Sandra’s confidence builds thanks to adult cycling classes
Sandra Robilliard had lost confidence with cycling after a stroke.
But that is now returning with the help of adult cycle classes, which helped her realise that she had not lost the skills, but did need to adapt.
Spinal problems and nerve damage meant she had difficulty moving her feet.
‘This means I need to wear foot braces, and these prevent me from being able to do ’tip toe’ when stationery on the bike,’ she said.
‘Setting off on the bike and stopping had become a bit tricky for me. [The instructor] Euan taught me a different technique for setting off and stopping, and by the time we’d completed our practice I was already feeling much more confident about this.’
Before taking part in the classes, she had been considering selling her bike.
‘Having this cycling lesson has totally changed things for me. It allowed me to re-discover how good it feels to be on the bike – and see that I am actually okay riding it. Now it is just a matter of building up my confidence again – and doing a little bit more practice with some hand signals,’ she said.
‘My plan is to go out on my bike again at the earliest opportunity so I keep up the momentum with this now. I used to love cycling – and the cycling class enabled me to see I can still enjoy it despite my challenges. I am looking forward to lots more cycling adventures. Cycling will help me get fitter and enhance my continued stroke recovery, especially since walking isn’t quite such an effective form of exercise now due to my braces.’
Her spinal surgeon had recommended cycling to her 10 years ago.
‘Being able to continue riding my bike means it will be beneficial for my back, and great for general wellbeing. Not everyone who has had a stroke can go on to cycle, my story is not a suggestion that all who have a stroke and live with the effects can see the same results as each journey is different. I feel very lucky to be able to do so.’
The adult cycle skills class is a joint initiative between Traffic and Highways Services and the Health Improvement Commission.
Anyone interested in taking a course, which are free, can email bikeability@gov.gg to sign up.
