Ride, Stride and Thrive

Regardless of whether someone wants to learn to ride for the first time or just hasn’t ridden in a while and wants to improve their confidence, we offer cycling activities that are inclusive and accessible to everyone. Adapted bikes and conventional bikes are available to use during both training and led rides meaning no equipment is needed to get involved. There is a lot of support available for people who want to cycle in Doncaster, and we can also connect people to other support such as bike maintenance workshops, bike and e-bike loans.

Cycle Training

We are pleased to offer a range of cycle training adapted to a person’s needs and goals. Delivered by our partners at Pedal Ready, their qualified and experienced trainers tailor fun 40 minute sessions to individual needs to help people feel safe and confident on a bike. All sessions can be delivered one to one, or with friends, family, carers or support workers depending on preference. 

For those new to cycling or with low confidence we offer learn to ride and level 1 cycle training in a traffic-free environment. Once a person has built up their confidence, they can choose to complete level 2 or level 3 cycle training on local roads and cycle paths, join a led ride or be supported to create a Personalised Travel Plan to use their new skills to get out and about in the community.

“My confidence has improved as well as now I can ride both a trike and bike independently. and I plan on one day riding to and from my volunteer job with support initially then hopefully one day independently”

Led Rides

Led rides are a great way to continue building confidence on a bike and discover new cycle routes in a safe environment. Like the cycle training, the rides are led by the qualified and experienced trainers from Pedal Ready and are inclusive and tailored to suit all abilities. The rides are delivered to small groups to offer the chance for participants to meet like-minded people whilst getting used to cycling in the community.

“It's nice to have someone to ride with […} just having somebody just chat and sort of vibe with”

Walking is a great way to explore where you live, discover new places and improve your health and wellbeing.

All walking activities are suitable for all abilities and are designed to be inclusive for wheelchairs and mobility aids. We have walking poles available for people to use so all that is needed is a comfortable pair of shoes!

Led Walks

Led walking groups are delivered by the Ride, Stride and Thrive team and are a fantastic way to get out and about in the community whilst chatting to fellow walkers. Please see our timetable for more information about each walk. 

Keep an eye out as we also offer a range of themed walks throughout the year!

“It wasn’t just about exercise, it was a bit of company as well.”

1 to 1 Walks

The Ride, Stride and Thrive team offer the opportunity for 1 to 1 supported walks. Although we know a lot of great routes, these walks are completely personalised so the distance, where they start and where they go to is planned with the person, we can even start it from their front door!

The 1 to 1 walks are perfect for people who want to take that first step to walking in the community or who may have been inactive for a prolonged period as they help to build confidence, fitness and knowledge of the community. 

Personalised Travel Planning

The Ride, Stride and Thrive team offer tailored advice and work with people to create individual travel plans to help people make more walking, wheeling, and cycling journeys. Whether it’s to the shops, work, a group activity, or to see friends and family, we have lots of helpful resources to help people discover new routes and get them to where they want to be. We can provide information to support people to travel by foot, cycle or public transport and can even do a practice journey to help build a person’s confidence to try a new way for the first time.

“I've just got mental health problems and feel like they get the better of me sometimes and so it helped that as well…..And I just did the sessions to help me with anxiety”

Sandall Park, Wheatley – Mondays, 10am–1pm
Woodfield Park, Balby – Tuesdays, 10am–1pm
Bentley Park, Bentley – Wednesdays, 10am–1pm
(Each session lasts 40 minutes)

*please note booking is essential for cycle training, please complete the referral form or contact us.

Led Rides are delivered from Sandall Park, Woodfield Park and Bentley Park. The days and times vary so please complete the referral form or contact us for more information. 

Tuesday

Sandall Park  

When: Every Tuesday 11am 

Starting point: Sandall Park car park, near to the café just off Thorne Road, DN2 5DZ 

Details: Join us for a relaxed and friendly walk through the beautiful Sandall Park. This gentle route follows well-maintained footpaths within the park, the pathway around the lake and up towards the play area is on an incline, however the route is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids.  

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome and there are several benches and seating areas around the route for rest stops. Whether you're looking to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, or meet new people, this walk is for you. 

