Chance Encounter Sparks Expansion of Accessible Cycling Initiative Across Ireland
A serendipitous meeting during a walk with her guide dog has blossomed into a remarkable expansion of accessible cycling opportunities for peopel with disabilities. What began as a personal connection between Tralee woman Anne Kelliher and Mark O’Donoghue has grown into a nationwide effort, bringing the joy of cycling to communities across Ireland.
Anne Kelliher, 77, recalls the day she met O’Donoghue nearly a decade ago. despite being unable to see, she vividly remembers his imposing 6′ 2” stature and gentle demeanor. “I came across Mark by the grace of god. It was serendipity or whatever you like to call it,” she recounted. “I was walking with my guide dog Rory and putting on his harness when I heard this voice from above me.”
O’Donoghue, at the time, was already pioneering efforts to make outdoor life accessible to those with disabilities in Cork, utilizing a tandem bike to provide guided cycling experiences. He shared his vision with Kelliher, and though she initially hesitated, citing a need to improve her fitness, she soon found herself embracing the possibility.”He asked me what was stopping me from doing it now, but I told him I would need to get a bit fitter first. I rang him up a month later, no fitter than I had been. I knew it was now or never,” Kelliher explained.
The experience proved transformative. Kelliher, who lost her sight to retinitis pigmentosa in her 30s, described the exhilaration of feeling the wind in her face and regaining a sense of freedom. “The freedom of it is marvelous. You are getting the chance to feel the wind in your face, and chat and just experience a bit of normality,” she said.
Inspired by the positive impact of O’Donoghue’s work, Kelliher set out to establish a similar initiative in her native Kerry. This led to the creation of Cycling for All Kerry, an extension of O’Donoghue’s original association, founded three and a half years ago. Today, the initiative boasts a fleet of specialized bikes, including tandem bikes, tricycles, and handcycles, catering to a diverse range of abilities.
The program’s success hinges on the dedication of volunteers who serve as pilots, guiding riders with visual impairments or other disabilities. Hoffman, a volunteer pilot with Cycling for All Kerry, emphasized the importance of trust and communication. “We use a blindfold during training to give volunteers a sense of what it’s like to be guided. This gave us an gratitude of what it’s like for someone with a visual impairment who has to place their trust in another person.” He emphasized the importance of clear communication and attentiveness to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.
The benefits extend beyond the riders. Hoffman noted that the experience fosters a deeper appreciation for sight and the opportunity to use it to empower others. “People with full sight often take how lucky they are for granted. This helps you to fully appreciate your full sight and use it in a way that helps others who are not as fortunate.”
A Legacy of Resilience and Connection
O’Donoghue’s own story is one of resilience. Having overcome notable injuries, including a severe motorbike accident and subsequent spinal issues, he found purpose in giving back through the Cycling for All initiative. He previously shared that the program provides him with a vital sense of movement and connection. “My own injuries mean that I have to keep moving,” he said. “This has given me the perfect opportunity to do that. The best things about what I’m doing is the friendships I’ve made and the people I’ve met.”
For Kelliher, a former religion teacher and UCC lecturer, the initiative represents a reclaiming of independence. Having relinquished driving as her vision deteriorated,she found a new sense of freedom on two wheels. “I used to love driving and I was very good at it. However,I gave it up before I even needed to as my sight deteriorated as I couldn’t stand the thought of ever harming someone else. I found that loss of independence really tough,” she said. “Being blind makes getting from A to B very exhausting but you can forget about all that while on the bike.”
Cycling for All stands as a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative potential of inclusive recreation. As the initiative continues to grow, it promises to bring the joy of cycling to even more individuals, fostering a community built on trust, support, and shared experience.
