Parkride Inclusive Cycling – Volunteer Role, West Midlands

Many people with a learning or physical disability struggle to enjoy cycling, and families often find the cost of adapted bikes means that they cannot share fun times together. Parkride is a fun and flexible inclusive cycling project using a range of adapted and standard bikes that provides anyone, regardless of age, ability or need, with the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors through cycling.

• Supporting children and adults with learning disabilities and their families/carers to take part in regular community bike rides
• Leading on small cycling trips in suitable areas such as parks
• Helping to set up before each session and tidying away afterwards (bikes loaded/unloaded into our van)
• Assisting Midland Mencap staff to deliver fun and engaging parkride sessions
• Helping to maintain a fleet of bikes to ensure as many people as possible can take part in cycling sessions
• Helping parkride participants to learn the basics of bicycle maintenance

• Knowledge and experience of cycling
• An interest in cycle maintenance, although this isn’t essential
• Approachable and friendly with good communication skills
• Open to working with people who might be different and able to work as part of a diverse team
• Willingness to learn and work within guidelines set out by Midland Mencap
• Honest, trustworthy, with integrity
• Good time management skills and reliability

An enhanced DBS check will be required by all successful applicants.

Parkride sessions run throughout the week including evenings and weekends. Sessions vary from 2-4 hours. Sessions are held throughout the Midlands, including Birmingham (all areas), Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Coventry, Solihull, and Worcestershire. Attend sessions in your local area. Sessions are weather dependent; we only cancel in extreme weather.

• The opportunity to make a difference to the lives of people with learning disabilities and their family carers
• Improved physical and mental wellbeing from staying active
• An induction and settling in period
• Any training and development required
• The chance to develop your skills and gain experience
• The opportunity to meet new people and be part of a diverse team
• Support within your role
• Agreed out‑of‑pocket travel expenses