What to expect: 

• The walk will take up to 30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities 

• We walk at the pace of the slowest walker, with rest stops as needed 

• Routes are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids 

• Toilets available in Sandall Park 

• Free, no booking required – just turn up and walk with us! 

 

Town Fields

When: Every Tuesday 1.00pm 

Starting point: Town Fields entrance off Thorne Road, DN2 2JP 

Details: Join us for a relaxed and friendly walk around Town Fields. This walk takes place on well-maintained footpaths within the park, starting and ending on a gentle incline, however the route is mostly flat and all of the pathways are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. 

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome and there are several benches and seating areas around the route for rest stops. Whether you're looking to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, or meet new people, this walk is for you. 

What to expect: 

• The walk will take up to 30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities 

• We walk at the pace of the slowest walker, with rest stops as needed 

• Routes are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids 

• Free, no booking required – just turn up and walk with us! 

 

Thursday

Bentley Park

When: Every Thursday 10.00am (from 6th November)

Starting point: Bentley Park entrance on Cooke Street, Bentley, DN5 0DD 

Details: Join us for a relaxed and friendly walk around Bentley Park, taking you past the Lily Pond, wildflower area, play areas and bandstand. The route is on flat, well-maintained footpaths and is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. 

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome and there are several benches and seating areas around the route for rest stops. Whether you're looking to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, or meet new people, this walk is for you. 

What to expect: 

• The walk will take up to 30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities 

• We walk at the pace of the slowest walker, with rest stops as needed 

• Routes are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids 

• Toilets available in Bentley Pavilion 

• Free, no booking required – just turn up and walk with us! 

 

Elmfield Park

When: Every Thursday 11.30am 

Starting point: Elmfield Park entrance off Roman Road, next to the cenotaph, DN2 6AA 

Details: Join us for a relaxed and friendly walk around Elmfield Park. This walk takes place on well-maintained footpaths within the park, the route is mostly flat and all of the pathways are suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. 

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome and there are several benches and seating areas around the route for rest stops. Whether you're looking to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, or meet new people, this walk is for you. 

What to expect: 

• The walk will take up to 30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities 

• We walk at the pace of the slowest walker, with rest stops as needed 

• Routes are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids 

• Free, no booking required – just turn up and walk with us! 

 

Intake Library

When: Every Thursday 1pm 

Starting point: Intake Library, Montrose Avenue, DN2 6PL 

Details: Join us for a relaxed and friendly walk starting and ending at Intake Library.  The walk will explore the local area, using the well-maintained flat footpaths, passing Flintwood Church and People Focused Group (PFG) before walking around the greenspace on Shaftesbury Avenue.  Participants are welcome to join and leave at any of these points during the walk, allowing you to tailor the walk to your needs. The pathways are suitable for wheelchair users and those who use mobility aids.  

What to expect: 

• The walk will take up to 30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities 

• We walk at the pace of the slowest walker, with rest stops as needed 

• Routes are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids 

• Free, no booking required – just turn up and walk with us! 

 

Friday

St John's GP to Balby Library

When: Every Friday 10am 

Starting point: St John’s Group Practice, Greenfield Lane, Balby, DN4 0TH 

Details: Join us for a relaxed and welcoming walk which starts outside St John’s Group Practice, following the path along Greenfield Lane before turning into Evanston Gardens, along Florence Avenue before rejoining Greenfield Lane and ending at Balby Library.  Participants are welcome to join and leave at the following points along the walk, St. John’s Group Practice, Evanston Gardens Communal Hall and Florence Avenue Allotments before ending the final stop at the library. The route takes place on well-maintained footpaths which are mostly flat, other than a very short incline at the turn into Evanston Gardens.  The pathways are suitable for wheelchair users and those who use mobility aids. Due to the range of stops along the way you can tailor the walk to your needs or as part of your journey to take part in activities offered at the communal hall or library. 

What to expect: 

• The walk will take up to 30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities 

• We walk at the pace of the slowest walker, with rest stops as needed 

• Routes are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids 

• Toilets available in Balby Library 

• Free, no booking required – just turn up and walk with us! 

