Forum Topic

How  LTNs and Cycle Lanes can enable the disabled.

https://wheelsforwellbeing.org.uk/jamie/?fbclid=IwAR2pYRJXnvnzj3NZMGSIEjN1MNDIdVK0l0t8A5OVG-nW7vSwOhLKgbt5NgM

Ruth Mayorcas ● 2331d7 Comments

As the article says "Not everyone can experience the benefit cycling can bring" and that is true for many with joint impairments where it is simply not possible to apply the downward pressure through the pedal. A handcycle simply does not appeal as I have arthritis in my shoulder and I look on electric bikes as 'cheating' TBH.An interesting article all the same.I am impressed that he was cycling in Donegal, ye gods tht place is hilly!

N V Brooks ● 2331d

Electric bikes have taken off on the Continent. When on my Brompton in the Netherlands I get overtaken constantly by septuagenarians and octogenarians on their e-bikes. They are freedom machines for older and reduced mobility people. I agree though that for me they would be cheating.

Paul Campbell ● 2331d

'joint impairments' - I know 2 people who have had severe strokes leaving them weakened on one side who use Recumbent bikes so there are really many options. When there is space there are side by side bikes where the 'fit person does the pedalling and steering but with the disabled person's feet attached to pedals they get important movement. Not to mention the 'wind in the hair' which is good for mental health. There are buddy bike groups which operate in Bushy Park and Osterley Park where people with all sorts of disabilities enjoy active 'getting about' - and the joy is immeasurable.

Ruth Mayorcas ● 2331d

Do bikes cure COVID perhaps?They don't seem to cure passive-aggressiveness, though. Appaling.Offhand, I didn't notice that LBH had been recruiting for the position of cycling enforcement officer.

Adam Pycz ● 2331d

Without too much detail, an ankle joint with a condition only shared by less than ten other people in the UK and declared inoperable by three consultant orthopaedic surgeons. No downward pressure and limited flexor range (unimproved after years of therapy) for me means no cycling. I simply don't want to be reliant on buddy bikes or similar.

N V Brooks ● 2331d

Fair comment indeed. Part of the drive for walking and cycle infrastructure - for me the overwhelming imperative - is to support those who can cycle (or walk or skate or scooter) to do so rather than driving, as often as possible. This will stop the system comprehensively clogging for those who can't.By the way - people say  "yeah but what about when it rains?". Well, many will continue to cycle (especially when they have got used to it) but even if they didn't, that's only ~110 days out of 365 and many of those will be just a few minutes light drizzle. That leaves 255 unaffected days !

Guy Lambert ● 2331d

I used to cycle everywhere. Still recall cycling down the unopened M4 as far as Heathrow.It's a pleasure that my disability denies me and one of the resons I really get annoyed with those who abuse the privilege.

N V Brooks ● 2330d