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TandemKate

@tandemkate.bsky.social
4.4K followers 2.9K following 928 posts

Active travel enthusiast, mobility impaired, enjoy outdoors, making stuff, reading, games, music I work for Wheels for Wellbeing - all views here are my own

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Reposted by TandemKate
By Cory Doctorow (GPG 0xBF3D9110957E5F4C) @doctorow.pluralistic.net · 01/10/2026
Here's a funny thing about the right to vote: it wasn't won by voting.
Two suffragists in period dress, ceremonially putting ballots into a ballot box. The background has been replaced with an elaborate collage of 19th C printing-press parts. The ballots are glowing with radiant spikes. The face of the ballot box has been replaced with an Nvidia Vera Lynn GPU.
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Reposted by TandemKate
Disability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The BBC has failed to explain why the host of its flagship current affairs programme Question Time has repeatedly pushed the idea that social security spending must be cut, while ignoring official figures that debunk claims it is “spiralling”. #BBCQT www.disabilitynewsservice.com/bbc-fails-to...
disabilitynewsservice.com
BBC fails to explain why Question Time host repeatedly fails to debunk the lie of ‘spiralling welfare’
The BBC has failed to explain why the host of its flagship current affairs programme Question Time has repeatedly pushed the idea that social security spending must be cut, while ignoring official …
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Reposted by TandemKate
Will Norman @willnorman.co.uk · 02/10/2026
Really enjoyed joining @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk this week to learn about Wheels4Me - an amazing inclusive cycle hire project providing adapted cycles for people with disabilities. with @walkwheelcyclet.bsky.social Pedal UK & Motability Foundation
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Front garden sustainable drainage feature now catches all water off the drive and front of house. Front of house re-divirtable into sewer if El Niño proves too much - but all looking really positive so far, about 1 year in! 15+ trees of various sizes in this space too- fab red dogwood saplings!
A green front garden with a just-visible dip in the middle and lots of small trees with range of plants including grass, lady’s Nando’s and bulbs beneath
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Reposted by TandemKate
Disability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Lib Dem Steve Darling pledges to do more to highlight how spending on social security is not spiralling #LDConf #LibDems www.disabilitynewsservice.com/lib-dem-darl...
disabilitynewsservice.com
Lib Dem Darling pledges to do more to highlight how spending on social security is not spiralling
The Liberal Democrat work and pensions spokesperson has pledged to do more to highlight that spending on social security is stable, so he can challenge right-wing politicians who claim it is spiral…
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Reposted by TandemKate
Disability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Cutting PIP would only increase pressure on other services, MPs warn minister #PIP #DWP #TimmsReview www.disabilitynewsservice.com/cutting-pip-...
disabilitynewsservice.com
Cutting PIP would only increase pressure on other services, MPs warn minister
A cross-party committee of MPs has warned the government against using the Timms Review to cut disabled people’s access to personal independence payment (PIP), which it said would only increase pre…
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Reposted by TandemKate
Disability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Major government workplace health review ‘has kept disabled people’s organisations firmly on the outside’ #DWP #KeepBritainWorking #Mayfield @inclusionlondon.bsky.social @disrightsuk.bsky.social @campaignfdj.bsky.social www.disabilitynewsservice.com/major-govern...
disabilitynewsservice.com
Major government workplace health review ‘has kept disabled people’s organisations firmly on the outside’
Disabled people’s organisations have been kept “firmly on the outside” of a key government programme to improve workplace health, raising fresh questions about ministers’ commitment to co-producing…
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
So this is where the condensation drain inside the fridge goes. Moral: Do not have children who tip chocolate sauce, cream, milk etc into the condensation channel. It smells baaaad. The container isn’t removable. Cleaned with funnel, pipette, hot water & baby bottle sterilising tablets. Ewww.