 

Hexthorpe Flatts Park

When: Every Friday 11am 

Starting point: Entrance to the park, just off Greenfield Lane, Balby, DN4 0HY 

Details: Join us for a relaxed and welcoming walk through the beautiful Hexthorpe Flatts Park. This gentle route follows well-maintained footpaths and offers the chance to explore The Dell and visit the bird aviary. While The Dell includes some steps and slopes, an accessible, flat path is available for wheelchair users and those with mobility aids. 

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of benches and seating areas to rest and take in the surroundings. Whether you're looking to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, or connect with others, this walk is a great way to do it. 

What to expect: 

• The walk will take up to 30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities 

• We walk at the pace of the slowest walker, with rest stops as needed 

• Routes are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids 

• Free, no booking required – just turn up and walk with us! 

 

Woodfield Park

When: Every Friday 12pm 

Starting point: Entrance to the park, Weston Road, Balby, DN4 8QP 

Details: Join us for a relaxed and welcoming walk through the many pathways within Woodfield Park, including the Walled Garden and woodland.  The route takes place on well-maintained foothpaths which are suitable for wheelchair users and those who use mobility aids.  The route is accessible for all following flat pathways throughout the site.  The walk is the perfect opportunity to connect with nature and other like-minded individuals. 

What to expect: 

• The walk will take up to 30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities 

• We walk at the pace of the slowest walker, with rest stops as needed 

• Routes are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids 

• Free, no booking required – just turn up and walk with us! 

 

Bentley Park

When: Every Friday 10.00am 

Starting point: Bentley Park entrance on Cooke Street, Bentley, DN5 0DD 

Details: Join us for a relaxed and friendly walk around Bentley Park, taking you past the Lily Pond, wildflower area, play areas and bandstand. The route is on flat, well-maintained footpaths and is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. 

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome and there are several benches and seating areas around the route for rest stops. Whether you're looking to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, or meet new people, this walk is for you. 

What to expect: 

• The walk will take up to 30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities 

• We walk at the pace of the slowest walker, with rest stops as needed 

• Routes are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids 

• Toilets available in Bentley Pavilion 

• Free, no booking required – just turn up and walk with us! 

 

The Avenue, Bentley

When: Every Friday 1.00pm 

Starting point: Outside Bentley Family Hub, The Avenue, Bentley, DN5 0NP 

Details: Join us for a relaxed and friendly walk leaving The Avenue and taking in the local greenspaces.  The route is on flat, well-maintained footpaths and is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. 

All abilities and fitness levels are welcome and there are several benches and seating areas around the route for rest stops.  Whether you're looking to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, or meet new people, this walk is for you. 

What to expect: 

• The walk will take up to 30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities 

• We walk at the pace of the slowest walker, with rest stops as needed 

• Routes are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids 

• Toilets available in Bentley Family Hub 

• Children and dogs welcome 

• Free, no booking required – just turn up and walk with us! 

 

Toll Bar

When: Every Friday 11.00am (from 7th November)

Starting point: Outside Villa Gardens Communal Hall, Toll Bar, Doncaster DN5 0LQ 

Details: Join us for a relaxed and friendly walk leaving Villa Gardens Communal Halland taking in the local greenspaces.  The route is on flat, well-maintained footpaths and is suitable for wheelchairs and mobility aids. All abilities and fitness levels are welcome. Whether you're looking to stretch your legs, enjoy nature, or meet new people, this walk is for you. 

What to expect: 

• The walk will take up to 30 minutes and is suitable for all fitness levels and abilities 

• We walk at the pace of the slowest walker, with rest stops as needed 

• Routes are designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and mobility aids 

• Free, no booking required – just turn up and walk with us! 

1 to 1 walks are organised at a time and place to suit the person, it could be from the local library, park, GP, or even their front door! Please complete the referral form or contact us, and the team will be in touch to arrange a session.

Personalised Travel Planning sessions are organised at a time and place to suit the person. Please complete the referral form or contact us, and the team will be in touch to arrange a session.