August Newsletter
PEDAL POWER POST AUGUST 2021 IN THIS ISSUE: Time for Tea, SeE Cycling Differently, Nathan and Stuart’s story, Even Scarecrows Cycle
Time for Tea - our Cafe has re-opened!
Our Café is so much more than just a place to enjoy a lovely cuppa. It is a safe and welcoming space where everyone can relax among friends – we should really call it the Cwtch! Of course, Covid-19 forced the Café to close. But since then, so many of our customers told us how much they missed this cosy home from home – a place where carers can exchange ideas, give mutual support and have a chat. That’s why we’re so happy to be open for business once again. We’ve got our gazebos to provide shelter from sun or rain, so sitting outside is a comfortable option. And we have a new gate at the side now, so you can come in from Cathedral Road. The menu is simple for the time being – hot and cold drinks, crisps, ice cream and best of all, cake! So, spread the word… tell family and friends and come down to support the Café and the charity. Better still, book a ride first and then pop in for a treat and a chat.
To book a ride, email your requirements to: bookings@cardiffpedalpower.org.uk
SeE Cycling Differently
Fantastic news! We’ve been awarded capital funding by the Welsh government for our SeE Cycling Differently project. With this extra capital, we’ll be able to supplement our fleet with new e-bikes, e-trikes and e-cargo bikes. Electric power really is a game-changer, helping people cycle further, steeper and for longer. Of course, e-cargo bikes can be very versatile for shopping and for businesses, but we’re most interested in giving families a way to include smaller children in their cycling experience. Whilst this new money is wonderful news for the charity, it’s important to mention that this is ring-fenced capital explicitly for adding to our fleet, and that means we still need all the support we can get to keep our day-to-day services going. Right now, there’s a global shortage of bikes and parts, so it may take a while to get all these new cycling options ready to hit the road. But watch out for our new additions and try one for yourself.
Looking to buy a bike? Check out our latest refurbished models at facebook.com/pedalpowercardiff or drop into our site at Pontcanna for a test drive - we are dealers for many of our trikes.
Nathan and Stuart's Story Nathan, who is blind and has brain damage, and Stuart, his carer, have been coming to Pedal Power, once or twice a week for five years. “We love it” says Stuart. “The fresh air and exercise and the socialising are so important for Nathan, and me too. Bute Park with its river, the sounds and smells are a bit special – the Pedal Power location with easy parking could not be better.” Nathan and Stuart have tried various bikes over the years – side-by-side and currently a trike with guide pole is proving a winner. Asked what’s the best thing about coming to Pedal Power? Nathan said “The Bullet” – that’s the model of Tomcat trike he’s riding. The benefits of regular exercise and spending time outdoors on mental and physical health are well understood these days. Through our experience, expertise and equipment we aim to remove barriers to cycling so it can be truly inclusive – we believe cycling should be for everyone, all ages and all abilities. But we depend on your donations to make this possible. Make a donation now to help more people enjoy the benefits of cycling, whatever their age, ability or disability.
Even scarecrows cycle! There are so many ways to get involved and raise some money to keep our vital services going. A great fun example was just the other Saturday, as our Pedal Power side-by-sides were seen being pedalled by scarecrows as part of the Rhiwbina Scarecrow Festival. It was wonderful to be part of this terrific local community initiative and, of course, we’re very grateful for the £250 donation we received. If you’ve got a fundraising idea, please contact Sian Donovan at: director@cardiffpedalpower.org.uk. STOP PRESS
Welsh Women Walking met for a five mile walk from Merthyr Mawr on Sun 1 August to raise money for Pedal Power. We are really grateful for the £160 they donated. Maybe you belong to a group who could raise money for Pedal Power? Donations are an essential part of our funding.
We are having a bike and trike ride to mark International Car Free Day on September 22. We’ll be gathering at Pontcanna at 1.30 to set off at 2. If you fancy helping raise the profile of inclusive cycling with us, please come along – just don’t forget to book your bike or trike in advance!
Butetown Carnival is live again this year on August 29th with a Pedal Power trike supporting a giant Moa bird! Why not get involved yourself - we are hosting workshops outside the café every Saturday 10.30 - 4 where you can get creative with the artists preparing items for the carnival.
A taste of Riverside – come along to our Café on Thursday 26th August from 11 – 2 for free tasters from our pop-up visiting chef – not too spicy, definitely delicious!
