Posted on Tuesday 14th October 2025
Michael, with coach Vicky, credits the scheme with helping him feel "safer and stronger" with each bike ride.
A man from Newcastle has praised an innovative county council-run scheme for being inclusive and helping him feel safer and more confident.
Michael, aged 77, from Clayton in Newcastle-under-Lyme, proves that disability isn’t a barrier to staying active.
The INTO (Inspiring New Travel Options) project provides free activities to help improve people’s health and wellbeing. It includes guided walks, bike rides and training all tailored to each participant’s requirements. The scheme also offers access to adaptive bikes, including tandems and tricycles for people with disabilities or additional needs.
After contracting polio as a child, Michael lost the use of one leg and experienced progressive muscle deterioration in the other. After discovering the INTO Newcastle scheme through a leaflet at his local GP surgery, he found a new way to rebuild strength and improve his wellbeing.
Thanks to the team and their tailored support, it now means he can take weekly rides with coach Vicky on a bicycle built for two.
Michael said:
“I needed a way to build strength in my good leg. From the moment I spoke to Vicky from the INTO project, I felt supported.
“Vicky understood what I wanted to achieve and helped me set realistic goals. Each week I can push a little further and I feel safer and stronger. It really is a great scheme and I would encourage others to check it out.”
Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“This is a great project and Michael’s story is a powerful reminder of how a little bit of extra support can help improve wellbeing and build people’s confidence.
“We want to make sure residents in Staffordshire can stay active, connected and independent — regardless of their personal circumstances or situation. The project already has helped hundreds of people in Newcastle and I would encourage others looking to get active and improve their mental wellbeing to get in touch with the team.”
The INTO Newcastle team can support people with a wide range of conditions, including reduced mobility, balance issues, visual or hearing impairments, learning disabilities and therapeutic recovery from illnesses or injuries such as cancer or brain trauma.
To find out more, people can visit their webpage or speak to a member of the team.