From experience I know that anyone can learn to ride some type of bike with the right technology to support their skills and learning needs. Most of my students need various adaptations in order to ride successfully. I am not only referring to the adapted trikes that cost thousands of dollars. Adaptation is often just a matter of attaching a toe clip, or a larger seat or a better set of training wheels. Sometimes something as simple as adjusting the seat height by an inch or so can make all the difference between success and failure.
One very effective adaptation is to change the drive system of the bike. Trikes are built with a solid drive system – in other words there is no backwards free play in the wheels as there is on a bike with a coaster brake or gears. With a solid drive system if you pedal backwards the bike will go backwards. If your child is on a two-wheeler and they are always pedaling backwards and engaging the coaster brake then they need a solid drive system. The two disadvantages of a solid drive system you lose the coaster brake by converting and once the bike is converted it cannot be changed back.
Training wheels are another feature that often need to be adapted. Most training wheels are too small and poorly built to support a child that has poor balance or who leans heavily to one side. There are some heavier duty training wheels that offer more support (in Toronto they are available at Spokes and Sports on Avenue Road) but even these may not be wide or strong enough for a larger rider. There are larger, stronger adapted training wheels available.
I have a strong suspicion that many families have a number of bikes in their basements and garages that were purchased from department stores or bike stores over the years. Some of the adaptations I have described above may be able to turn those bikes into functional equipment.
How do you determine which adapted features work best for your child? It’s best to have an assessment done by someone who understands both adapted cycling equipment and disability issues. Arnold Lopez at Bloorview Kids Rehab offers bike assessments through the Recreation/Life Skills department. Bloorview also has an Adapted Recreation Equipment Loan Service, which allows you to try out an adapted bike for a week. STEPS does not do bike assessments but all of our Xceptional Biking clients are provided with detailed advice about bike purchases and necessary adaptations.
I have included the links for companies that produce adapted cycling equipment on the side of this blog page. These companies sell adapted training wheels as well as back supports and foot plates.
If you would like to contact Arnold Lopez for a bike assessment you can reach him Monday – Friday at 416-424-3855 Ext 3541
If you have any questions about bikes and biking or information that you would like to share with others please share it by posting on our facebook fan page. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Laura-Hunters-STEPS-Programs/299110651539?ref=ts
