by Helen Young
Did you know leading a sedentary lifestyle is as dangerous as smoking 20 cigarettes a day? Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the USA’s biggest killer and is responsible for one in every four deaths. A recent study in England found that smoking causes 19% of CHD deaths, while getting little or no exercise causes a whopping 37% of the deaths there. Simply put, being a couch potato or inactive is a deadly problem globally, but there are options to stay active.
The answer is that everyone should get more exercise and stay active. And, even if you can’t walk, may have a balance issue, or if your feet won’t stay on the pedals, cycling may still be a possibility.
Why cycling is a way to stay active
The truth is, cycling is a brilliant way to stay active because it is less strenuous than walking. It can double as a mobility aid and serve as a means of transportation while maintaining independence. It also gives a person with a disability a gentle workout. This is vitally important for those more prone to developing chronic health conditions. Staying active also triggers the body to produce endorphins, a powerful natural painkiller that can reduce dependence on medication.
About adaptive bikes
If it’s impossible to ride a standard bike, there are plenty of adapted bikes available to stay active. Another option is to have a bike especially for you, although this is more expensive. Custom-made bikes are built exactly to your body size and requirements, so they are supremely comfortable options to stay active.
Types of Adaptive Bikes
The Tricycle
These are three-wheeled bikes that offer greater stability and are well-suited to people with balance issues or who lack the confidence to ride a two-wheeler.
Considering a Hand Cycle
These cycles have the pedals positioned at chest level so the rider can operate them with his or her hands rather than his or her feet. This is useful for people with poor muscle control and a limited range of movement in their feet. Handcycles come in standard two-wheel, three-wheel, and four-wheel designs. Three-wheeled hand cycles are the most common.
Tandem Bikes
A bicycle built for two is also useful if you might need someone to take over the controls. Or you get tired easily and don’t want to cycle on your own. If you have a sight impairment, a tandem bike makes it easy to have a sighted partner next to you. Tandems are available with standard foot pedals and hand-pedal varieties.
Power Hand Cycles
Power hand cycles are the very latest in bike technology. If you don’t want to make your arms ache from all the pedaling, you could get a power-assisted hand cycle. These use battery power to help you get around faster or ascend hills with minimum fuss.
Wheelchair Cycles
There are different varieties of wheelchair cycles, where the front portion of a bike can be connected to the wheelchair to transform it into a cycle. There are manual types as well as battery-enhanced power ones. Some bikes can accommodate a wheelchair attached to the front. Although this means that the wheelchair user wouldn’t actually do the cycling themselves.
And Recumbent Cycles
These bikes have a reclining seat and are good for people with chronic health conditions like arthritis and back pain. There is less chance of a repetitive strain injury as weight is more evenly distributed since the back is better supported
To get started
If you’re not sure whether you can take up cycling to stay active, try it before you commit to buying an expensive bike. Ask your local bike shop or your community’s health department. They can assist in providing or suggesting options for an accessible bike to try. There are also some private groups that rent out adaptive bikes, such as the Adaptive Sports and Recreation Cycling Center. Another option would be to approach a mobility aid store or ask a disability advocacy group for advice.
Where to cycle
For information on the most accessible cycling routes to stay active, you can ask the local health department or Parks & Rec Department. They will have details of your nearest cycle lanes. Dedicated cycle lanes for people with disabilities are usually spacious and can be less intimidating than riding on the main roadway. The Americans with Disabilities Act has recently been amended to allow for motorized disability aids and electric bikes on such paths. So once you consider the options and find your ideal bike and route, you can take to the open road.
About the Author
Helen Young is a U.S.-based writer and editor who initially worked in the healthcare sector, supporting people in need with nutrition and fitness. When she became a mom, she stepped back and decided to pursue freelancing so she could raise her children.