FAQ's

1. How long have Companion Cycling been here in Bushy Park?
2. How is it we didn't know about Companion Cycling before?
3. Who uses Companion Cycling?
4. Who runs Companion Cycling?
5 What do we mean by special needs?
6 What else happens around the Park?

1. How long have Companion Cycling been here in Bushy Park?

Companion Cycling started in a small experimental way back in 1995 with a limited number of specialised side-by -side bikes. Since then the popularity of Companion Cycling has grown enormously and whereas we once only operated for 9 months of the year we now operate throughout the year. The only time we close is for a week at Christmas and during the Hampton Court Flower Show when the traffic congestion makes it difficult for members to get to us. We are VERY rarely closed because of the weather.

The organisation became a registered charity in April 200l since when the fleet of bikes and trikes has expanded at an ever increasing rate enabling Companion Cycling to cater for group visits from special schools, day centres and clubs.
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2. How is it we didn't know about Companion Cycling before?

Companion Cycling doesn't need to advertise! We have reached the point where demand can't always match supply. Most new members find out about Companion Cycling through word of mouth by personal recommendation from other parents or carers.
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3. Who uses Companion Cycling?

Companion Cycling's special sessions offer a popular summer outing. Regular users of Companion Cycling's play schemes include Richmond Mencap, Reflections from Hounslow and White Lodge, Chertsey; to name just a few.

Frequently new members join as a result of an initial taster visit. First timers this summer included Disability Challengers from Guildford - the mother of one of the teenagers was on the phone that same evening signing on for future family visits! She was delighted to discover that Companion Cycling functions all the year round, not just in the summer.

When the nursery class from the Woodlands school in Leatherhead came, two mothers immediately enrolled their three year old children as members.
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4. Who runs Companion Cycling?

The trustees who form the management committee are all practising volunteers who live nearby. No-one is paid for their services. The members of the management committee are as follows:

Judy Cobbett	trustee, founder and chair
Tony Cavan	trustee, treasurer
John Kirby	trustee, technical co-ordinator (in other words, Dr. bike)
Nancy Marks	trustee, bookings secretary
Jane Marsters	trustee, assistant volunteer co-ordinator
Adrian Sumption	trustee, volunteer co-ordinator & webmaster

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5. What do we mean by special needs?

Companion Cycling members cover a huge range of disability; post stroke;Parkinson's; MS; autism; visual impairment; learning disability. The age spectrum includes 9 months to 90.

We interpret 'special needs' quite liberally to include 'elderly and wobbly'. So for those older bikers who wouldn't dream of venturing on today's roads, CC offers a safe, traffic-free environment and the chance to try out a tricycle. There is also the side by side easy to operate electric buggy see above for details. We also keep a small stock of unisex shopper bikes for accompanying family or friends.

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6 What else happens around the Park?

There are a range of sports activities which take place in Bushy Park and from time to time there are also special events in the park. Like us the Horse Rangers operate out of the Stockyard.

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