Cycling can be a great means of transportation and exercise for lots of people, but sometimes the traditional two-wheel nature of a bicycle isn’t ideal for people with certain disabilities. Luckily, there are a variety of adaptive solutions that make cycling more accessible to everyone.
Adaptive cycling has seen an increase in interest over the past several years as more groups and resources respond to the growing need for ways to integrate cycling into various lifestyles.
“Until recently, not everyone had the luxury of hopping on a bike and going for a ride. Technological advances, however, have opened the door for the disabled community to enjoy cycling,” writes Adaptive US, a non-profit dedicated to showcasing adaptive sports and resources available to athletes with disabilities. “With help from adaptive sports and recreation programs across the country, almost everyone can hop on a bike and feel the wind in their face.”
Cycling has always been an inclusive community, but now it really is becoming a pastime for anybody who wants to ride.
What is adaptive cycling?
When you think of a bicycle, the first image that likely pops into your head is a frame with two wheels. Whether it’s mountain biking, road cycling, or a basic commuter bike, they all generally follow the same design principles, but with different specifications.
Adaptive cycling takes the general idea of a bicycle, moving around on wheels, and makes it work for the cyclist through adapting the structure of the bike, thus the term “adaptive cycling.”
Tricycles and quads are common examples of adaptive bicycles, but they’re just the beginning. There are many ways to adapt a bicycle. Here are a few:
- Balance bikes: These look like a traditional bicycle but are outfitted in a way to help a rider with balance issues.
- Hand cycles: This three-wheel bike is powered with the hands. The cyclist lies down in a reclining position and uses both hands to pedal the bike forward. This is a great option for people who don’t have use of their legs and proof that cycling can be for anybody.
- Tandem bikes: For cyclists who are more comfortable with a buddy, these bikes come in many different options and help to build confidence on a bike or provide some stability through the presence of another person.
- Recumbent bikes: These bikes distribute a person’s weight and allow the cyclist to recline. They are much lower to the ground and offer a longer wheelbase, so riders often find these to be more comfortable than traditional bikes.
For adaptive cyclists, the options are limitless. Many new bikes are appearing on the market, but there are also options to build custom bikes that are designed specifically for the individual. These new bikes are providing a much-needed entry point into cycling and improving health for thousands of riders.
In San Francisco, there’s a growing community of cyclists on adaptive bikes and more resources dedicated to getting people of all abilities on the road.
Health and safety
One of the biggest appeals of cycling is that it’s low impact. Anybody with achy joints can attest that cycling can be a good way to work in some routine movement. The same goes for adaptive cycling.
“Adaptive cycling holds potential for promoting physical and mental health among individuals with disabilities, who often face barriers to traditional cycling and other forms of exercise,” international researchers write in a new review published in January.
“Adaptive cycling plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. By incorporating various technical adaptations…adaptive cycling makes it possible for individuals with a wide range of disabilities to participate,” they continue. “These innovations enable people with disabilities to enjoy the physical and psychological benefits of cycling, while promoting inclusion and active living. Given these considerations, adaptive cycles present a distinctive opportunity to promote physical activity among individuals with disabilities, helping to mitigate sedentary behavior and the associated health risks.”
The review, which looked at the scientific literature available on the topic of adaptive cycling and health, also points to mental health benefits. One study cited in the review “found that acute stationary bicycle use temporarily enhances neuronal activity, particularly in relation to cognitive performance in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
These health and psychological benefits mean an improved quality of life for many people who historically haven’t had access to bicycles that fit their lifestyles.
Adaptive cycling in the Bay Area
The BORP Adaptive Cycling Center in Berkeley is leading the way in adaptive cycling, not just in California, but around the world. It hosts one of the largest collections of adaptive bikes in existence, ranging from handcycles to side-by-side tandems.
This collection is meant to help more people enter the world of cycling on their terms and make it an enjoyable experience.
Founded in 1975, BORP has a long history of making the sports world inclusive to people across the Bay Area. The organization was started by Susan Sygall, a wheelchair rider, and Diane Schechter. The duo’s vision has come a long way since those early days, and now the organization reports that many lives have been improved because of their efforts.
Conveniently, the center is located near a bike path in Aquatic Park, which connects with the San Francisco Bay Trail and allows new and seasoned riders a chance to enjoy the outdoors. The center recommends making an appointment to visit so that staff and volunteers can help find the right bike for the cyclist.
Find more information at their website.
Adaptive bike sharing is also on the rise across the region thanks to BORP. From June through October, visitors to Golden Gate State Park can join the organization every Saturday for riding opportunities
“Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or trying it for the first time, our program ensures a safe, fun, and inclusive experience in one of San Francisco’s most beloved outdoor spaces,” the group says.