Compressor unit and condensate catching container on back of fridge. Container is full of mystery brown yuck, which is also splashed onto the fridge back. Cleaning kit in foreground.
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Reposted by TandemKate
Disability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
A lack of knowledge about reasonable adjustments – among both employers and employees – is causing problems for a “significant minority” of disabled workers, a government study has concluded. #ReasonableAdjustments #Discrimination www.disabilitynewsservice.com/lack-of-know...
disabilitynewsservice.com
Lack of knowledge on ‘reasonable adjustments’ affects significant minority of disabled workers, says study
A lack of knowledge about reasonable adjustments – among both employers and employees – is causing problems for a “significant minority” of disabled workers, a government study has concluded. The s…
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Hooboy. It’s that time of year where year 13 students need to start applying for courses or jobs. My 2p-worth of experience for anyone that age or their families: Degree apprenticeships! TL:DR - not like applying for degrees…
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Reposted by TandemKate
Phil Sturgeon 🌳🚵⚓️ @philsturgeon.com · 16/08/2026
Some people think “rewilding” means land abandonment. If rewilding means not doing anything why am I constantly knackered. Grass is scythed, topped, and grazed. Drainage ditches blocked. Controlled burns in dry old conifer plantations until they can transition back to damp temperate rainforest.
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
First proper outing on my new (extremely secondhand) handcycle - this is awesome! Kid3 informs me i’m going to start taking her to parkruns again now this lets me “run”…
Handcycle and my knees as seen from my wheelchair seat. Inlocalnatire reserve/park
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Reposted by TandemKate
Wheels for Wellbeing @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 12/08/2026
Paid opportunity for Disabled people: Please share Are you interested in floating bus stops? Are you a Disabled person based in the UK? Why not apply to the Floating Bus Stops Disability Advisory Group? Applications close midnight Wednesday 09/09/2026 wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/floating-bus...
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
Floating Bus Stops Research Disability Advisory Group - Information and Application Form
Wheels for Wellbeing is an award-winning charity supporting disabled people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 09/08/2026
Diversifying from the Bilge Pump In Bath (currently on pause due to the ongoing Broken Bath Shower situation) & Washing Up Tub With Handles, we now have Extended Washing Machine Hose To Garden & Bucket In Shower grey water Keep Plants Alive & Kate Climate Anxiety Reduction strategies in play!
A washing machine hose attached to an extension with two jubilee clips - one screwed on straight, the other worryingly wonkyA large building bucket with handles, half full of water in a shower cubicle
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
There are bats zooming around our urban garden every evening. Fabulous.
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Reposted by TandemKate
The Ranty Highwayman @rantyhighwayman.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Great Scott! Lego now has a tandem.
Lego mini figures of Doc Brown and Marty McFly from Back to the Future in a purple Lego tandem with black handlebars.
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Hope other people find this article useful - it’s just an outline of bits we’ve found helpful over the last 2 decades of cycling with children with various of us also being Disabled people. Please ask any questions here too if I might be able to help!
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Really nice video explainer of why some ways police are testing e-cycles for legality don’t work here. We’re really pleased many police forces are taking training on this now, and especially that our info on mobility aids will be included in the training materials.
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Lime tree honeydew plus manual wheelchair equals very sticky, very grubby fingers! Lovely shade from the trees so worth sticky fingers though.
Extremely dirty fingers on a hand wearing a fingerless wheelchair/cycling glove
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 08/07/2026
Really important article from @lauralaker.bsky.social - we need better training & guidance for police & legal changes to stop legal e-cycles & other mobility aids being wrongly seized by police. Wheels for Wellbeing briefing on current rules here: wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/our-campaign...
wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk
Campaigning for inclusive cycling, Wheels for Wellbeing
Wheels for Wellbeing is an award-winning charity supporting disabled people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the benefits of cycling.
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Yesterday, the tandem was a good way to transport trees. Today, the van is in use. Right tool for the job (but I’d love to have a percussion-transporter e-cycle!)
A van full of percussion including a big white bass drum and timpani
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
Trees by bike. Three dogwoods to complete the “pretty winter stuff” collection for the front garden. Looking forwards to having crops of yellow willow and red dogwood to weave!
Photo of green plant sticking out of a grey bike front pannier. A person is holding the rear handlebars of the tandem bike
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
No good deed goes unpunished, or, Why I am now maggot farming: Tues - bin emptied. Weds - picked up 2 full flytipped bags of waste + scattered debris. Mostly thawed chicken & veg. & poo. Plus loads of plastic film. Took home. Put in bin. Thurs: Yep, you guessed it! It’s a 2 weekly bin collection
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Reposted by TandemKate
Prof. Ian Walker @ianwalker.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
I shall watch this with interest. There's no way to get 60% of kids actively travelling to school without disrupting current patterns of car-based mobility. This includes making all urban streets safer, not just those right outside schools www.theguardian.com/politics/202...
theguardian.com
Ministers want 60% of pupils in England ‘actively’ travelling to school by 2035
Exclusive: Transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, says cycling and walking plan focuses on ‘everyday travel needs’
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Reposted by TandemKate
Wheels for Wellbeing @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 11/05/2026
Got a minute to help us keep going? We rely on grants and donations to keep our work affordable and accessible to all. With session hours having to be cut, every little helps to allow us to keep offering our services. And it won't cost you a penny! tinyurl.com/39cpptj9
movementforgood.com
Nominate now! - Movement for Good awards
We could receive a £5,000 donation with your help through the Movement for Good Draw.
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Reposted by TandemKate
Wheels for Wellbeing @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 15/05/2026
Lived experience is at the heart of all our work. We're delighted to share this article written by Campaigns and Policy Lead Kate, discussing utility cycling for Disabled families by tying personal experience together with wider evidence: doi.org/10.16997/ats...
doi.org
Utility Cycling – Experiences Within a Disabled Family Group
Cycling is associated with a range of well-established positive effects, from personal physical and mental health improvements to financial, environmental, social and logistical benefits.Disabled peop...
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 15/05/2026
My article on Disabled family utility cycling just got published- it’s been scary to make experiences this personal public. I hope it can support some people in authority to support accessibility better! doi.org/10.16997/ats...
doi.org
Utility Cycling – Experiences Within a Disabled Family Group
Cycling is associated with a range of well-established positive effects, from personal physical and mental health improvements to financial, environmental, social and logistical benefits.Disabled peop...
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Reposted by TandemKate
RNIB Campaigns @rnibcampaigns.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Journalist Selina Mills has described how she was forced to rely on her husband to vote in the local elections because accessible options weren’t available at her polling station. www.aop.org.uk/ot/news/2026...
aop.org.uk
Blind journalist unable to vote independently in local elections
The RNIB is highlighting the issue of inaccessible voting after journalist Selina Mills was forced to let her husband fill in her ballot paper in Pimlico yesterday
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Reposted by TandemKate
Marcus Chown @marcuschown.bsky.social · 09/05/2026
The great irony of the Welsh success of Reform, run by millionaire ex-public schoolboys, is that one the greatest Welshmen, & founder of the NHS, warned of this “How can wealth persuade poverty to use its political freedom to keep wealth in power? Here lies whole art of Tory politics” Aneurin Bevan
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Zack Polanski @zackpolanski.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
