Non Gamstop Casino Sites UKNon Gamstop CasinoCassino Online PortugalCasino Not On GamstopOnline Slot Sites UK
Special needs cycling guide

Our guide to special needs cycling resources in the UK and beyond...

Posted by Peter Eland on Thursday 10 Jun 2010

Handcycling on a Hase Kettwiesel Special needs cycling - what and why? The benefits of cycling for the disabled are just the same as for the able-bodied. It’s fun, gives independent mobility and promotes physical and mental well-being. However, for many disabled people, these benefits have a particular significance. Opportunities for exercise may be limited, and there are recognised problems of weight gain, muscle wastage and poor circulation associated with prolonged wheelchair use or a sedentary lifestyle. Disabled people value mobility more than most. Cycling can noticeably extend the speed and distance of independent movement which is possible compared to a wheelchair. And compared to motorised or electric transport, both initial and ongoing costs are minimal. Cycling, as a pedaller or a passenger, can also be a superbly enjoyable activity to share with able-bodied friends or carers. The therapeutic benefits of cycling are clear. Many first-time riders describe the feeling as exhilarating, empowering, challenging. Centres across the world are now regularly introducing new people to the joys and benefits of cycling – as well as putting many cyclists who are no longer able to ride a standard bike back on the road. However, it can be difficult for people to find out about the wide range of solutions on offer. Each issue, Velo Vision Magazine runs a Buyer's Guide to a particular type of cycling - family cycling, folding bikes, workbikes, touring etc - and the Special Needs Cycling Guides are made freely available (below) in PDF form to help spread the word about the range of options available. We also run articles of interest to special needs cyclists regularly in the magazine - you might like to check out the rest of our website and see if you might be interested in a subscription.

What's in the Guides

  • An overview of special needs cycling and general advice.
  • A look at all of the different types of machine available.
  • Listings for manufacturers with contact details.
  • Listings for organisations active in the field, with contact details.

Most of the contact information in the guides is still correct, but for up to date information, see the list of links below.

Download for free The files are available in PDF format, which retains the layout of the original magazine. Pictures are somewhat less sharp than in the print version, to keep file sizes down. Most modern computers will have the software required to read these files already installed. If you have problems, see here.
  • The Issue 19 Special Needs Cycling Guide PDF (850k) From our September 2005 Issue 19.
  • The Issue 11 Special Needs Cycling Guide PDF (1.2 Meg) From our September 2003 Issue 11, plus an extra two pages of miscellaneous articles from previous issues.
    • Please note that we can not give individual advice. The Guides list many contact details for organisations who can help, offer expert, individual advice and often try-out facilities - please use them and the links below! Jump to:
  • Regional Organisations

    Look here first to see if there's a group in your region. If we haven't listed anything near you, that doesn't necessarily mean there isn't anything. The national organisations listed may be able to tell you about local groups, or there may be information available through your local council or community groups. Local branches of charities dealing with specific disabilities may also be able to help.

