Ways You Can Get Out With Someone With Special Needs

Biking continues to become a more famous, beneficial, and viable mode of transportation, especially for people who have one disability or the face. This form of transportation provides several benefits, addressing numerous disability transportation challenges and providing a sense of liberty and independence.

However, unlike people with no disability, the act of riding a bicycle can be quite different, for those who have a disability. This is because it can come with both emotional and physical limitations. Yet, most of the physical barriers could be faced by purchasing the appropriate bike, equipment, as well as the availability of safe cycling infrastructure.

On the other hand, the emotional limitations like confidence and trust, take a while to develop. It also depends on getting the right support. Meanwhile, this is where you can be of help. This article is set to enlighten you on how you can successfully get out with someone with special needs.

Adapted Cycles

Adapted cycles are bikes for special needs. They make cycling accessible for those with differing physical and learning disabilities, and they include the following;

Tricycles

Tricycles are three-wheeled bicycles, which means the rider does not necessarily have to be able to balance him or herself. This is especially useful for those who have learning disabilities like dyspraxia, as well people recovering from illnesses such as strokes.

Likewise, tricycles can be fitted with foot plates to grant riders ease with rotating the pedal and they are designed in upright or recumbent (horizontal sitting posture(. For children and adults who have issues with balance, stabilisers can also be fitted to standard bikes, thereby making them more similar to tricycles.

Passenger Electric Bikes

Passenger electric bikes are electric bikes with passenger seats that provide convenience, companionship, and sustainability. As a result of the current cutting-edge and strong electric bike motors, the burden of navigating long distances or bearing heavy loads has now become an afterthought, thereby guaranteeing an easy-breezy and stress-free journey for both the passenger and rider.

Passenger electric bikes for special needs are a certain ticket to experiencing fun with either your friends or loved ones. Apart from redefining urban means of commuting, they also create pleasantly memorable experiences.

Tandems

Tandems can have two, three, or four wheels with various configurations. In certain cases, one rider sits in front of the other. Whereas, in three or four-wheeled designs of tandem, riders sit sideways to one another.

Tandems can be suitable for people with a visual impairment or learning disability who are not confident enough to ride a solo bike. A standard tandem depends on having a relatively confident and able-bodied front rider who handles the steering, changing of gear, and braking.

Handcycles

Hand-powered cycles have the same working principle as standard cycles. However, their pedals are replaced with handles which also steer. Riders also make use of their arms to push the handles around in order to drive the wheels and chains.

Handcycles are designed for people who have lower limb disabilities, such as those with leg amputations, paraplegia, as well as joint problems like arthritis. They depend on upper body strength.

Most handcycles are three-wheeled, although some have four. Meanwhile the ones With four wheels may have higher power assistance, instead of the rider turning handles. Just like tricycles, some hand cycles also have low-down recumbent or upright seats.

Low-Step Bicycle

A low-step bicycle makes life easier for those who can not throw their leg over a saddle. Meanwhile, other challenges that affect just one limb could be solved by fitting a special component to any bike. For example, loss of flexibility in a knee is assisted by a swing crank that maximizes the contribution from the affected limb by giving room for it to straighten fully, while only flexing as much as it conveniently can.

How You Can Get Out With Someone With Special Needs

Assist them In Choosing the Right Bike and Equipment

According to the “layman”, majority of bikes are almost the same. They think they may be available in several colors and sizes, but variety barely exists between them.

However, they should be informed that some bikes are more appropriate than others in terms of category of people, budgets, and purposes. Admittedly, as a result of the variety of options available, it can be quite confusing to know the appropriate model to choose.

For example, if they wish to use the bike for commuting, school runs, shopping, or other utility purposes, it is essential to get a safe way of bearing any additional luggage or passenger. However, regardless of the kind of bike needed or purpose for which it is needed, security should be prioritized.

Hence, in encouraging people with special needs to cycle, having a bike comfortable to ride is crucial.

Become a Cycle “friend”

The easiest way to encourage people with special needs to cycle could simply be by letting them know some things they never knew about cycling. It could be from cycling with them on a quiet route to show them how enjoyable it can be, or simply going on a ride with them on a memorable day to their favorite place. This is because there are people who have never attempted cycling. Yet, they believe they would not enjoy it.

This could be due to the negative stories they might have heard regarding cycling. As a result, they could be ignorant of the fact that there are several quiet lanes and off-road routes that contribute to making cycling a pleasure, thereby thinking it is always a case of avoiding being knocked off by a motorist.

Cycling Is for All

Thanks to innovative technology, as various suitable bikes are being produced for various sets of people with differing needs. This means having a disability or other health problems does not exempt anyone from enjoying the joy attached to cycling. They only need the right type of bike that matches their needs.

Hence, if you have anyone with special needs, this article will help you guide them in purchasing a suitable bike according to their needs and have fun with them.