Helping children and young people move forward through cycling

What we do

Cyclists Fighting Cancer (CFC) is a UK charity founded in 2005.

We provide lightweight bikes, specially adapted trikes, cycling related equipment and support to children and young people living with and beyond cancer across the whole country. We also supply specialist exercise equipment to the 20 NHS principal children’s cancer treatment centres in the UK.

Why this matters

Every year, around 2,400 children and young people in the UK are diagnosed with cancer. Treatment affects not just their bodies — but their confidence, coordination, and family life.

We’re here to help them recover, rebuild, and be children again. From the specialist exercise equipment in the paediatric oncology centres across the UK, to receiving their brand-new bike or trike at home we’re embedding exercise as a fun and essential complementary component towards recovery and beyond.

Exercise for children and young people

Staying active is important for children undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment. Organisations such as the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG) promote safe and appropriate activity during treatment to support recovery, physical development and mental wellbeing. We were pleased to contribute to guidance from in the CCLG booklet “Keeping your child active during and after treatment”, which provides practical advice for families on supporting safe physical activity during and after cancer treatment.

Resources such as the Paediatric Oncology Exercise Manual (POEM) provide guidance on safe exercise programmes for young people with cancer.

Why we promote cycling

Cycling is one of the best ways that children and young people can stay active during and after cancer treatment. It is an accessible activity for varying levels of abilities and disabilities; we have never failed to get a child pedalling yet!

It can be particularly helpful because it is:

  • Low impact, making it easier on joints
  • Aerobic, helping improve cardiovascular fitness
  • Adaptable, ability to control pace and intensity
  • Enjoyable and social, which helps with motivation
  • Works the biggest muscles, important for walking and balance
  • Non-contact, low risk activity which allows for physical distancing 
  • Outdoors, giving the added benefits that being outside in the fresh air brings
  • Integration of fine and gross motor skills, builds comprehensive coordination and motor planning
  • Develops independence, by giving a sense of self control and freedom

Cycling can help children and young people reach recommended activity levels while providing many of the well-known benefits of physical activity, including improved cardiovascular health, aerobic capacity, muscle strength and mental wellbeing.

For Family Cycling Information and resources click here for the Cycling UK website

Getting started safely

Before starting any new exercise programme, always speak with your medical team, especially if you are undergoing or recovering from treatment.

If you’re still unsure and would like to speak to one of our Cancer Exercise Specialists, please contact us via the form or call: 0300 500 4040.

Our impact

In 2025 we provided 1,054 bikes to children with cancer and their families. We are extremely pleased to report that:

90%
of the children we support advise that having their CFC bike encourages them to spend more time outside.
87%
of children report that they spend more time outside with a sibling since having their CFC bike.
91%
of children showed an increase in stamina since using their CFC bike.
89%
of children report a noted increase in strength since having their CFC bike.
88%
of children displayed an increase in confidence since having their CFC bike.
88%
of children showed an improvement in mood since having their CFC bike.

Ready to ride forward with us?

Whether you’re a parent looking to apply for a bike, or someone who wants to help children and young people living with cancer — there’s a place for you in the CFC community.

Apply now
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