    • Wheels For All: Organisation with 21 centres around the UK, giving people the chance to cycle for recreation. Telephone: 01925 234213
    • Companion Cycling: Based in Bushy Park, SW London, Companion Cycles gives people with special needs the chance to ride specially adapted cycles. Telephone: 07961 344545
    • Cyclemagic: Leicester based organisation offering advice on special needs cycling amongst other things. Telephone: 0116 262 5551
    • Gateway Wheelers: Cycling Club in the North East of England for people with disabilies and their carers. Telephone: 0791 390 5422
    • London Cycling Campaign: Publishes an All Abilities Guide, with information on organisations, equipment and suppliers. Telephone: 020 7234 9310
    • KentSport: Kent based organisation promoting sports, including cycling, for people with disabilities. Telephone: 07793 660480
    • Wheels for Wellbeing: London charity supporting disabled people in cycling. Telephone: 020 7346 8482
    • Cardiff Pedal Power: Two branches in Cardiff. They say: "...an extensive range of specially adapted trikes and bikes designed for disabled adults and children... We offer a full assessment service in order to find you the perfect cycle for your needs." Tel 02920 390 713.
  • National Organisations
    • Crank It Up: Voluntary organisation providing cycling for people of all abilities. Telephone: 07835 840989
    • Handcycling UK: Association formed by keen handcyclists interested in sport, which also aims to promote handcycling as a recreation. Telephone: 01273 269274
    • National Cycling Academy: National training body, aiming to provide cycle training to all. Telephone: 0161 773 9566
    • Remap: a charity which helps to improve the quality of life for people with disabilites, by adapting or building special equipment on a tailor made basis. Telephone: 0845 130 0456 or see the website for contact details of local groups.
    • The Tandem Club: The Tandem club has a Disabilities Liason Officer who may be able to help with queries about suitability for disabled or visually impaired people. See website, or call 01522 695781.
    • Get Cycling: Company offering cycling promotion services to clients such as local authorities, including special needs roadshows.
    • Disabled Travel Advice: Website giving travel advice to disabled people, including a section on the benefits of cycling.
    • US Handcycling: US racing handcycling body.
  • UK Manufacturers and Suppliers Where suppliers have a warehouse or retail facility, it's best to contact them if you want to visit, to avoid a wasted trip. Items on websites may not be in stock all the time.
    • Bike Care: UK supplier with a range of trikes and bike adaptations and accessories. 92 The Avenue, March Cambridgeshire. PE15 9PR Telephone: 01354 660049 Email: [email protected]
    • Bromakin: UK Supplier of wheelchairs, handcycles and handcycle attachments. Bromakin can also arrange rental of machines to try them out. 12 Prince William Road, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 0GU Telephone: 01509 217569 Email: [email protected]
    • Cycle Makers: Manufactures and supplies trikes, tandems and tagalongs, with a bespoke service if required. Unit 2G/4A, Halas Industrial Estate, Forge Lane, Halesowen, B62 8EB. Telephone: 01562 731 355
    • Da Vinci: Supplier of handcycles, adult trikes, and companion cycles. Gillmoss Industrial Estate, Unit 6, Carraway Road, Liverpool,L11 0EE Telephone: 0151 548 1999 Email: [email protected]
    • EPC Wheelchairs: Supplier of wheelchairs and handcycles. 43 Alexandra Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6BS Telephone: 01252 547939 Email: [email protected]
    • London Recumbents: Offer a wide range of machines, with the opportunity to try them out in Dulwich Park. Contact them to make an appointment and arrange for suitable bikes to be available. Their website also has useful information on sources of funding. Ranger's Yard, Dulwich Park, London SE21 7BQ Telephone: 0208 299 6636 Email: [email protected]
    • Longstaff Cycles: Produce adult and child Cyclon trikes, and can also provide trike conversion kits and and other bespoke items. Albert Street, Newcastle Under Lyne, Staffordshire, ST5 7JF Telephone: 01782 561 966 Email via website.
    • Mission: Wide range of trikes for children and adults, and other specially adapted machines including handcycles. Find a local dealer here. Telephone: 01622 815678 Email: [email protected]
    • Pashley Cycles: Manufacturer of adult and child trikes, and other family solutions like tag-a-longs. Find a dealer here. Pashley Cycles, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, CV37 9NL Telephone: 01789 292 263 Email: [email protected]
    • Quest 88: Specially built and adpated trikes and go-karts. Aston Street, Shifnal, Shrophire, TF11 8DW Telephone: 01952 463050 Email: [email protected]
    • Tomcat Special Needs: UK Company producing special needs trikes for children and young adults. 13/9 The Gloucester Business Park, Hucclecote, Gloucestershire GL3 4AA Telephone: 01452 616900 Email: [email protected]
    • Toucan Engineering: The Toucan (2 can) cycle is a sociable tandem - riders are seated side by side. 40 Staindale, Cleveland Park, Guisborough, TS14 8JU Telephone: 07944 161643 Email via website.
    • Wise Wheels: Suppliers of specialist bikes and trikes to adults and children. Can undertake assessment for suitability at home or in school, and work in conjunction with professional therapists. Telephone: 01295 770806 Email via the website.
  • Non-UK Manufacturers and Suppliers
    • Buddy Bike Tandems: US based company producing a tandem which places the child in front, with the adult behind, steering.
    • Aiolos: German company offering a folding recumbent trike which may have advantages for the disabled.
    • Double Performance: Handcycle makers from the Netherlands, producing both high performance racing type handcycles, and add-on hand cycle units for wheelchairs.
    • Fast FWD: Dutch manufacturer producing recumbents including children's trikes adapted for various disabilities.
    • Freedom Ryder: US maker of racing handcycles.
    • Greenspeed: Australian recumbent trike manufacturer, who do a lot of special needs work.
    • Hase: German manufacturer of several machines including the Kettwiesel trike, Trets recumbent tag-a-long and Pino upright/recumbent tandem. Hand cranks can be added to many of their machines.
    • Hoening: German manufacturer of many items including the Rollfiets wheelchair tandem.
    • Invacare: US Based parent company Invacare produce all sorts of aids, and their Top End brand includes sports wheelchairs and handcycles.
    • M5: Dutch recumbent manufacturer who produce a handcycle among their range.
    • One Off Handcycles: Producer of the One Off Titanium All Terrain handcycle - the handcycle equivalent of the Mountain Bike.
    • Speedy: German manufacturer of a wide range of handcycles and wheel chair add-on units.
    • Tempo Tricycles: Australian manufacturers of bikes and trikes of all sorts, including special needs machines.
    • Van Raam: Dutch manufacturer of many machines and other helpful accessories.
    • Varna: Canadian handcycle manufacturer.
  • Other Sources of Information Internet search engines are one good way to look for information, but can provide so many links that it's difficult to know where to start. Another option is to ask your question on one of the many internet forums, and benefit from the experience of the members. These are just a few of the forums which might provide useful advice.
    • Velo Vision: Our very own forum.
    • BikeRadar: This forum brings together the readers of Cycling Plus, Procycling, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Bike UK. Masses of sections, mainly covering Mountain Biking and Racing but there are Commuting, Family and Special Interest sections.
    • CTC: The forum for members of the UK's national cyclists' organisation.
    • Cyclechat: Independent discussion board billed as "A friendly place for everyone with an interest in cycling". Beginners, technical knowhow and general socialising.
    • Manual Mobility: One person's website devoted to getting about when you have a mobility problem, and the benefit of muscular activity for the healing process. Sections on trikes, handcycles and more, with links to manufacturers, dealers and other resources.
    • Tandem Club: The Tandem Club discussion board, the place for all tandem related queries and messages.
    • YACF (Yet Another Cycling Forum): Independent forum providing knowledge exchange, reviews, discussion and banter.
    If you know of any more organisations, suppliers or sources of information that might be helpful, please do contact us and we'll add them to the list.

