Meet John and Caroline,
John and his mother, Caroline, are residents of Kensington & Chelsea and regular Cycle Connect passengers. John, who has severe brain damage finds structure and comfort in weekly rides around a nearby parking lot with his support workers or his mother.
As John’s carer, Caroline also benefits from the service. Sometimes she joins John, and other times she rides solo with the pilot to manage nerve pain and connect with others, easing the feelings of isolation that can come with caregiving.
“Being a carer can be isolating; you don’t meet people, you don’t see people. I really appreciate [the pilots] because you develop a bond with them. They’re from the outside looking in, so sometimes they can help with things that you’re going through.
There are a lot of disabled people that would benefit a great deal from the service. I’ve benefited, my son’s benefited – it’s life changing. It really is.”
– Caroline
What does a typical ride look like for John and Caroline?
Our Cycle Connect Pilot, Erma, meets John and Caroline at a local parking lot, ready to start another ride together.
Erma queues up music, playing through a speaker to set the atmosphere for the ride.
Together, the three of them begin their laps around the parking lot. John enjoys trying out every seat on the cycle.
John takes a quick break, enjoying the surroundings and the sense of calm the ride brings him.
With music playing, they sing along to their favourite songs.
Near the end of the ride, John’s support workers arrive and join in for a few laps before continuing on with their day.