Jonathan, Jack, Kevin, and John regularly cycle together every Thursday. Read their story.
Through Cycle For All Cork, Enable Ireland Service Owners Jonathan, Jack, Kevin and John have found a community, formed friendships and developed a passion for cycling.
They share what the Cork-based organisation has meant to them.
Cycle For All Cork is a cycling group that was set up by Mark O’Donoghue to stamp out social isolation. It aims to make cycling accessible for people of all abilities and disabilities while also getting out into the community. Cork Enable Ireland Service Owner, Kevin English, has been cycling with the group since it began in 2007.
“It was exciting to find a group that provides people with a disability with the opportunity to cycle. There are around 15 people in our group. Cycle For All Cork has tandems, trikes, recumbent trikes, hand cycles, and running bikes, so people with different disabilities can take part.
We cycle together every Thursday. Our regular route takes us from Blackrock Village, through to the Marina, out to the Shandon Boat Club and then back.”
“I was looking for something new to do. So, when Kevin told us about Cycle For All Cork, I thought I’d give it a go. It’s been amazing. I feel as cool as a breeze when I’m on the bike!”
“I’m a sociable person, and I love meeting new people. So, I like it because of that. You’re also getting a bit of exercise, which is good too!”
“We have a great bond together and have made new friends. There’s a fantastic team with Cycle For All Cork. When we’ve finished cycling, we’ll go for a coffee after to continue our chats and build those connections. We talk about anything and everything. There are other Cycle For All Cork groups who also gather there, so we get to meet lots of people.
This year we actually took part in the Cork St Patrick’s Day Parade. Thousands of people were watching. It was an honour to represent Cycle For All Cork.”
“We wore our Cork Jerseys and our Cork cycling jackets. There was such a buzz. We got loads of people waving at us as we went along.”
“I’d love to do a longer cycle. Down by Midleton Train Station there is a brilliant greenway. It goes from Midleton all the way to Youghal. I think that would be an incredible cycle.”
“Or Blackrock to Blarney – I’d love to do that!”
“Come and give it a go. You won’t know if it’s for you unless you try it. The exercise can be tough, but if you push on its very rewarding. It’s an amazing opportunity socially.”
“It’s very good and very fun.”