    Share this:
    Facebook Reddit StumbleUpon Digg del.icio.us

    Posted by Jan-Inge ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    Thanks for this excellent Guide. I put a link from our site http://www.liggister.org (The Swedish HPV Club's site) to this article.

     
    Posted by Martin Dupont ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    Your article about special bicycles for physically handicapped people is certainly useful. Perhaps you could add one more small manufacturer: Derk Thijs (a person somewhat related to the dutch manufacturer M5, mentionned in your article) makes interesting rowing bikes designed for "normal" people but he has also made a special version of his rowing bike, for use by people who have only one leg. His web site is www.rowingbike.com.

    I wish much success to your web site





     
    Posted by Wheels for All ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    Hellow, readers may be interested to know that Wheels for All (charity no.1003309)have a network of 17 locations where people of all ages with disabilities and differing needs can use special cycles, together with friends, family and carers. We also produce a very comprehensive report "Cycling for People with Disabilities and Differing Needs" priced at £8 for disabled people and £11.50 for other purchasers. The research for this report was funded by the Nuffield Foundation so the report represents excellent value for money with over 100 pages, lots of colour pictures, illustrations and bound with removable studs so that it may be photocopied. We also provide a free, impartial information and advisory service, free taster sessions, run Wheels for All cycling events and can work with you to establish your own Wheels for All centre. For further information, please contact Hermine on 0161 745 9944 or why not visit our web site www.cycling.org.uk

     
    Posted by David King ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    Hello
    I would be grateful if anyone knows where I can buy a new or old bike trailer for my Daughter - Naomi, she has a number of disabilities and loved being on the back of my bike. She has now outgrown the seat, as she is now 7 years old.

    I have looked at trailers but none are suitable as she needs a very good harness to keep her still!!

