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Ben Foley

@benwheels.bsky.social

Campaigns and Policy Lead at Wheels for Wellbeing, but views my own. Published and promoted on behalf of Ben Foley and Bedford Green Party, both at 48 Olivier Ct, Bedford, MK40 2UU

404 Posts373 Follower182 Folgt
James Ball@jamesrball.com · last mo.

If every statement about Extinction Rebellion had opened with "Climate change is the single biggest issue facing humanity, and we understand why people have legitimate concerns the world isn't doing enough to tackle it…" this approach might be *faintly* defensible. But they didn't, and it isn't.

Scornflake Ghhhoul@scornflakegrrrl.bsky.social · last mo.

They’re just pouring more fuel onto the fire. Why are the racists consistently called legitimate, whilst in a world that’s burning people who protest over climate change and genocide are not being afforded even a smidgeon of the same grace?

Some protestors showed "intimidating and thuggish behaviour" this weekend, Sarah Jones, the policing minister said. But she added she did not seek to "minimise" legitimate concerns people had about small boat crossings. "This government has taken action to fix the broken system we inherited and crack down on the people smugglers," Jones said, pointing out that system-wide arrests were up 70%.
Wheels for Wellbeing@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 2mo ago

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...

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.

wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk

Ben Foley@benwheels.bsky.social · 2mo ago

I'm intrigued by this. Are pipe cutters cutting tubular cycle stands a significant issue in the UK? (Fietser mentions some good aspects of cycle parking, but comments on his post suggest problems with this design too) Does work's guidance need updating? wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/14-features-...

Brandon - "Fietser"@americanfietser.bsky.social · 2mo ago

This is good bike parking. It has angular tubing, which prevents the quiet use of pipe cutters for theft. The racks are also spaced far enough apart to allow for larger bikes to be parked with room for the rider to maneuver while on foot. Also, this is entrance-adjacent to the building.

Wheels for Wellbeing@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 4mo ago

We support @livingstreets.bsky.social #PavementOverload campaign to get delivery robots off our pavements. Pavements are already inaccessible for many #Disabled people, and these robots will make them less safe and more inaccessible. #TakingTheDis

Living Streets@livingstreets.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Delivery robots are taking over UK pavements, causing chaos for pedestrians, despite having no laws allowing their use 🤖 Our Pavement Overload campaign is in the Guardian: https://bit.ly/4pdAuYx

Ben Foley@benwheels.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Colleague Kate put this together. I argued "leave out 'taking part in democracy'", but she said it was far too important: for situation of #Disabled ppl to be improved, we need more Disabled ppl elected. I'm proud that I've navigated this obstacle course to get elected, but understand my privileges.

Wheels for Wellbeing@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 4mo ago

The further a journey is, the more barriers Disabled people will usually face to completing it. Moving about in our own homes is usually much easier than making a longer trip around our own communities. Her are some of the barriers many Disabled people experience. What barriers do you face?

A very busy graphic showing, from top to bottom, increasing distance required for activities from tens to hundreds to thousands of metres per trip and a range of the cumulative barriers likely to be encountered on increasing length trips. From shortest to longest, activities are moving around own home, moving from home to car/taxi, getting to a bus stop, getting to/around a supermarket/hospital, attending work/education - moving within organisation sites plus commute using public transport, taking children out to nursery/school/activities and play including carrying tired/Disabled children, taking part in local democracy, eg. Standing for election, canvassing, walkabouts, campaigning. Associated with the activities cumulative from top to bottom are stairs, broken lift, narrow doors, limited manoeuvring space, need to make trips in tight timeframes, narrow/obstructed paths, need to be supported &/or support others, few fixed supports, difficult weather- wind/ice/heat/rain, poor/uneven surfaces, injury risk from drivers, need to carry items/equipment longer distances, risk of harassment/abuse, inaccessible bus stop, inaccessible bus, risk of falling on moving public transport, noise, crowds, need to address workplace inaccessibility conflicting with need to maintain good relationships with those in power, organisational expectations including timings, personal appearance etc, support needs of children, moving on unmade surfaces (grass, bark, gravel, mud), need to approach many private, often inaccessible homes, increased risk of harassment/abuse.
Ben Foley@benwheels.bsky.social · 4mo ago

RED warning for extreme heat. Wed & Thur. Danger to life, not just for people who are the most vulnerable. I'm very concerned for residents in properties that overheat, including top floor flats, south facing flats, & single aspect flats where it's almost impossible to get a through draft. (thread)

Map of England and Wales, with an area marked out and labeled Red, extreme heat. The area covers much of southern England and south Wales, including Greater London, Bedford, Birmingham, Swansea and Taunton. A wider area is covered by the Amber extreme heat warning, including virtually all of the parts of England and Wales visible.
Ben Foley@benwheels.bsky.social · 4mo ago

Great to see my colleagues at work are making good contacts with the new administrations of London councils that have changed administration in the May elections! #Lewisham #ActiveTravel #EveryJourneyEveryone

Wheels for Wellbeing@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 4mo ago

We were delighted to welcome Cllr Laura Sessions (Active Travel Lead at Lewisham Council) at our Ladywell Inclusive Cycling Hub. She got to try out one of our Side-by-Side tandems and chat with our participants about the joy they experience when accessing the right cycle and the right support.

The photo depicts Councillor Laura Sessions, a white lady with blond hair, cycling on a red, side-by-side handcycle in the carpark at Ladywell Day Centre alongside Kenneth, one of our instructors. They are both smiling broadly. In the background, you can see the blurred image of several others on tricycles.
Ben Foley@benwheels.bsky.social · 5mo ago

The picture illustrates the "quality" of so much current debate around active travel (walking/wheeling and cycling). Blocked pavements are a problem for those of us using wheelchairs...