When Jewish people speak out against genocide, why are our voices dismissed? And smirking while I describe someone Nazi-saluting at me isn’t just disrespectful - it feels deeply antisemitic. youtu.be/7VkfYJgLljE?...
youtu.be
It 'wasn't appropriate' to share post criticising police response to Golders Green, Polanski says
YouTube video by Sky News
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Reposted by TandemKate
Disability News Service @johnpring.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
An “absolutely awful” mobile phone app that helps the #Motability scheme monitor the driving behaviour of increasing numbers of disabled people is securing overwhelmingly poor reviews from its customers. #DriveSmart www.disabilitynewsservice.com/intrusive-mo...
disabilitynewsservice.com
‘Intrusive’ Motability app is ‘worse than having a computer virus’
An “absolutely awful” mobile phone app that helps the Motability scheme monitor the driving behaviour of increasing numbers of disabled people is securing overwhelmingly poor reviews from its custo…
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Reposted by TandemKate
Andy Cox @andy-cox.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
Uninsured driving isn’t victimless. Offenders are 6–7x more likely to be in a fatal crash, and over half are linked to wider criminality—reflecting risk-taking, disregard for the law, or deception. It pushes up costs for honest drivers. Tackling it protects communities. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
bbc.co.uk
Nearly 160,000 uninsured cars seized on UK roads
Seizure numbers hit a 17-year high as an estimated 300,000 uninsured vehicles are driven each day.
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
I’m strongly pro measures that improve safety around driving- one of the most dangerous things to others that most of us will ever do. What Motability are doing here sounds like pure discrimination, not fair safety improvement. Really unreasonable, excessively restrictive & intrusive. Just not OK.
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Reposted by TandemKate
Is It A Bike Lane? @isitabikelane.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
I want to talk to you about cycling and hip arthritis It surprises a lot of people, and needs to be more widely understood I have a hip replacement next month, this thread is my experience, but I know others have found the same 🧵
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
Passivhaus & heat recovery ventilation bonuses nobody mentions: Really easy herb drying. Clothes drying also, & no mould. But this week, celebrating the bonus parsley!
Bunches of parsley tied in string hanging from a metal rack against a bright patterned wall with sheet music and bikes all over it. There are also trays of thyme drying on the rack.
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
What, a short document on key points about mobility aid regulations, with references and case studies? Just the thing to read on a tea break or lunch break. Or any other time, really! Go on, have a look:
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
Nice gardening problem:The self-seeded parsley is crowding out the lavender (under the fig). Looks like I need to dry lots of parsley!
Parsley looking very green and happy, A big mature lavender looking grumpy poking through parsley Ginormous amounts of flat leaf parsley on a pretty aluminium table in our greenhouse
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Letty’s done a huge amount of work and endured injury and isolation to achieve… being allowed to charge a flight-safe mobility aid in her accommodation. We need to be able to charge our mobility aids in our homes, or we can’t get around!
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Reposted by TandemKate
Darren Parkinson @greendarrenshipley.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Today is #LongCovidAwarenessDay Long Covid changed my life beyond recognition. I got ill. I never recovered. Lost my job. Became housebound. I rely on others to do things for me. I lie on my bed most of the day. Watch the Guardian's short film about my life with #LongCovid 👇
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Reposted by TandemKate
Wheels for Wellbeing @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 11/03/2026
All Disabled people should be legally able to speed up to "running" or "cycling"-equivalent speeds to get out of danger, whatever mobility devices we're using, at all times of day and night, and wherever we are travelling. wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/we-think-peo... #MobilityJustice
Graphic titled “We think people using mobility aids should be allowed to get away from danger at running speed” 