    Any info gratefully received.

    Dave King



     
    Posted by jean Costello (moley113'yahoo.com) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    At last someone who cares about disabled cyclists! I have been searching for a lightweight folding electric bike or a tricycle for ages as I am unable to walk any distance. As I am middle aged most bike shops treat me as a non-entity even telling me that it was not economical for bike manufacturers to make bikes for the disabled as there was more money to be made from commuters. I could probably manage with an ordinary shopper type bike but trying to find sellers is so difficult so thank you again for your help.

     
    Posted by Paul ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    Hi,I'am looking for a (baby)seat for the back of my bike.A little boy is 5 years ,is 41 lbs and has CP.He has to have head support or at least a high back (a little higher than his head) and I can adapt it for him. Also ,like many other seats avalable the legs are protected. Can anyone help!Does anyone know where I can Buy a seat that will handel a child over 40 lbs. Thank You for any help.

     
    Posted by Deleted on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    Deleted

     
    Posted by ladia blaha ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    If you are interested in handbikes try also this web site: http://www.benecykl.cz
    Ladia

     
    Posted by Sian Barnard (sian.barnard@barryboltonwindow) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    would like to find out if there are any seats or adaptations available for my son. He's 5 and a half, has cp,and weighs 2stone 101bs. He loves it when we go out on the bikes, but he is too big for his toddler seat now. All help would be gratefully recieved!

     
    Posted by Richard Moult ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    I have a nine year old daughter with C.P..who has enjoyed her cycle trailer,but has just about out grown it.Any help and information to assist us in being able to continue cycling as a family would be gratefully receied.Thanks Richard Moult.

     
    Posted by Fiona Lynn ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    Hi, I am hoping someone will be able to help me. My son Anthony is autistic with learning difficulties. He has never had a bike and has never learned to cycle. He is going to be 8 in August and we would love to get him a bike but i don't know where to look or go for to purchase a bike. Any help appreciated. We live in Ayrshire, Scotland so somewhere local would be better. Many thanks.

     
    Posted by Simon Judge ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    My son is 6yrs old and has CP. He has difficulty in mobility, but thoroughly enjoys going out on roads and trails behind my bike in his Burley trailer. Unfortunately he has nearly outgrown this now and I would like something similar so that he can continue to enjoy the outdoors in something other than a wheelchair. Your help and suggestion would be most appreciated.Thank you.

     
    Posted by B. McNally ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    My son, austistic with severe learning difficulties does not have the coordination to ride a bike. He used to love the child seat and then a trailer. However what to use next? some kind of wheelchair, but would need some electric help as he is quite a weight now and where we live has a few hills. Any suggestions? May need a purpose built system.

     
    Posted by wendy ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    I have just been reading this list. I live in the Netherlands where there are many types of bikes. One is a bike that has a seat at the front for disabled people who are not able to ride themselves - the same principle as a rickshaw but a modern bike. This would probagbly be suitable for children who have outgrown trailers or (baby) seats

     
    Posted by Chris ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    I wonder if some of the above posts would like to try the Hase Pino. We have a girl, now 7, who has lower limb problems. The Hase Pino, designed originally for people with disabilities, (but good fun for all), is a Tandem with the 'stoker' in front in a reclined mesh seat, it has served us well and fits the bill for those who are outgrowing traditional bike seats etc. The seat has a harness and is so stable the passenger can even have a snooze on route.

     
    Posted by vertical blinds ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    You're website looks very good, it was a pleasure to be on you're. ://feraria.topcities.com>vertical blinds Keep on the good work :-)



     
    Posted by juliebeswick (juliebeswick20042000'yahoo.co.) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    Hi my name is julie and i am looking for a trike for a adult if any one can help i would be very gratful thank you julie

     
    Posted by pippa ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    I have an adult friend with mobility problems related to MS who formerly enjoyed cycling and would love to continue. Is there any kind of tandem available with an independent pedalling arrangement, as in a child's tag-along, so that the second rider wouldn't necessarily have to pedal at the same speed?

