A bike ride along the Diamond Creek Trail has become a whole lot easier for people with disability and their families, thanks to the construction of a shed to store adaptive bikes.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence are proud to have partnered with Nillumbik Shire Council and the Australian Government in funding a storage facility for heavy adaptive bikes near the Diamond Creek Trail.
Combined grants of $15,000 have been awarded to build the storage facility.
Shayla, 24, of Diamond Creek has cerebral palsy and needs assistance to walk and with her personal care.
Shayla’s mother said being able to store the bike in the shed would mean more frequent rides in a safe off-road environment for her daughter.
“Biking is Shayla’s favourite thing in the world, followed by swimming,” Ms Meredith said.
“Right now I have to push her along, but she’ll hopefully soon learn to get the hang of the pedals which will help build up muscles in her legs.”
The storage shed is a great step towards ensuring community facilities are accessible to all.
“I’m hugely grateful that the shed is being built,” Ms Meredith said.
Chair of the Inclusion Advisory Committee, Councillor Jane Ashton said given the Diamond Creek Trail was the most popular trail in Melbourne’s north, it was wonderful the shed could be used to make biking easier for people of all abilities.
“It means so much to families who have to battle transporting these cumbersome bikes around. It’s wonderful to be able to help out,” Cr Ashton said.
The Brotherhood of St Laurence are the local Partners in the Community in the delivery of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Nillumbik and across the North East Melbourne Area.
In addition to supporting people with a disability access the Scheme, the Brotherhood is also working in partnership with local councils and community groups to identify opportunities to make our cities and communities more welcoming and inclusive for all people.
APR
2018