Demo Day To Lift The Barriers At Dalby Forest

The Forestry Commission is staging a second disability bike demo-day in Dalby Forest, near Pickering, North Yorkshire, after the huge success of last year's inaugural event. The free session is on Sunday 15 March and will showcase bikes specially adapted for use by people with disabilities or with special needs. Dalby Forest's 55 kilometre (35 mile) mountain bike network is the biggest of its kind in the country and last year was used by an estimated 65,000 people. But now the push is on to broaden access. Proving that disability isn't necessarily a barrier are Richard and Ann Dixon from Caton, near Scarborough. Seven years ago the couple were involved in serious car accident, which left Ann paralysed down one side. Keen to get mobile again they came to last year’s Demo Day and invested in a seven speed tricycle with side by side seating. "It's just the ticket," said Richard, 57, who runs the Dr Bike mobile cycle repair business and who is a keen cyclist. "It makes all the difference being able to get out together on a bike. There are loads more trails these days, but folk don't always appreciate that bikes come in many different designs, capable of suiting individual needs. When we get some decent weather we’ll be hitting the trail again." Demonstration bikes, including hand pedalled models, are being supplied by specialist company, London Recumbents. Electric bikes will also be on show fitted with small motors to provide added propulsion when the going gets tough. Stuart Startup, Bike Ranger at Dalby Forest, added: "When we use the term disability and special needs we are actually talking about a significant proportion of the population. This event is a unique chance to see a large range of customised bikes and perhaps take a test drive." Dalby's mountain bike network was opened in 2007 at a cost of £400,000. While some sections are challenging, others are relatively flat and suitable for a wide range of abilities. Well drained, they can be used all year round. The Demo Day is based at the Dalby Courtyard and runs from 10am to 4pm. For more information contact the ranger's office on 01751 460378.