     
    Posted by barry nelson ([email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    We manufacture buddybikes which are great fro disabled chliden lke my sone Jesse who has autism. we ride 10- 20 miles each time we go out and because he sits in the front and has peddles there he is involved yet i can steer from behind to avoid danger. see www.buddybike.com

     
    Posted by andrew o driscoll (aod [email protected]) on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    please can you help my son has cp with right sided imobility and lives with his mum in kingsbury london nw9. he needs a trike can you help if so contact trish on 00447745703539 asap or email me back

     
    Posted by Spam deleted on Wednesday 2 Aug 2006
    Spam deleted

     
    Posted by Sandra Vegerano ([email protected]) on Friday 18 Aug 2006
    Need help, looking for a bike/trile for a 13 year old boy. Very low muscle tone, and tires easily, it would need to be EASY to peadal, ANY suggestions?

     
    Posted by Gemma Csatle (gemma.castle@rsdmanchester) on Friday 18 Aug 2006
    I am based at at School in Cheadle Hulme in Stockport, near manchester called the Royal School for the Deaf and Communication Disorders. We have a wide range of children with many disabilites. Here at the school we we have organised many sports and leisure event for our students and childern in the community called CADS (childrens abled and dsiabled sports) Weeks. This October we plan to organise a CADS urban sports event and would like to include mountain biking. I was wondering if any one knew of any coaches or organisation which might come down to our event with specialist bikes that we could hire etc.

     
    Posted by Jenny Davis ([email protected]) on Thursday 28 Sep 2006
    Our 11 year old daughter has mild CP/right sided hemi-plegia. She can just about manage to ride her 20" wheel bike with stabilisers. However, she is fast outgrowing it and needs to move onto the next size but we have not seen any larger bikes with stabilisers. If anyone can suggest or recommend where we might find one, we, and she would be delighted. Alternatively, if anyone could recommend where she could'test-run' some of the specially designed bikes for disabled, that would also be great. Thanks in anticipation.

     
    Posted by NELSON DA SILVA ([email protected]) on Tuesday 17 Oct 2006
    I am a right leg above knee amputee and I have been searching for a lightweight ordinary and simpe bike purely for the purpose of exercise. I am a middle aged man and am unable to walk for long distance.
    Can any one suggest whether I require a specially adapted bike or just any one will do. I suppose I would have to have a toe grip or buckle fitted to the right side of the pedal to stop my foot from slipping off the pedal. Any suggestions would be welcome.

     
    Posted by Steve Walker ([email protected]) on Wednesday 18 Oct 2006
    Hi all,

    If anyone would like to know about all ability cycling in Kent then please visit http://www.kentsport.org/disability_sportslink.cfm for info

     
    Posted by Anna Lawrence ([email protected]) on Friday 3 Nov 2006
    Hi, My son has C.P quadraplegic, aged two and a half. He cannot sit up on his own and has trouble supporting his head. I am looking for a bike seat or trailer that we could use to go on family bike rides. If anyone has one or knows of a contact for us please email me. Thanks

     
    Posted by David ([email protected]) on Monday 13 Nov 2006
    Hello, Well I'm disanilty and I'm in a wheelchair I have 5 yearswith my acseted and I would like to go out with my family out in bikes but sence i can't move my legs i cant use one of those bikes and i would like to know if i can get one one the bikes with 3 wheels that you cant pedele with your hands.. Well thankz i would love your help

     
    Posted by Peter Eland (peter@velovision etc) on Tuesday 14 Nov 2006
    I see many people are asking for help using this comments system. Usually, these are requests for individual advice which I simply do not have the time or expertise to give.

    I strongly suggest that reading the PDFs supplied above, and using the contacts provided in them, would be a more useful approach.

    ASKING A QUESTION HERE WILL MOST LIKELY NOT GET YOU A USEFUL REPLY!

    This will probably be obvious from the masses of unanswered questions above. I'm especially unlikely to bother answering a question to which the answer would have been obvious had the questioner bothered to take even the quickest glance at the information I've compiled and make freely available in those PDFs.

    There are plenty of organisations, listed in the PDFs, which are funded and with the expertise to handle special needs cycling requests. There is also basic information about bike and adaptations available, in the PDFs.

    PLEASE READ THE PDFs AND USE THE INFO IN THEM!!!!

    They contain answers to most of the questions above or details of where to get answers.

    UNFORTUNATELY I CANNOT OFFER INDIVIDUAL ADVICE HERE!

