with his brother for once and so enjoyable as a family!’

Sessions must be booked in advance, with general session dates accessible online and private sessions subject to availability.

PEDALL is looking for more volunteers.