Cycle Training

The London Gazette - 17th August 2001

Free-wheeling Ricky takes the road

Ricky Starr goes out the road with his cycling teacher Steve Fisher

A 37-year-old man who has Down's Syndrome went out on the road for the first time thanks to a bike given to him by his aunt.
Ricky Starr, of Glenfield Road, West Ealing, who had not ridden before, was given the bike by his aunt, Carmel Elliott, who won it at a raffle. Ealing Council then paid £132 for Ricky to have six lessons from Steve Fisher of a cycle training company.
Carmel, who lives with the family, said:"Ricky has never had a bike before because he doesn't travel independently but he has done really well with the lessons. It has made him feel much more independent. We were amazed at his road sense. "Ihave bought a bike for myself and will go out with him at first but ultimately the aim is to let him go alone."
Carmel said Ricky, who does work experience at Thames Valley University, an arts course at Questor Theatres and attends a day centre, was not expected to walk or talk.
His aunt said:"We were so pleased Ricky was given this opportunity. You ear a lot of things the council doesn't do, this is something he has done."