    I cannot help you individually but with a very little effort you can find out how to help yourself by downloading and reading the PDFs above.

    It would a great shame if anyone is missing out on the great fun and health benefits of cycling because they're waiting for an answer (which may never come) to a question placed here, when they could be up and running simply by downloading and reading the PDFs, and following up on the info in them.

    If anyone has problems with the PDF format please contact me and I'll see if I can help. And if anyone has suggestions about making this info more accessible please let me know.

    Peter Eland - Editor, Velo Vision.

     
    Posted by Peter Eland (peter@velovision etc) on Tuesday 14 Nov 2006
    And just to add that if you have downloaded and read the PDFs, and contacted the relevant organisations and/or manufacturers, and had either positive or negative experiences of the process, please do let me know, so I can feed back the info into future Guides or articles. Thanks!

    Peter Eland

     
    Posted by KC George ([email protected]) on Saturday 18 Nov 2006
    Does anyone make bikes meant for left-handers? Here in India, and there in UK too, bicycles have rear brake levers on the left, while it's the other way round in the States and elsewhere in Europe. One could ascribe it to the practice of driving along the left side of the road (as in UK) and along the right side (as in the US), but I thought it should have had more to left- and right-handedness.

     
    Posted by coleen lloyd ([email protected]) on Monday 20 Nov 2006
    Hi, my son whose 12 years old has learning disabilities and needs to learn to ride a bike have you a contact number that I could purchase a cycle and stabilizers for him please. 0121 242 3781

     
    Posted by Chris Evans ([email protected]) on Wednesday 22 Nov 2006
    We are a cycling project based in Bradford, West Yorkshire anybody looking for disabled cycling please visit www.crank-it-up.org.uk

     
    Posted by ann debock ([email protected]) on Thursday 14 Dec 2006
    Hi...i run a hortucultural project for people with learning difculties...im trying to find a suitable delivery bike/tandem to deliver a vegetable box scheme with our clients assistance,hence the need for a stable bike...any ideas/leads/assistance would be much appreciated! thanks!

     
    Posted by Grant Plowman ([email protected]) on Monday 1 Jan 2007
    Hi I am 46 years old with CP and can not ride a two wheeled bike, about two years ago I bought a Greenspeed GT3 recumbent trike the best thing I have ever done the stability of the bike is more like a racing go kart then a bike and very comfortable, if your looking for good performance or a good safe reliable bike the Greenspeed is it, I ride 20km in 65 minutes it is mostly hilly, my bike has 27 gears so you get almost any where, the more you use it the more you will enjoy bike riding, I ride 3 to 4 days a week, and Greenspeed will modify the bike to what you need, they are made in Australia and export world wide, take a look at www.greenspeed.com.au

     
    Posted by darren stevens ([email protected]) on Wednesday 21 Feb 2007
    HI IS THERE ANY TRAILERS FOR ADULTS AS MY DAUGHTER CANNOT RIDE A BIKE AT PLEASE LET ME NO THANKS

     
    Posted by Paul Kavanagh ([email protected]) on Wednesday 13 Jun 2007
    Tomcat SNI Ltd custom build special needs Trikes (Carer-Controlled) and Trailer Trikes from age 2 to adult. For more information visit www.tomcatuk.org

     
    Posted by caroline colwill ([email protected]) on Tuesday 19 Jun 2007
    my friend is a 21 yr old young man who lives life to the full , unfortunately he has CP and also very complex needs. He is unable too use any of his limbs but would enjoy either being pulled or pushed on a bike struture. This way he can enjoy great times out with his family and friends. There must be something out there that can be addapted for his needs.

     
    Posted by Kevin ([email protected]) on Monday 6 Aug 2007
    my sone has MD, but is very mobile. He can ride his traditional bike, but tires easily. We want to get him a bike with an electric assist. He wont ride a trike or anyrthing that does not look "cool". Any ideas?

