A new bike hire scheme has been launched in Mayo to allow those with additional needs to participate in family cycling activities.
Organisers say the Disability Hub is the first of its kind in Europe and will increase access to greenway infrastructure, as well as promoting active travel.
A number of bespoke bikes, suitable for people aged between 5 and 18, can be hired and reserved for use, via a dedicated app.
Usage costs €5 per hour.
The initiative is being driven by the Variety children's charity, with additional State support.
Its Recycle Mobility Programme already provides special trikes to children with disabilities, so they can take part in outdoor activities with their relatives and friends.
The hire plan is an extension of that scheme and comes after a study showed significant positive impacts on children’s mental and physical health, when they had access to such modes of transport.
A sense of being included was also found to be high on the list of outcomes, as well as a feeling of accomplishment and joy.
Cillian McCarrick from Newport in Co Mayo was among the first to try out the bikes on the Great Western Greenway this afternoon.
He expressed delight at being able to navigate the route by himself and was a particular fan of the speed he was achieving on one of the tricycles.
His mother, Michelle, said the option to rent a bike for Cillian meant he was in a position to join his sister and parents on family cycles.
It also removes the need for extra expenditure on a specific bike, which users can outgrow quickly.
"Families can just use it for the time they need it and then move on. It’s a great way to pool resources," she said.
Kevin O’Brien from the Variety charity detailed how three different bikes had been acquired for the first phase of the scheme in Mayo, each costing around €8,000.
"The bikes are accessed by a booking system on a dedicated app. They’re fitted with tracking technology and the rental system is set up so that people will know there will be a model suitable for them available when they arrive here in Mulranny."
Mr O’Brien said the charity had already identified several other locations on other greenways around the country where it plans to install other hubs over the next 18 months.
