After Beth's surgery, she was looking for an accessible, traffic-free trail to cycle on using a tricycle. In this blog, we hear about her experience of discovering the National Cycle Network’s York Selby path (also known as the Solar System Way), and the joys it has brought her since borrowing a local electric trike.
Being fairly new to using an electric tricycle, the York to Selby route was the perfect place to give it a go. Credit: Richard Peace
Exploring the solar system on three wheels
Following a knee replacement, Beth discovered that using a trike feels much more stable and comfortable than cycling on two wheels.
As she's recently discovered the joys of using an electric tricycle, the traffic-free York to Selby path has been the perfect place to practice.
Route 62 or the National Cycle Network is also home to the ‘Cycle the Solar System’ artwork.
While travelling along the path, you can spot the scale models of the planets, the correct distance (proportionally) from the Sun and from each other.
Three scientists from the University of York constructed the six mile scale model of the solar system between Bishopthorpe and Riccall.
In this blog, Beth tells us all about her experience.
What made you choose the York to Selby path?
I’d heard that the York-Selby railway path was one of the National Cycle Network’s most accessible trails and as someone new to electric triking, I was keen to make the most of its reported lack of access barriers – something that is important with a relatively large trike.
Why do you use a trike?
I had a knee replacement a number of years ago which has been great for reducing the pain I was suffering, but it has reduced the mobility in that leg somewhat.
That makes cycling using a two-wheeler difficult and I was prone to not being able to react quick enough to keep my balance.
I started experimenting with trikes and like the fact that they reduce any risk of falling.
There is a learning curve to using electric tricycles so I am always looking to get out and about on suitable traffic-free trails and practice my riding skills.
Beth and her brother Richard were both pleasantly surprised by the local opportunities available for test riding electric tricycles. Credit Richard Peace
What do you like about the York to Selby path?
From a triking point of view it’s generally a wide and high-quality path and it is accessible as well, as of course access barriers can be a problem for trikes, depending on the size of the trike and the nature of the access control.
It’s also a really attractive trail, with lovely views over the surrounding countryside and loads of interest as you come into York.
The section over the racecourse and along the river to the amazing Millennium Bridge is unique.
And then there is the fact you can enjoy riding through the solar system as the planet sculptures arrive with increasing frequency as you head towards the Sun which is near the York end.
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Why did you choose to ride an electric trike, and what did you like about the Jorvik Frelsi?
I don’t have a tremendous amount of power in my legs so electric assist is very welcome – and of course with a trike there is no risk of taking a tumble as I might on two wheels.
I chose to ride the Jorvik Frelsi as it is a so called ‘mobility trike’ with a more comfortable sitting arrangement (compared to more conventional designs of trike I have tried).
It’s more of a seat really and gives plenty of support to my back which I like.
I have tried regular trike designs with a ‘normal’ bike seat and a more upright riding position and the more laid-back riding position of trikes like the Frelsi is easier to get used to for a trike beginner.
There are plenty of practical features about it too, including a slow start throttle, a big storage bag and a very tight turning circle which is very useful for turning around on traffic-free paths.
You attract plenty of interest on an e-trike too - I even got the offer of a race from a gentleman on a mobility scooter who was having a ride out on the York Selby railpath.
Over half of the population live within a mile of the Network, and despite its name, the Network isn't just for cyclists, it’s also popular with walkers, wheelers, joggers, and horse riders too. Credit Richard Peace.
Finding the right fit for you
Don’t despair if a standard cycle doesn’t work for you – there are solutions out there to get everyone walking, wheeling, biking and triking, regardless of age or impairment.
Beth's brother Richard said:
“If you don’t have a suitable trike look into local opportunities for test riding or hiring one – there might be more than you think.
“I was surprised that York boasts not only Jorvik but also mobility specialist Get Cycling and it’s an ideal location for trying out some of the National Cycle Network at its best.”