     
    Posted by marie mo;rris ([email protected]) on Wednesday 19 Sep 2007
    I train a young man with parcial movement down his right side of his body, leg,arm and his right hand . He is in his 20ies and loves bicycle, but find it difficult to to control his movements and would like motorist and padestriants alike to beaware of dis disability. He would like some kind of sticker that would make people aware of is needs. Sime thing he could put some place in full view. He would be very greatfiull for any advice or assistance you could give him Thany you
    Marie Morris Ps my trainees name is Raymond Nobbs


     
    Posted by mrs yvonne laking ([email protected]) on Monday 26 Nov 2007
    I have a son thomas who is just over eighteen. He suffered a brain hemmorage nine years ago and has been left with leftsided hemeplegia , partial sight and visual agnosia. Thomas loves to cycle which we have at present a three wheeler. we are looking for a suitable bike for his needs as he no awareness of pedestrians or motorists when we are out which is very scary at times . we are needing advice regards to a suitable bike that would enable thomas to feel he has the independance and at the same time that we would be able to ride alongside him and be in control as well , by finding him a double seated bike, any ideas ?

     
    Posted by Emma Hobbs ([email protected]) on Thursday 7 Feb 2008
    Quest 88 has been involved in the design and manufacture of special needs tricycles for nearly 20 years, and is responsible for many of the innovations which are now considered essential and common place on both our own trikes and those of our competitors. Quest 88 has recently extended their special needs tricycle range by becoming exclusive UK distributors for Draisin bikes, the Petra Running Bikes and Berg Go-Karts. For more information, please visit www.childrenstricycles.com or www.quest88.com

     
    Posted by Paul Sharrock ([email protected].) on Monday 3 Mar 2008
    I think that recumbents in general should be recognized by the Department of Transport or Mobility departments as a disability vehicle as if you can power one by either leg or arm power it is more beneficial than a power wheelchair/scooter, o.k I do not expect to ride around a shopping mall but with rider and authorities discretion more access should be available, also all disabled people should perhaps get V.A.T exemption, as whether blind/visually impaired or disabled these are a very important and valuable mode of transport highly beneficial, two wheels became in-accessible and although I would not class my self as good at riding or racing it is still liberation.

     
    Posted by amanda duffy ([email protected]) on Tuesday 29 Apr 2008
    I have a little boy who is 5 years old and autistic and profoundly deaf. He cannot ride a bike, so I was thinking of getting him a child trailer. The only thing is he would soon outgrow these and then what would I do? I was wondering if I could have one specialy made so that it would last for longer.
    If anybody knows of anywhere which may do this I would be most gratefull if you could let me know.
    Thankyou Miss Amanda Duffy

     
    Posted by diane ([email protected]) on Monday 12 May 2008
    My husband is registered blind but we'd like to go cycling. Has anyone any experience of a partially sighted person on the back of a tandem and some like me (an okay but not expert cyclist) on the front?

     
    Posted by tom harrocks ([email protected]) on Tuesday 29 Jul 2008
    i am after a bike i have lost my left arm and my left knee will only bend about 90 degree after a knee replacement so if anyone had any idea's i would love to hear them thanks

     
    Posted by Julie Woodruff ([email protected]) on Tuesday 26 Aug 2008
    Hi all,
    Im a cycle training instructor coaching for the National Cycling Academy (NCA) we aim to be inclusive and not just 'tick the box' Our remit is to offer cycle training sessions or supervised rides for able and disabled children, adults and families. All ages, all abilities, and all cycle disciplines such MTB, road, track, BMX, Cycle Speedway, National Standards, Bikeability and cycle maintenance Contact us at www.ncagb.co.uk for more info :)

     
    Posted by Annie Barber (see website) on Friday 9 Jan 2009
    We have created a public interest website at

    www.disabledtraveladvice.co.uk/home.htm

    focused on extensive advice on travel for the disabled, which I thought may be of interest to your visitors.

     
    Posted by A R (...) on Thursday 20 May 2010
    My daughter has severe learning difficulties. It isn't safe for her to ride a normal bike so we have a tandem. She loves it. See http://www.tandem-club.org.uk/ for full details on tandems.

     

     
    Add a comment
    You must be signed in to post comments. Sign in or register to create an account.

    • To post comments please register or sign in


    Search Velo Vision website story archive:
    Search full magazine text via the digital edition:
    Please enter your username and password, or click here to create an account. If you already have an account on the Velo Vision forum, you can use those details to log in here, too.
    Username:
    Password:

    Related content