Meet Limitless ambassador Sam, who lives with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. This condition affects her legs and one hand, and there is a slight speech impediment. Sam is able to walk unaided but uses walking poles for longer distances.

“Being part of the British Cycling Limitless programme has taught me that everyone can cycle, regardless of their disability. There are options and opportunities for everyone.” Sam lives with spastic diplegia cerebral palsy, which affects her legs, one hand, and her speech. While she can walk unaided, she uses walking poles for longer distances. Her cycling journey began through her work in disability sport.

“I was coaching for a local disability sports programme, supporting the Wheels for All cycling sessions,” Sam explains. “After COVID, those were the only sessions to restart, running twice a week. I later became the Project Officer for the programme, and I now lead as the Adult Session Coordinator for Limitless in Swindon.”

Sam applied to become a Limitless Ambassador to encourage others to attend inclusive sessions to see what’s possible, whether that’s learning to ride for the first time, returning to cycling, or aiming for the British Cycling Paralympic Pathway.

 “I learnt to ride four years ago and now ride a trike,” she says. “I wanted to show that it’s never too late to learn a new skill.” Through her ambassador role, Sam meets riders, supports them on the track, explains how the bikes work, and helps support workers understand how sessions are run, from the practicalities of different bikes to managing the admin that keeps things flowing.

Sam is also passionate about promoting inclusive rides in her area: “Swindon has a great cycle path network, and we encourage guided rides to help riders feel more confident and part of their community”.

With a Limitless Focus Club now running in the area, Sam sees the programme's wider impact: “It shows that we’re serious about inclusion. We want more disabled people to get involved in cycling, whether for fun, fitness, or even going all the way to compete for Great Britain.”

Looking ahead, Sam is excited to raise awareness of the sessions and welcome a round of the Lloyds British Cycling Para-Cycling and Disability Series to Moredon Sporting Hub later this year.

Her advice to anyone considering getting into cycling? “Just come along and give it a go! Or come and see the range of adaptive bikes we have. All trikes and recumbents might look the same, but they all ride differently. It took me a while to find the right one for me.”

To find out more about Limitless at Moredon Sporting Hub and how to get involved with the sessions, visit https://centralswindonnorth-pc.gov.uk/moredon-sporting-hub/

Supported by Shell UK, Limitless is British Cycling’s disability and para-cycling programme. It is designed to provide cycling opportunities for disabled people of all ages, impairments, and abilities. Through the programme, we’re working with clubs and organisations across the UK to break down barriers, inspire change, and create more inclusive cycling communities.