Positive Spin: the transformative power of cycling for everyone

Video and fundraiser for Positive Spin

The fundraising campaign is now live or you can arrange to donate directly online, saving platform fees, so the full amount can be used to benefit people with dementia and their families.

Positive Spin will co-produce exciting, interesting events and short breaks in different parts of London and the UK with people with dementia and their families and friends and Bikeworks.

The launch event took place on 11th September 2023 in Hammersmith & Fulham. Patron Peter Berry and author of bestseller Slow Puncture, and two friends rode penny farthings. Six people with dementia took part, in addition to people with other disabilities.

Cycling is a great form of non weight bearing exercise accessible for all through the wide range of cycles available. Mobility and independence is enhanced for all, which is particularly pertinent for people with dementia. Neurological movement disorders are not a barrier to cycling which relies on procedural rather than voluntary control of movement. People in wheelchairs can experience 'the wind in their hair', take part in a social activity in the community, but most importantly it is possible they will find they can move around more easily, more enjoyably and with greater independence than usual.

This video of a gentleman with Parkinson's Disease triggered the idea to run the early pilot studies of Positive Spin in Hackney. the success of these projects led to setting up For Brian CIC to address the issue of funding being time limited and inconsistent. People with dementia and those in a caring role need consistency and reliability. Making a weekly commitment leads to enormous disappointment when funding runs out. For Brian's partnership with Bikeworks, and in particular their All Ability Cycling Hub in Little Wormwood Scrubs in west London has made the original vision a real and exciting possibility. 

Launch event in Hammersmith & Fulham

Positive Spin in Hackney

Positive Spin Picnic, Hackney

The Olympic Park, a great place to visit and see by cycle:

Peter Berry (Patron of For Brian) & Wendy Mitchell

Teresa Davies (Patron)

Teresa Davies getting cool ..

Taking a break