Last June, Vision Australia hosted a “Sensory Solstice Fun Day” at Leagues Club Park in Gosford.
A large group of vision-impaired members of the community were brought together to participate in a variety of inclusive sporting activities – including tandem cycling!
Alan Corven, President of Central Coast BUG, explains how CCBUG RidesAssist supported with event.
A Hase Pino tandem at the Vison Australia event in Gosford, June 2024 (Image: CCBUG)
“CCBUG RidesAssist is a program designed to provide people living with vision impairment and other disabilities the opportunity to experience the joys and benefits of cycling in a safe and supported environment,” explains Alan.
And Hase Pino tandem e-bikes make it all possible!
These tandems have a very unusual design. Unlike a traditional tandem bike, the Hase Pino allows one person to site at the front of the bike leaning backwards in a recumbent posture. This person is called the 'stoker'. They can push pedals but have no role in steering the bike. An experienced and accredited 'pilot' sits at the back and is responsible for steering, pedalling, brakes and gears.
Because the ‘stoker’ does not steer the bike, that person can engage in other activities such as photography. It is also ideal for people who are vision-impaired or otherwise unable to manage a bicycle.
“I was introduced to the Pino by CCBUG member Gary Hackett,” says Alan. “Gary was travelling through Europe on a holiday with his wife several years ago when they happened across a bike shop selling German-made Hase bicycles.”
“Gary's wife had not been keen on cycling during the trip, but she did like the look of the Hase Pino and its comfortable recumbent seat – perfect for taking in the scenery! The Hacketts ended up buying a Pino and bringing it back to Australia. Later they purchased several more to allow their family members to join in the fun.”
Gary’s fleet of five Pinos is now regularly used for community events and social rides on the Central Coast.
A busy day in Gosford
At the Vision Australia Fun Day, the short rides around the park were incredibly popular, with participants queuing up all afternoon for a chance to try a Pino.
Community United! Participants wait for a turn on a Pino (Image: CCBUG)
The rides brought immense joy to both the vision-impaired riders and their support people. Many people had travelled from Sydney to join in.
Catch the excitement in this short video from the Vision Australia Fun Day, supported by CCBUG RidesAssist (Courtesy: CCBUG)
The event not only provided a platform for vision-impaired individuals to engage in physical activities but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants and volunteers.
The positive feedback and enthusiasm highlighted the importance of such initiatives in promoting inclusivity and accessibility in sport and recreation.
Joy in Motion! Vision-impaired participants and their support riders revel in the thrill of tandem cycling at the Vision Australia Fun Day, brought to life by CCBUG RidesAssist and Gary's Pino Tandems (Images: CCBUG)
More chances to try a Pino tandem
The Pinos pop up at fairly regularly at community events and rides in the Gosford area. Keep and eye on the CCBUG Facebook page for details.
Pinos are also used for rides with Bike North – Gary Hackett’s other BUG!
Gary and CCBUG are now working on a new project, Riding Together, to enable more people to use Pinos more often in more places. Bicycle NSW will share news and links as soon as we know more!
For more about the Pino tandems head here.
In the meantime, 3 Pinos will ride the Bobbin Head Cycle Classic short course on 30th March with at least 2 people who are legally blind. Look out for them there!
And it’s not too late to join in the fun at Bobbo 2025. Bicycle NSW Members receive a 15% discount on the entry fee. Please login to your account on the Bicycle NSW website to access the discount code.
More happy stokers at the Vision Australia event in June 2024. (Images: CCBUG)
About Vision Australia
Vision Australia is a leading national provider of blindness and low vision services, supporting more than 25,500 people of all ages and circumstances. Their mission is to help Australians who are blind or have low vision live the life they choose. Vision Australia offers a wide range of services, including orientation and mobility training, adaptive technology, and recreational programs.
About Bicycle NSW Bicycle User Groups
Bicycle User Groups (BUGs) are local collectives of cycling enthusiasts who come together for social rides, advocacy, and community building. These groups play a crucial role in promoting cycling as a safe, enjoyable, and sustainable mode of transport. BUGs organise regular rides, advocate for better cycling infrastructure, and provide a supportive network for cyclists of all levels.
To find and contact a BUG in your area, visit the Bicycle User Groups page, where you can explore affiliated BUGs and get involved in your local cycling community.
Before you pedal away….
Bicycle NSW, the peak advocacy body for bike riders in NSW, has been actively involved in promoting cycling and improving bicycle infrastructure across the state for nearly 50 years. Bicycle NSW works with all levels of government to create a better environment for all bike riders and supports various community initiatives to encourage more people to take up cycling.
Please sign up to the movement today!
Joining Bicycle NSW is a brilliant way to contribute to our mission.
Membership also provides benefits such as global comprehensive insurance, legal advice, and access to exclusive events and resources.
Pedalling Joy! Ladies experience the thrill of tandem cycling at the Vision Australia Fun Day, making unforgettable memories. (Images: CCBUG)
