Meet Zeeshan, a Primary 7 pupil in West Lothian we’ve reached through our I Bike Schools programme. Zeeshan has a physical disability and dyspraxia, which have always stopped him from cycling – until now.
Budding young cyclist Zeeshan has benefitted from our I Bike Schools programme. Credit: Michael Kelly.
“Being able to cycle would give me the freedom to be able to travel around and be independent.”
This motivation for cycling rings true for a lot of people. But it means even more to this particular 11-year-old from rural West Lothian.
Zeeshan has severe out-toeing with torsional malalignment and dyspraxia. This means he has difficulty walking and faces significant challenges with coordination.
Currently in Primary 7, Zeeshan has many of the interests a typical 11-year-old would – including, of course, riding a bike.
Throughout his childhood, his mum Farzana recounts, he’s not been able to participate in cycling with his friends and family because of his disability.
“I loved cycling when I was younger and that’s why I wanted him to be able to get out and do it. It’s a de-stressing thing – I thought it would be really good for him.”
But balance issues and lack of muscle strength meant that cycling on a regular bike was just not an option for Zeeshan.
Cycling is possible for everyone
This school year, our I Bike programme has been operating in the West Lothian region and has started working with Zeeshan’s school.
I Bike encourages a whole school approach to active travel (walking, wheeling and cycling), enabling pupils to be active and supporting teachers to incorporate this into the curriculum.
As part of this, our I Bike Officer for West Lothian, Shani Davidov, is working with schools in the area to improve pupils’ cycling skills and confidence.
When Farzana found out Zeeshan's class would be taking part in this, she was initially concerned as she knew he would feel left out - “he just wants to be one of the kids”.
But, by linking up with West Lothian Bike Library, Shani and the school's headteacher were able to hire a trike that would provide Zeeshan with enough built-in balance to give it a go.
Now, for the first time ever, Zeeshan is cycling.
Tempering speed demon tendencies is one of the things Shani is working on with Zeeshan. Credit: Michael Kelly.
And it’s fair to say he's loving it:
“Some people might think it’s a silly thing but I’m so proud I’ve managed to learn to cycle with Shani and it has given me the confidence to keep going!
“My coordination isn’t the best, but I know I’m able to do it with practice and patience.”
Through one-to-one sessions, Shani and Zeeshan have been working together on building up his technical skills and muscle strength.
The trike is much bigger and heavier than a standard bicycle, and so learning how to navigate turns and inclines is even more important, Shani says.
“For him it’s mostly about understanding how to navigate, how to turn correctly, slowing down, speeding up, progressing his muscles and being smart about building up his endurance.”
Not even the seasonal frost stops Zeeshan from getting out on the trike. Credit: Michael Kelly.
And in group sessions, Zeeshan is finally experiencing cycling with others too.
Speaking about Zeeshan’s journey with cycling, his mum Farzana is emotional:
“People think it’s just a bike, but it’s not to him. It’s being able to just – and I hate to use that word – but be normal.”
Looking to the future, Zeeshan will be heading to high school next August; a transition that brings with it a lot more independence.
Shani thinks he will handle the move with a lot more confidence now. And she hopes that through the I Bike programme she can find a trike that he can keep as his own.
What would this mean for Zeeshan?
“I really want to be able to continue cycling and improve my health and enjoy the outdoors with family bike rides.
“I’d love to be able to be free and enjoy the little country roads around my area and it helps with my physical health.
And his final bit of advice to others?
“To give cycling a go – and remembering to have confidence to try and do your best.”
