People with impairments given chance to ride adapted cycles
SPECIALLY-adapted bikes were being trialled this week at the first of two accessible cycling events.
Riders were able to cycle around a marshalled course at Saumarez Park at the event, which will be repeated next week.
The aim is to give people who would not usually be able to the opportunity to ride a bike.
‘I’ve tried one before and it’s good how they adapt to the individual’s impairment,’ said Mike Spiller, who suffered a stroke in May 2022, leaving him unable to use his left leg and arm.
Mr Spiller trialled Van Raam’s accessible tandem bike, which features two seats next to each other and the ability to have only one side of the bike working.
‘It allows independence. I can ride one of these on my own as I can generate power and steer it,’ said Mr Spiller.
The bikes, which were supplied for the event by Ian Brown, include easy rider trikes, the Opair bike, which has a seat on the front for wheelchair users, standard e-bikes and the side by side tandem.
‘This event will further work towards the aspiration of the Active 8 plan for sport – that everyone, regardless of age, ability or background, has the opportunity available to them to be active and participate in sport,’ said Active 8 inclusion officer Caroline Barby.
‘The goal is to do a weekly event for people to ride the bikes and create a community hub. We also have access to children’s bikes so we are also looking to introduce that.’
The chance to have a ride on the accessible bikes attracted 94-year-old Coral Cooper, who gave up regular cycling four years ago.
‘It’s wonderful. I was so pleased,’ she said. ‘It’s great to keep the weight off my feet. I will be going again next week.’
The accessible cycling solutions are used for people who need more support, with the Opair and side-by-side tandem most suitable, or those who have trouble balancing, who might benefit from using the easy rider trikes.
Christine Jaudeau tried out one of the trikes.
‘They are great, much better than a car,’ said Ms Jaudeau.
‘I haven’t cycled for 50 years, so its nice to be out doing it.’
These two events follow a successful indoor cycling event earlier in the year.
‘We ran a similar event at Beau Sejour inviting members of the public to try out different models of adapted tricycles – including one designed to safely hold a wheelchair, with space for a second rider alongside,’ said Alex Costen, from the Health Improvement Commission.
Volunteers and organisers had contacted different groups of people who might experience benefits from cycling in an outside location.
‘This has been great and would be amazing if this could be done weekly. Having seen it today I’m hopefully planning to bring down some of my clients next week,’ said Jo Hollyer-Hill, from Bailiwick Social Prescribing.
‘It’s so lovely to hear people saying it’s brought joy to them like they once had experienced.’
