Tandem Cycling
Cycling is a sport that is inclusive of athletes of all disabilities. Athletes can compete on a track or on the road. Track racing has various types of events including sprints and individual time trials whilst road races are conducted on regular roads.
Cycling was first developed by visually impaired cyclists who competed using tandem bicycles. It was introduced as a Paralympic Sport in Seoul in 1988.
Today the sport includes four groups of handicaps; blind and visually impaired riders, people with cerebral palsy, locomotor disabilities and handcycling. Handcyclists are athletes whose lower extremities have been amputated or suffer a degree of paralysis. Athletes race on bicycles, tricycles, tandem or handcycles based on their impairment. Handcycles are unique as they are powered by the arms not the legs.
Rules & Equipment
Tandem Bicycle
Whether you are competing or just riding for fun and health, a tandem bicycle is required if you have a Vision Impairment, this is to ensure the safety of both you and others around you.
Pilot
Having a Pilot for your Tandem Bike is crucial to be able to Cycle with a Vision Impairment. This should be someone that you know is a capable rider and you trust. Once you have a lead rider and safety equipment such as helmets and any elbow/knee pads you may require.
Contact
If you would like to know more or become involved, please contact:
Kent Dredge, Sports Development officer, Blind Sports SA
Email: kent.dredge@blindsportssa.org.au
Phone: 0402 564 991
Alternatively, you can follow or contact Blind Sports SA via Facebook.