Cycling for the differently-abled

INGENUITY on the part of bike technicians has allowed people with a variety of disabilities to still enjoy cycling.

Specially-designed bike --- or adaptive bikes --- offer freedom and mobility to people with disabilities, helping them combat a sedentary lifestyle. While these bikes cost more than standard bikes, the benefits they provide may override the higher price tag.

Writing for LiveStrong.com, Ben Jorel said people who have enjoyed participating in sports or exploring the outdoors all of their lives but face a disability, such as the loss of their arms and legs, can still remain active through the use of adaptive bikes.

Whether they are veterans or people paralyzed during construction work, disabled cyclists are seeking high-tech solutions designed by custom bike shops and companies that help get people with disabilities rolling, Jorel said.

New modified bikes and specialty bikes crop up each year, and the connective power of the Internet allows cyclists with disabilities to locate both bikes and organizations that fulfill their specific needs, he added.

Many people with disabilities suffer from a lack of physical exercise and resultant poor physical health. Living a sedentary lifestyle may worsen their disability and add complications, such as hypertension or obesity. Adaptive bikes enable people enjoy a sport that places little strain on the joints but provides an excellent aerobic exercise. Along with helping combat the original disabling condition, introducing cycling to people with disabilities may help them increase muscle strength, endurance and flexibility, according to the Crank It Up website.

Biking is a shared social activity and having bikes designed for people with disabilities enables their participation in family and community life. As a leisure activity, biking offers a sense of relaxation and freedom, plus provides a boost in self-esteem as they overcome the challenges of physical exertion and their own disabilities. Introducing cycling into the life of a person with a disability helps promote independence and confidence as they can direct their energy toward independent movement while fully engaging in a social activity with their family and friends.

People who don’t have use of their arms can ride specialty recumbent-style tricycles in which the cyclist remains in a prone position with the pedals in the front. Steering is performed by leaning in the direction where the cyclists want to go. To brake, you pedal backward. People who are paralyzed from the waist down can still ride a handcycle, a common adaptive bike propelled by your hands. Customized, off-road bikes permit people with varying disabilities, even paraplegics and quadriplegics, to explore rugged terrain, using a rolling chest pad device to steer. In fact, specialty bikes are available for people with almost any disability.

Until then and have a safe ride all the time. Put on that cycling helmet each time get on your bike. Remember: YOU CAN BEAT THE EGG WITHOUT BREAKING THE SHELL.*