Bicycling is for All Kids... of All Ages!
Everyone of all ages and abilities can enjoy the bicycling experience. While some children and adults with disabilities or health care needs may not be able to use conventional bikes, there are different models of adapted bikes that are commercially available and that can adapt to different needs for positioning and mobility. This list, which is not intended to be all inclusive, provides an introduction to many of the manufacturers and distributors of these products.
Children and adults with disabilities or health care needs can benefit considerably from the opportunity to bicycle. Bicycling helps them to realize many benefits, including increased social activity with friends and family members and opportunities to improve physical function and coordination abilities. Therapists and other medical professionals can work with families to shape individual goals for children and adults with disabilities or health care needs to develop a healthy and fit lifestyle that includes bicycling as a regular recreational activity.
Bicycle Safety is for Everyone!
Before anyone ever rides a bike, it is important to take the time to teach and learn the basics of bike safety, operation, and maintenance. Regardless of a person's ability, the basic guidelines for bike safety remain the same for all riders. These guidelines must be followed by everyone:
- Wear a Bike Helmet. Anyone who rides a bike must wear a properly fitted and approved bike helmet. Bike helmets must meet current safety standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Bike helmets must fit snugly on the rider's head with the chin strap snugly secured. If the rider falls from a bike, is involved in an bicycle crash, or if the helmet contacts a hard surface, the bike helmet must be replaced.
- Know the Rules of the Road. All riders must be able to demonstrate knowledge of basic bike safety practices: bike hand signals, riding bikes with traffic, how to respond to traffic safety signs.
- Be Seen and Heard. Reflectors, lights, horns, and flags help people to see and/or hear a bike at all times of the day. Do not ride a bike at night when you cannot be seen by motor vehicle drivers. If riding a bike at dusk or dawn, make certain all bike riders wear light colored or reflective clothing to be easily seen.
- Prepare for Safe Bike Rides. Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after a bike ride to prevent dehydration. Take water with you on a bike ride and plan to make frequent stops so that no one becomes overheated. During the late spring and summer months, use sunscreen to help prevent sunburn. Pack a first aid kit, cell phone (if available), and relevant medical information for care providers or emergency responders to be able to react to any immediate first aid emergencies. Prior to bike riding, talk with your physician to identify any issues relating to your rider's medications and their use prior to, during, and after a bike ride and their impact on the rider if he becomes overheated.
- Learn Bike Maintenance. Riders and families should know basic bike maintenance responsibilities, which include regular inspections of brakes, gears, tires, and bike seat and handlebars. Periodic inspections should review that all parts are intact and in working order.
- Provide Supervision. All riders require supervision to varying degrees, depending upon their age, development, and ability. People with disabilities or health care needs may require extra attention, particularly since bike riding may be a new experience and may be exercising newly developing motor and control skills.
|
