Inclusive cycling

Everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, can enjoy the benefits of riding a bicycle

Bicycles provide mobility assistance and help people travel easier than they could by foot or other means. 21.4% of Australians have a disability (ABS, Disability, 2022). And more than 60% of people (2 out of 3) over the age of 65 did not meet the physical activity guidelines for strong health (ABS, Health, 2022). Foot, knee and ankle injuries or disabilities, some cardiovascular conditions, arthritis, some spinal injuries or chronic conditions can make moving painful.

Bikes can be a fantastic solution to getting around actively with assistance (strength, balance, joint), low cost and whilst maintaining independence. Electric assist bicycles, tricycles and scooters have hugely expanded the possibilities for getting out and about independently. Bike riding regularly is also very good for mental and physical health.

Not every body has access to a bicycle whilst growing up. This can be due to cultural and socio-economic reasons.

The Bicycle NSW blog regularly showcases organisations that champion inclusive cycling for a wide range of people, including people with disabilities and or affected by disadvantage. We provide a range of support for inclusive bicycle events and community programs. Of course, we also advocate each and every day for better infrastructure to make bike riding more accessible for everyone and every body!

Equipment

Your local bike shop is the best place to find a high-quality bike. For modified or customised trikes and bikes, contact a specialist retailer such as Freedom Wheels, everyBody eBikes or Recumbent & Specialised Cycling. Adaptive bikes are unique to each person and therefore should be discussed with your Occupational Therapist or physiotherapist. Buying a non-standard cycle, like a handcycle or e-tricycle, can be very expensive. If you are registered with a disability you may be able to have funding allocated for equipment, such as part of your NDIS package.

@mollyburkeofficial
This bike is superior to a traditional tandem, in my opinion. I really enjoyed experiencing the Pino bike in Sydney and would LOVE to own one someday! As a blind person, it was fantastic but I can see it being a benefit to so many others in the disability community, as well as families and couples who love tandem riding! #Cycling #Biking #TandemBike #PinoBike #Sydney #Australia
? original sound - Molly Burke - Molly Burke

Advice and support

Disability Sports Australia (DSA) is a national sport organisation, non-profit, and registered charity dedicated to empowering people with disability through the power of sport. Sport NSW recognises the social and health benefits associated with participation in active recreation and campaigns for sport to be accessible to all members of the community. Cerebral Palsy Sporting and Recreation Association NSW Inc (CPSARA) aims to encourage sporting and recreational opportunities for people of all ages with Cerebral Palsy and other neurological conditions. The Disability Trust CycleAbility program (Illawarra) is an all ages, all abilities cycle skills program designed to build social connections whilst keeping fit and enjoying the outdoors. For racing, AusCycling has details on road and track para-cycling and classification details.

Event and guided rides

Councils often have accessible cycling skills programs that support riders with additional requirements. The Bicycle Education Centre in Campbelltown is a great example.

We encourage you to reach out to your local Bicycle User Group and see how they can help you experience the joy of bike riding. Central Coast BUG and Newcastle Cycleways Movement supports the RidesAssist program for low-vision riders, as well as Riding Together, and many other BUGs run rides suitable for new or beginner riders. For example, Illawarra BUG runs SWIFT (Social Women's Inter-Cultural Friendship Tricycling Club).

You may also have heard the mission of Cycling Without Age, a wonderful global movement that provides joy and vitality to residents of care homes through the magic of the bicycle. Their motto is "to give elderly the right to wind in their hair". Modified electric trishaws allow a pilot to ride with two passengers. This program is invaluable for allowing care home residents to enjoy the recreational benefits and fresh air of a bike ride. Several of our Bicycle User Groups - such a BIKEast, Bike North and Western Sydney Cycling Network - run localised volunteer chapters of Cycling Without Age in NSW.