Post nicht verfügbar.
Caroline Russell@carolinerussell.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Expansion due to extreme temperatures can push our bridges (and flyovers) towards their engineering limits. Illustrated here by a swing bridge, no longer able to swing, being hosed (cooled) down by fire fighters. This is the visual for a serious heat wave.

Andy, the Maintainer@spreadsheetmonkey.bsky.social · 5mo ago

Charmed to hear that the 92 year old fireboat "Pyronaut" was borrowed from her berth by Bristol M-Shed Museum to spray the underside of the bridge www.bristol247.com/news-and-fea...

Ben Foley@benwheels.bsky.social · 5mo ago

The most gains Greens have ever made in our history. We didn't have elections in Bedford this year: but it will be our turn next year, get involved to be part of our local success next year! join.greenparty.org.uk If you've joined, to get active locally email info@bedford.greenparty.org.uk

Bedford Green Party@bedfordgreenparty.bsky.social · 5mo ago

UPDATE: Two Green Mayors, five Green Councils, 441 additional Green Councillors and 18% of the vote. It's good to be Green 💚

Wheels for Wellbeing@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 6mo ago

It's great to see DRUK supporting our 10 key asks for the Government consultation on mobility aids. Please take the time to respond by the end of Wednesday evening.Simply email: mobilitydevices@dft.gov.uk. You can email even if you've already responded to the consultation and want to add more.

10 Key Asks For Inclusive Mobility Regulations: Respond to the

disabilityrightsuk.org

Disability Rights UK@disrightsuk.bsky.social · 6mo ago

The Government consultation on powered mobility aids is closing on 22nd April. @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk have co-produced these key principles alongside other DPOs to help us respond! Read and share the 10 key asks & respond to the consultation! www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/10-key-...

Ben Foley@benwheels.bsky.social · 6mo ago

Great to see the "10 key asks" document being promoted. Responses to the consultation can be emailed to mobilitydevices@dft.gov.uk. You don't need to put your answer in the format of the consultation questions, and can send a second response if you want to add to your first.

Wheels for Wellbeing@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 6mo ago

Support Disabled people's mobility with our 10 key asks document: The government's mobility aids consultation closes on 22/04/2026. Respond as an organisation or individual using our key asks document wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/our-campaign...

“Careless Laws Cost Rights” has Ghostbusters-style drawings of people using mobility aids coming through a “prohibited” sign. From top left clockwise, a child using a manual wheelchair with power attachment, a person using a powerchair with a pram attached, a child using a powerchair, a person using a manual wheelchair with e-assist handcycle attachment, two people using a tandem mobility scooter. At the bottom, “new mobility aid laws must provide equal mobility rights for all, hashtag MobilityJustice and the Wheels for Wellbeing logo
Ben Foley@benwheels.bsky.social · 8mo ago

While at @wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk we want cycles used by Disabled ppl to be recognised as mobility aids, we are not keen on the idea that they'd be _regulated_ under class 3 in the Government consultation. This graphic might give you a clue about why... For more info wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/ejeo

Wheels for Wellbeing@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 8mo ago

To be legal for use in public spaces, powered wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other powered aids that can go above 4mph must meet class 3 requirements, or be registered and licensed as motor vehicles.

Graphic titled “class 3 “invalid carriage requirements vs cycle requirements” has a powerchair user and mobility scooter user to the left, and a tricycle rider to the right. The people are surrounded by a range of the requirements each device and user has to meet to legally use the device in public spaces. Around the powerchair and mobility scooter user, orange bubbles with arrows say: 8mph max speed, 4mph restrictor switch, rear view mirror, horn, Disabled users only, DVLA registration, 1 person only, no trailers allowed, fixed front and rear lights, speedometer, age 14 plus, brakes, reflectors, amber beacon (on 60mph+ dual carriageways), indicators and hazard warning lights. Around the tricyclists, blue bubbles with arrows say: lights and reflectors at night only, 15.5mph max powered speed, brakes, anyone, any age (e-assist 14 plus), multi-person and trailers allowed. The Wheels for Wellbeing logo is in the bottom left corner.
Wheels for Wellbeing@wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk · 9mo ago

To support the DfT’s consultation into modernising the law for powered mobility devices in achieving the best possible outcome for Disabled people, we will be launching explainer information resources, webinars and carrying out consultation sessions.

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.

wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk

Ben Foley@benwheels.bsky.social · 11mo ago

The Tories should look at my feed. I've been clear what I voted for. My successful motion commits the council to "investigate designs for Bedford station that will provide the most convincing case that ...there is no need to demolish homes." Facts cannot lie, but Conservatives do all the time.

Screenshot of a social media post from Bedford & Kempston Conservatives. The main item is a green-coloured montage, with text "Tell your residents the truth - you voted for it!" "Green Party voted for East West Rail 'Route E' Demolishing homes and businesses." "Facts cannot lie". On it is a photo of Ben Foley and buildings that look similar to some buildings in Ashburnham Road.
Ben Foley@benwheels.bsky.social · 11mo ago

#Bedford council has rejected Tory proposals on council tax support. So, Bedford & Kempston's poorest households saved from bills of £100s next yr. @greenparty.org.uk took key role w/ other opposition cllrs. Greens delivered 10,000 leaflets, successfully urging rejection of proposal in consultation.

Montage of three leaflets with titles "Castle and Newnham Green" "Kempston News" and "Greyfriars Green". While each has a different design, each of them features prominently on the front page a story about saying "no". Accompanying text visible includes "Council want to make the poorest pay" and "Overspending by the Tory-run council has left it in financial trouble. Now to balance the books they want to cut council tax support for the poorest. They're consulting on council tax support changes. These changes will mean everybody who qualifies for council tax support will pay hundreds of pounds..."