Thanks to Lottery funding, more people than ever will be able to enjoy cycling in the New Forest National Park.

New Forest cycling charity PEDALL, which uses a range of specialist cycles including three and four-wheel bikes as well as tandems, has been awarded £297,000.

Since 2017, when it received previous Lottery funding, PEDALL has provided over 7,500 rides to help people who wouldn’t have ordinarily been able to get out and cycle.

The PEDALL team is expanding its offer to welcome older people with dementia, as well as young people with mental, physical, and behavioural challenges. It is also offering ‘confidence rides’ to help support people in the post COVID-19 recovery.

The PEDALL charity relies on community and business support to match the National Lottery funding and is looking for additional supporters to help deliver this popular community resource. There is a range of ways people can help, including sponsoring a bike, supporting an additional needs apprentice, and volunteering.  

Donna Neseyif, project manager at PEDALL, said: “The new funding we have received from The National Lottery Community Fund is a lifeline for the project. We are a charity and have managed to raise some funds. However, without the new funding we wouldn’t be able to deliver the number of rides or help the wide range of people we do with such varying needs. We are all about helping people improve their health and wellbeing and connect with nature. Cycling is the perfect way to do this.”

PEDALL operates from a base in Burley which has direct access onto the New Forest’s designated cycle tracks. It can also offer rides from other Forest locations. Originally called New Forest Inclusive Cycling, PEDALL was started in 2011 by the New Forest National Park Authority and New Forest District Council with a grant from Hampshire County Council’s Inspiring You fund.

The new National Lottery funding will enable the project to expand its operation, employ another ride leader and offer work experience and apprenticeships to young people with additional needs.

PEDALL Project Board chairman and National Park Authority member Patrick Heneghan said: “It’s more important than ever to support this project this year. COVID-19 has affected us all, some more than others, and it is vitally important we are here to cater for those in need of extra support.

‘We still have a long way to go to hit the match-funding monies to fully support this project over the next three years. So, if you or any local businesses are looking to get involved to help your local community, we would love to hear from you.”

If you would like to get out cycling and need a little support, or if you can help fund the project, find out more information at www.pedall.org.uk.

You can also get in touch with the PEDALL team on info@pedall.org.uk or call 01590 646640.