My visit to PEDALL at Burley Yard
I visited PEDALL at Burley Yard, just outside Burley, in September 2026. I wanted to see the parking, accessible toilet and adapted cycles for myself, so I could help Our Bench guests decide whether a ride through the New Forest might work for them.
Parking and arrival
PEDALL's Burley base is right beside the forest cycle network.
Parking is on compressed gravel immediately outside the building. If you need a firmer surface for transferring or getting in and out of your vehicle, there is also a concrete area opposite the toilet. It is worth mentioning this when you book so PEDALL can advise you on the best place to park.
There is a large accessible toilet on site with space for a side transfer, useful before setting off into the Forest, and available for anyone enjoying the PEDALL experience.
What impressed me most was the confidence and care of the staff and volunteers. They listened, checked that people were comfortable and happy to continue, and were willing to make adjustments or explain the options. If someone needed additional postural support, they took time to find out what might help.
They also understood that cycling can be a family experience. If a family member or carer is not confident on a conventional bike, a more stable trike may be an option. With side-by-side cycles and different types of adapted bikes, the aim is to help everyone ride together rather than have someone watching from the sidelines.
What sort of adapted cycles are available?
This was the part I really wanted to see.
PEDALL has a large range of specialist cycles, so the right option will depend on your mobility, balance, ability to transfer and whether you want to pedal yourself or simply enjoy the ride.
Side-by-side cycling
One of the cycles I was shown seats two people next to each other.
Both people can pedal, but they don't need to contribute equally, so one person can do more of the work than the other. The seating can also provide additional postural support where needed.
It is a lovely sociable option because you are sitting alongside each other rather than one person being behind the other. You can chat, look around and enjoy the Forest together.
PEDALL's current side-by-side tandem is power assisted and has a maximum rider weight of 120kg per person.
Trikes and power-assisted cycles
For someone who can cycle independently but needs more stability than a conventional two-wheel bicycle provides, PEDALL has several three-wheel options.
Some have electric assistance, which can make the gravel tracks and hills easier while still allowing you to pedal and control the cycle yourself.
Some of PEDALL's semi-recumbent cycles have a maximum rider weight of 140kg.
Stay in your wheelchair
One particularly useful option is PEDALL's platform bike.
Your manual wheelchair can be rolled directly onto the platform and secured, so there is no need to transfer out of your wheelchair.
The combined maximum weight for the passenger and wheelchair is currently 140kg, so you will need to know the weight of both you and your chair before booking.
The platform bike cannot accommodate an electric wheelchair.
Enjoy the ride without having to cycle yourself
PEDALL also has a wheelchair-style passenger cycle where the passenger sits in a supportive seat at the front and the cyclist sits behind.
This could suit someone who cannot pedal independently but still wants the experience of travelling through the Forest and feeling the wind on their face.
You do need to transfer into the seat. Depending on your mobility, this could be a standing transfer or an assisted transfer. If you need to use a mobile hoist, discuss this with PEDALL before your visit and make arrangements to bring your own suitable equipment.
The current passenger weight limit for PEDALL's wheelchair cycle is 120kg.
What is the ride like?
This is perhaps the best bit.
From Burley Yard, you can head straight onto the New Forest cycle tracks. There is no need to negotiate roads or traffic once your ride begins.
The routes use the Forest's off-road gravel tracks, with a PEDALL ride leader and volunteers there to support the group.
So rather than simply trying an adapted bike around a car park, you can actually get out into the New Forest, travel beneath the trees and enjoy a proper Forest ride.
Booking a PEDALL ride
PEDALL is popular with individuals, families, care organisations and groups, so you do need to book in advance. Its cycles are available through supported sessions, not for individual hire.
Before joining a guided ride for the first time, PEDALL requires riders and carers to attend a free Introduction Session. This gives you an opportunity to try different cycles and work out which one is safest and most comfortable for you.
Don't try to decide which cycle you need simply from photographs.
Contact PEDALL, explain your mobility, transfer requirements, postural support and anything else that may affect your ride, and let their team help find the best option.
When I visited, the team were very welcoming and keen to help Our Bench guests experience cycling in the New Forest when they have suitable availability.
Book an introduction session or guided ride directly with PEDALL. To find the Burley base, see PEDALL's directions to Burley Yard (what3words: diary.richer.proudest).
It is also worth noting that PEDALL have a second base at Ashurst, but no toilets at that site, and I have not been for a visit... but PEDALL have told me that the nearby Happy Cheese pub that has accessible toilets, so it is in an option, but Our Bench's top tip would be that the acilities at Burley are better, particularly for wheelchair users.
More accessible cycling in the New Forest
If you have your own adapted cycle, or would like to explore other cycling possibilities during your stay, see our guide to Accessible Cycling in the New Forest:
Read our Accessible Cycling in the New Forest guide.
You don't need to be a cyclist to enjoy the New Forest on two, three or even four wheels. Sometimes you just need the right cycle, the right support and enough information before you arrive, and PEDALL is here to help make that happen.
For more activities that may suit guests with different mobility needs, explore the New Forest with us.
Visited: September 2026. Cycle specifications and booking arrangements may change, so please confirm your requirements directly with PEDALL.