Case Studies
On this page you will find a series of case studies and examples from our current users. These case studies have been published in our newsletter and we also use them as examples of the work we do when trying to recruit new groups. If you have a story involving the Watchtree Wheelers and are willing to be interviewed and photographed for our advertising efforts, please let us know.
Josh Davies
The English weather can be a real downer in the winter; freezing temperatures, rain, sleet and snow don’t exactly make us all want to jump out of bed and get outside. Opting instead to stay indoors and wrap up warm often seems far too tempting.
Inevitably winter slows things down up at Watchtree, the occasional cycle session was cancelled due to extreme weather and general cyclist numbers did fall. However for some people bad weather is merely another obstacle. Josh (pictured below) didn’t let the cold snap stop him and even ventured out on his trike in the snow. Exploring the reserve whilst it’s under a blanket of crisp snow can be fascinating, as long as you’re wrapped up warm!
Gill Davies; Josh’s mum, told us “Josh is chomping at the bit to get on his bike whatever the weather and I’m always looking forward to the fresh air and the friendly faces”.
Josh regularly attends our “Drop In” sessions. The sessions are open to anybody who can benefit from the cycles and run from 1pm until 4pm every Sunday (Excluding Dec & Jan) as well as 4pm until 7pm every Thursday (May until September). Session rates apply.
Now bring on the Summer!
Anthony McKenzie
Anthony McKenzie is a member of Chrysalis in Wigton. He has been visiting the Watchtree Wheelers Cycle Centre since early 2009. Anthony has severely impaired vision and requires support from his support workers.
For over a year Anthony rode the “Joy Rider” a cycle which allows both user and carer to sit on the cycle side by side. This cycle has dual pedals and can be steered by either rider. Although Anthony enjoys riding the “Joy Rider” he now aspires to do more and a busy cycle session late in 2010 allowed him to do just that.
On a Friday cycle session with chrysalis when the “Joy Rider” was already in use, Ross; Anthony’s Chrysalis support worker, suggested Anthony rode a trike and he walked alongside to aid steering and control. To the cycle instructor’s surprise Anthony took to the new cycle naturally, pedalling confidently within minutes of getting on.
As the session progressed Anthony and Ross’s confidence grew and it was suggested that Anthony ride alone but used the sound of Ross’s voice as a guide. With Ross walking in front constantly talking to provide a target, Anthony has learned to ride independently avoiding obstacles through Ross’s careful guidance.
The progression inspired an idea from the centre’s instructors and they are now working on a “lead bike” which will make a constant recognisable sound which can be followed by people like Anthony with impaired vision. The centre is experimenting with bells and plastic clickers to create the perfect cycle generated sound.
Ryan Dobson; Access and Development Officer at the centre said “Seeing people like Anthony make such progress is fantastic. Its a real reminder to the instructors and to other observers that people who face challenges like impaired vision can still be incredibly capable and sometimes offering a challenge can redeem great rewards”.
Solomon NG
Meet Solomon; he’s 12 years old and suffers from severe learning and communication difficulties. Solomon requires a lot of care from his family and his carers. Though like all 12 year old boys he has a determination to explore and a need to feel free!
Freedom however, is very difficult to control therefore it was something of a rarity, until now!
Solomon first visited Watchtree in May this year on a group visit from Carlisle Mencap. The day was split; in the morning the group walked the reserve and explored the woodlands and ponds then in the afternoon attentions were turned to the fleet of specially adapted cycles.
Teaching Solomon to ride was going to be difficult in the past he had only ever ridden a child’s bike with stabilisers in a small playground. A barrier in communication meant that instructors couldn’t advise Solomon on how to control this new style of cycle. It was decided to start Solomon on a “fixed wheel” trike, with foot straps to keep his feet in place. Being “fixed wheel” means that the bike will only move when the user is pedalling, this removes the need to brake by hand. Solomon was soon pedaling; however steering was not his strong point.
It was soon worked out that Solomon would “veer” towards any person that walked alongside. The simple answer to this was to walk in front which meant Solomon would “follow” whoever led the course. The next step was to walk behind therefore letting Solomon make the decisions of where to go – Solomon was cycling; unaided, on his first attempt!
On returning home Solomon’s carers had told his father of their success and passed on a leaflet for “The Watchtree Wheelers”. A few weeks later Solomon and his father attended a “Drop In” session.
Brian; Solomon’s father said “I remember bringing him up and meeting you (Ryan).Solomon, to my pleasure, remembered you, the bikes and even his own way round the route. I followed a fair distance back as Solomon went off on the tricycle” he went on “The point is that the exercise is one thing, the feeling of independence is something else - and is important”.
Solomon now regularly attends “Drop In” sessions and is progressing well; our only problem now is keeping up!