A young woman using a manual wheelchair with a power attachment is under a streetlight in the dark. There are a group of people standing just outside the light, looking threatening or at least intimidating. The woman’s eyes are wide with fright. 

At the bottom, hashtag MobilityJustice and the Wheels for Wellbeing logo
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Reposted by TandemKate
Wheels for Wellbeing @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 10/03/2026
The right to make decisions about our own lives is fundamental.
Alt text for image:
Graphic titled “All Disabled and non-disabled people must be presumed to have the capacity to make our own decisions” 

Whether we’re choosing extreme adventures... or simply making everyday trips . 

Above the “extreme adventures” example on left is a cartoon of a snow-topped mountain with four little stick figures climbing it on a rope. Two of the figures are not visibly Disabled. One is using an off-road wheelchair trike. One has one leg and is using a stick or crutch.  

Above the “everyday trips” example are lots of people using mobility aids – left to right, an adult walking with an e-assist rollator, with an adult using an e-converted wheelchair who is towing luggage. A child riding a bike is with a child using a powerchair. An adult using a powerchair has a pram clipped to the front. An adult using a mobility scooter is accompanying a young child. 

At the bottom, the caveat – “for people aged over 16, unless it is established that an individual lacks capacity (Mental Capacity Act 2005)”. Hashtag MobilityJustice and the Wheels for Wellbeing logo.
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Reposted by TandemKate
Urban Truth Collective @urbantruth.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
“Because cycling enabled me to connect to the disability community, my understanding of transportation needs is broader, and I use this knowledge to be a better advocate for transportation infrastructure that better meets everyone’s needs.” Via @bikehfxlobby.bsky.social
activetravelstudies.org
Cycling helped me embrace my disabled identity
Using a bike as a mobility aid was not a conscious decision, but it is how I began to understand that I am disabled, and that disability is a fundamental part of my identity. Because cycling enabled m...
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Reposted by TandemKate
Prof. Ian Walker @ianwalker.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
A reminder that humans in cars - notably omitted from this thanks to motonormativity - kill 1.2m people every year
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
So, my back issue is quite treatable it seems. But the treatments aren’t permanent, & protocol is you wait until one wears off to go on the waiting list for the next. Hoping the wait this time is months not years because I hate the candy floss brain feeling when I have to use tramadol for pain!
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
So, my back issue is quite treatable it seems. But the treatments aren’t permanent, & protocol is you wait until one wears off to go on the waiting list for the next. Hoping the wait this time is months not years because I hate the candy floss brain feeling when I have to use tramadol for pain!
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
Disabled persons railcard rules have changed! Still a huge postcode lottery, but it’s a bit better: Blue badge holders and Disabled bus pass holders can now get Disabled persons railcards- I got mine today - only applied yesterday!
Screenshot of an email telling me my Disabled persons railcard application has been processed and I now have a railcard
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Reposted by TandemKate
Wheels for Wellbeing @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 23/02/2026
Our society expects people to be able to make journeys at certain speeds. When rules force Disabled people to go more slowly than non-disabled people doing comparable trips for no good reason,
Graphic titled “We think Disabled people should be allowed to make similar trips at similar speeds to non-disabled people” 
Drawings of: Left, an adult using a powerchair with a pram attached to the front, accompanying a young child riding a balance bike. Centre, a parent riding a cargo trike with four children of various ages in the front section. Right, an older adult sitting on a mobility scooter checking a phone. A toddler and older child are being towed in a cycle-type trailer behind the mobility scooter. All three adults are saying “Nursery drop-off… school… work… prescriptions… pick up kids… visit auntie… home for dinner… swimming… bedtime – (then in bigger writing) no problem!” 
At the bottom, hashtag MobilityJustice and the Wheels for Wellbeing logo.
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TandemKate @tandemkate.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Language spoken: Both. I’m enjoying this far too much in my family’s census records from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Of course there are only 2 languages in the world, right? (What the recorders meant is “Welsh and English”. That is not what they wrote!)
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Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
Many disabled and chronically ill people are demonized for not working full-time jobs, when the truth is they can be forced out due to inaccessible policies. www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
theguardian.com
Decline in remote jobs risks shutting disabled people out of work, study finds
Research project warns fall in homeworking roles could undermine efforts to reduce unemployment
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Wheels for Wellbeing @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 16/02/2026
How slow can you go! Did you know that powered mobility aid users are only allowed to go up to 4mph on traffic-free cycle routes? Find out more about weird restrictions and grey areas in UK mobility aid laws in our detailed resources! wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/wp-content/u...
A table with top line device max permitted powered speed (mph) and below it two columns, e-cycle and class 3 invalid carriage. Left column is route type, from top footpath/footway, bridleway, cycle track, cycle lane, bus lane., carriageway. Table shows with road speed limit and prohibition signs that e-cycles are not allowed on footpaths or footways, but can go up to 15.5mph powered on bridleways, cycle tracks, cycle lanes, bus lanes and on road carriageways. Class 3 "invalid carriages" (mobility scooters and powerchairs) are allowed at 4mph on footpaths and footways, but still only at 4mph on bridleways, and only 4mph if allowed at all on cycle tracks, cycle lanes and bus lanes. Class 3 "invalid carriages" are allowed to go at up to 8mph on road carriageways.
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