Forrest Baum
Member
- Dec 30, 2024
- 26
- 35
Hello, all - I wanted to start a discussion of Adaptive Cycling!
I worked in the Adaptive Cycle Center at the Outdoors For All Foundation over the last two years, and have gained a pretty good understanding of this. OFA has helped people with a wide range of abilities participate in outdoor activities for over 40 years, and they've operated the ACC for over 10 years. I've learned so much from the participants in our programs, and those advocating for their needs.
I'd love to hear personal experiences of your adaptive cycling!
So, what are Adaptive Cycles?
First, we know Bikes are a great way for almost anyone to move around and participate in outdoor activities. Many times a bike can be an easier tool than getting from transit or car to a final destination.
People with a disability or injury can use bicycles that are adapted to their needs. Adaptations are different ways to adjust the basic bicycle to fit the way we use it best, either in design or adding on extra features. People can use an adaptation to ride on their own or with others.
The simplest adaptation is adjusting the basic design to be more stable, such as a low-step-through frame which is much more forgiving for the person riding. This can help for getting on, and when you need to put your foot down to catch yourself.
Smaller adaptations can adjust the pedals and/or controls of most types of cycles to fit people's needs.
You'll notice I'm using the term "Adaptive Cycle", which is because many adaptive bikes... are trikes, so cycle is more inclusive of what you'll encounter. A tricycle, or 3-wheeled bike, can help even more with balance. A trike can be especially useful if you need time to get situated, need assistance, or have other adaptations such as straps to adjust.
There are many kinds of Trikes, and also different types of two-person, or Tandem bikes.
Other important types of adaptive cycles are Therapy Cycles for practicing and learning to ride, and Handcycles for propelling the cycle with hand power.
We can get more into all those later. (And you can read a version of this with more detail here)
Did I miss anything? Bikes are really cool as people can relatively easily prototype and hack stuff together on their own to meet their needs. People can whip up their own Adaptations and get out riding pretty easily, so this isn't intended to be definitive. There are also so many small ways to make your bike work for you, too.
If you've adapted or use an adaptive cycle, I love to hear stories and am always happy to learn more!
I worked in the Adaptive Cycle Center at the Outdoors For All Foundation over the last two years, and have gained a pretty good understanding of this. OFA has helped people with a wide range of abilities participate in outdoor activities for over 40 years, and they've operated the ACC for over 10 years. I've learned so much from the participants in our programs, and those advocating for their needs.
I'd love to hear personal experiences of your adaptive cycling!
So, what are Adaptive Cycles?
First, we know Bikes are a great way for almost anyone to move around and participate in outdoor activities. Many times a bike can be an easier tool than getting from transit or car to a final destination.
People with a disability or injury can use bicycles that are adapted to their needs. Adaptations are different ways to adjust the basic bicycle to fit the way we use it best, either in design or adding on extra features. People can use an adaptation to ride on their own or with others.
The simplest adaptation is adjusting the basic design to be more stable, such as a low-step-through frame which is much more forgiving for the person riding. This can help for getting on, and when you need to put your foot down to catch yourself.
Smaller adaptations can adjust the pedals and/or controls of most types of cycles to fit people's needs.
You'll notice I'm using the term "Adaptive Cycle", which is because many adaptive bikes... are trikes, so cycle is more inclusive of what you'll encounter. A tricycle, or 3-wheeled bike, can help even more with balance. A trike can be especially useful if you need time to get situated, need assistance, or have other adaptations such as straps to adjust.
There are many kinds of Trikes, and also different types of two-person, or Tandem bikes.
Other important types of adaptive cycles are Therapy Cycles for practicing and learning to ride, and Handcycles for propelling the cycle with hand power.
We can get more into all those later. (And you can read a version of this with more detail here)
Did I miss anything? Bikes are really cool as people can relatively easily prototype and hack stuff together on their own to meet their needs. People can whip up their own Adaptations and get out riding pretty easily, so this isn't intended to be definitive. There are also so many small ways to make your bike work for you, too.
If you've adapted or use an adaptive cycle, I love to hear stories and am always happy to learn more!
