Bike 4 Life is returning this summer and organisers hope even more people will participate.

The Manx Sport and Recreation (MSR) initiative – launched last year – encourages people of all ages and abilities to take up cycling and embrace a healthier lifestyle.

Sessions recommence on 22nd June (1pm to 6pm) and run every Wednesday until 24th August.

Zoe Crowe, Disability Sports Development Officer with MSR, said: ‘Cycling has many physical and mental health benefits. It is a healthy, low impact exercise that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

‘Sessions will take place around the NSC raceway, which offers a safe and enjoyable environment for those riders who want to gain confidence while socialising with family and friends.

‘We would welcome anyone along – whether looking for a new hobby, seeking to regain fitness after illness, injury or surgery, suffering a long-term health issue or overcoming a disability.

‘We can cater for those with reduced/little mobility, including wheelchair users, amputees and those with coordination problems.

‘We have a range of inclusive and specially adapted bikes, including tandems, trikes, special needs bikes, hand cycles, quad bikes and mountain bikes, although participants are welcome to bring their own bikes.

‘A 15-minute session, inclusive of bike and helmet if required, costs just ?2 and participants can cycle for as long as they wish to.’

Some bikes have been provided thanks to a generous ?7,000 donation from the Microgaming Health & Care Trust.

Roy Clague, the Trust’s Chairman, said: ‘We are delighted to support the scheme, contributing to the purchase of adapted bikes. Cycling is popular on the Island, so I’m sure the sessions provided by MSR will be a great success.’

For more information about Bike 4 Life, contact Zoe on 688575, email Zoe.Crowe@gov.im, follow @iomsportsdev on Twitter or like ‘MSR Sports Development Unit’ on Facebook.

Photo - Roy Clague, Chairman of the Microgaming Health & Care Trust, with some of the bikes it has purchased for Bike 4 Life being used by secondary school students at Isle of Man Cyclefest.