An electrically assisted wheelchair-accessible bike has been introduced at Girdwood Community Hub, opening up the physical, social and wellbeing benefits of cycling to more Belfast residents.

The e-assist model is the first of its kind in Belfast and allows wheelchair users, carers and family members to ride together and spend time outdoors. Until now, anyone seeking a similar electrically assisted option had to travel outside the city.

The pilot has been delivered by Belfast City Council as part of the Active Belfast Partnership with the Public Health Agency and the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Bookings are managed by GLL, which operates the city's leisure centres on the council's behalf.

Designed with a reinforced frame and a range of enhanced safety features, the bike has been developed in response to growing demand for inclusive leisure opportunities across the city.

Census 2021 data indicates that more than 5,600 Belfast residents use a wheelchair, including over 3,300 people aged 65 and over. Research by the Active Belfast Partnership highlights increased interest in accessible cycling; while wheelchair users regularly take part in programmes at Girdwood, there has been no local provision of power-assisted adaptive bikes, creating a gap in opportunities. Launching the initiative, Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Róis-Máire Donnelly, said: "Belfast is proud to be a European City of Sport for 2026, with lots of work underway to ensure sport and physical activity can be enjoyed by everyone.

"Is ábhar bróid é do Bhéal Feirste bheith mar Chathair Eorpach an Spóirt 2026, tá neart oibre idir lámha againn le cinntiú go bhfuil gach duine ábalta leas a bhaint as spóirt agus aclaíocht."

"The introduction of the city's first e-assist wheelchair accessible bike contributes to this goal, giving more people the chance to enjoy the benefits of cycling, while supporting families, carers and friends to be active together. It's also free to use which reduces a further barrier.

"This is a great example of our ongoing commitment to creating more experiences which make everyone in our city feel welcome and involved, and make use of the great leisure facilities we have on our doorstep."

Girdwood Community Hub offers a dedicated cycling track around the 3G pitch, providing a safe and accessible space to try the e-assist bike.

The bike is available to hire, but users must complete a Bike Safety Briefing and Induction before making a booking. The next induction session will take place on Friday 16 October at Girdwood Community Hub, with further sessions planned in the coming months.

To register or find out more, email leisure@belfastcity.gov.uk