A GROUP of disabled cyclists have given Mini Holland the thumbs up, saying it has created a safer cycling environment for them.

Wheels for Wellbeing, a charity that helps disabled people and their carers to cycle, took a tour of Mini Holland streets around Walthamstow village.

Director of Wheels for Wellbeing, Isabelle Clement, took part in the tour and said she would like to see more disabled people take up cycling.

She said: “Many people think a safer cycling environment will harm disabled people, believing they are reliant on cars.

“This assumption is wrong and we at Wheels for Wellbeing are working hard to raise awareness that cycles can be a mobility aid.

“Having toured the new cycle lanes and the filtered streets in Walthamstow I can see how Mini Holland offers real safety improvements for disabled people.

“I discovered cycling in my mid-thirties and for me it was like growing a pair of wings.

“I would like to see other disabled people discovering the freedom I found through cycling.

“The Mini Holland scheme here creates that opportunity.”

The tour was organised by campaign group We Support Waltham Forest Mini Holland.