How an electric trike is helping Jan to rediscover his joy of cycling

For three years Jan van Barneveld hadn’t been able to cycle on a standard two-wheeled cycle. He thought cycling was something he could no longer enjoy. That all changed when he discovered Cycling UK’s Connecting Communities programme.

Working with Angie Kinghorn, Cycling UK’s Development Officer in East Lothian, he tried out an electric trike on a shared-use path near the Connecting Communities base in Musselburgh. He then took advantage of a free e-trike loan from the programme, allowing him to further practice with the cycle at home.

This was Jan’s “first opportunity to try an electric trike,” he says. He adds that it “opened up opportunities that I no longer thought existed for me. Now I have freedom to travel!”

Cycling was something that Jan had previously enjoyed, but due to issues with his balance he had to stop – until he tried the e-trike. “If I hadn’t have discovered the potential of an electric bike, I might never have cycled again. I have realised that I can still enjoy cycling.”

He has since bought his own e-trike and continues to cycle: “Now I can go out regularly and increase my distance.”

Jan says that taking part in the Connecting Communities project has been “life changing”. With Angie’s support, he “borrowed an electric trike and never looked back! She encouraged me at every turn.” His health issues have improved greatly. “I am stronger in mind and body,” he says.

“And the project offers opportunities for many others besides myself.”

I got every support in doing this, but I was also supported mentally by the kind and empathetic approach by Angie. All I can say is a huge thank you Jan van Barneveld, Connecting Communities participant

Being able to cycle again has changed Jan’s life. He says cycling makes him feel wonderful, and that his experience with Connecting Communities has “restored hope” and “given me confidence”.

However, Jan finds he’s still getting used to the trike and particularly off-road riding. He says there are good cycle routes, but “I am still discovering which routes I can use as manoeuvring with a trike is a bit different.”

He also mentions improvements to the local infrastructure, such as new warning lights for drivers where the Pencaitland Railway Path crosses the busy A6093.

Jan adds that the support he was given while participating in the Connecting Communities project was excellent.

He says: “Being able to borrow an electric trike and use it in my own environment was perfect. I got every support in doing this, but I was also supported mentally by the kind and empathetic approach by Angie. All I can say is a huge thank you.”

Connecting Communities receives funding from a Scottish government People and Place grant, administered and supported in the south-east of Scotland by SEStran.