Shifting Gears: Adaptive Biking Tips and Tricks
Holland Bloorview offers families adapted bike equipment loans. So with summer around the corner, we’re shifting gears to share some tips and tricks for an inclusive and safe ride!
The Adapted Recreation Equipment Loan Program at Holland Bloorview gives kids with disabilities the opportunity to use adaptive sports equipment at home and enjoy it with their friends, families, and communities. When it comes to cycling, the program allows families to try out the equipment, with a wide range of cycling devices including: adaptive bikes, trikes, trailers, and more.
Top Biking Tips:
- Practice in a safe place: wide paved spaces are best!
- Don’t forget about Ontario’s mandatory helmet law: all kids need to wear a helmet.
- Beware of hazards: watch for cars, obstacles, people, and bumps in the road.
- If you’re out on a journey be sure to pack water, sunscreen, and a couple snacks.
- It’s best to be in comfortable clothes and supportive shoes.
- Remember that everyone has their own pace and time they want to spend on the bike!
Spotlight: Ollie’s Favourite Bike Ride:
Ollie’s family recently started borrowing adapted biking equipment. Now they’re exploring their neighborhood while they race around and spend time as a family in the park.
“My favourite family biking memory is the first time I put Ollie on the loaner Trike from Holland Bloorview. Ollie has never been on a bike and I was very unsure he would even tolerate sitting on it due to his extreme sensory issues. However, I was pleasantly surprised that he sat willingly on the trike and allowed us to harness him,” shared mom Kim.
“We took him to our local schoolyard, with my younger daughter on her scooter, and he started to pedal after her. Once he realized that he could catch up to her and be with her, he started to follow her going faster and faster. You could see the pure joy in his face. It was so awesome to see him connect with his sister, so freely and without physical restriction. Currently we do about 45-60 minutes. We would like to do at least a half a day on bikes.”
Biking is also a great way to get physical activity as a family and with the adaptive equipment is can be an inclusive activity too! You can also bike year-round, making it a family favourite!
Kim shared that Holland Bloorview’s Adaptive Sports and Recreation Program has changed her family's life in a huge way. “Ollie is more communicative, curious and sociable. He loves to be outside in general, but this gives him an outlet to interact with his community in a more barrier free way. People are not afraid to approach him and say hi (which is usually followed up with questions and comments on his bike). You can see the pure joy and exhilaration he feels when he races his sister and dog in open spaces. It's great to see Ollie enjoy his life again.”
To learn more about how to borrow adaptive sports equipment, contact Kristen English 416-425-6220 ext. 3541.
