Remember our September 23 article, “Hiking in a Wheelchair”? Here’s another post for readers who love autumn and outdoor recreation.
If you haven’t been on a bicycle since you reached driver’s-license age, you’re missing out. Bikes get you around faster than walking; go places that cars can’t; and are also good healthy fun. Pedaling your own transportation is good for your heart, lungs, muscles, brain, and most of the rest of you. Not to mention reducing your carbon footprint.
Over 17 percent of Americans bicycle for outdoor recreation. And everyone should consider occasional biking for fun and fitness—even if you have leg paralysis, low vision, a balance disorder, or some other disability that precludes riding a standard two-wheeler.
The World of AT Bikes
For those who can’t use standard bikes, there’s a world of assistive-technology alternatives. Ask any bicycle shop or sporting-goods store about:
- Recumbent bikes (great for back support, reduced knee strain, and fall prevention)
- Adult tricycles
- Hand-operated cycles
Your doctor or physical therapist can help you choose the best option. Remember that any rider, regardless of ability, should consider the following before deciding on a bike and/or riding plan:
- Your current cycling skill and fitness level
- The cycling activity you’re interested in (e.g., wheeling around town, road trips, backcountry trails, sports racing)
- How well the bike fits you (one that’s too tall, short, narrow, or wide means increased risk of falls, chafing, and other injuries)
Going Tandem
Although bikes can now accommodate a variety of disabilities, it’s still true that not everyone can ride solo. Don’t despair if that’s you. You can still ride with a companion (biking with others is safer in any case) and a tandem-model bike.
You probably know about traditional tandem cycles—two-wheelers with a rear extension accommodating extra handlebars, seat, and pedals. There are now many other designs available, including recumbent tandems, two-person tricycles, and side-by-side seating.
A tandem may be the best option if:
- You lack mobility or muscle strength to power a bike alone
- You get tired or stressed easily
- You have low vision and can’t clearly see the road ahead
- You’re responsible for a fellow rider who has elopement (wandering-off) tendencies
Riding into a Larger World
In parts of Europe, even more biking options are available. A leader in the field is Dutch company Van Raam, which has specialized in adaptive cycles for over 35 years. They offer “tricycles, scooter bikes, wheelchair bikes, tandem bikes, double rider bikes, and low step-through bikes (also known as comfortbikes).”
Unfortunately, the only way to obtain Van Raam products in the U.S. is by individual request through one of their (mere half dozen) stateside dealers. If you’re convenient to a dealer, or will be in the area, you can schedule a test ride with no purchase required. BridgingApps Co-Founder Cristen Reat recently did this on a family trip to Pennsylvania, and found the side-by-side tandem very helpful for simultaneously riding and conversing with her son Vincent. Still, the complicated ordering process makes Van Raam impractical for most U.S. residents.
Even widely available bikes can be challenging to obtain—not least because they often cost hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you want a special-needs bike, but don’t think you can afford one, you still have options:
- If you’re receiving financial aid for your disability, see if you can get part of the cost covered as “assistive technology” (especially if you need a bike for everyday transportation, or if biking is part of your doctor-approved wellness plan).
- Ask your Easterseals affiliate, local resale shop, or community center for ideas on finding low-cost bikes.
- Join a Buy Nothing or social-media community where members exchange gently used items at little or no cost. Some groups even specialize in assistive technology: for one example, see Facebook’s “Special Needs—Buy, Swap Or Sell—Equipment, toys and support.”
- Try a refurbished-medical-equipment organization (see Project MEND in San Antonio for one such). Even if they don’t have bikes or other “non-medical equipment,” they probably can refer you to contacts who might.
No one need miss out on the joys of cycling. If you’re persistent and determined, it will happen!