Teaching disabled kids to ride

[voodoo-kid]

Re:

I realise that this is quite an old thread now, but I thought I'd give an update anyway...

She's still not riding a bike as such, but we've not forced the issue to be honest. She is showing an interest though and occasionally asks to go on it. We skipped the balance bike thing since she didn't want to know about it (doesn't have pedals like daddy's bike I guess). She's got a little Mongoose BMX with stabilisers that she can get about on but gets tired easily. So some progress I guess. Slowly, slowly...

Cheers for all the pointers folks.

Mark

 

[andyz]

Re:

Have you seen these new bikes with a gyroscope in the front wheel?
They don't do one big enough for our purposes yet, but its coming....

http://shop-eu.jyrobike.com/

 

[Bats]

I could never learn to ride a bike traditionally.

Eventually I gave up and just played on a push scooter for a few years.

Imagine my surprise when I had a go on a bike and I didn't fall off!

 

[superstar1]

The way I taught my kids to ride (and I don't see why this method wouldn't work for disabled kids also) was to get them to try on grass, after about half an hour, when they are getting frustrated and grouchy, put them on tarmac and see them fly.

 

[TGR]

I am not sure if my comment is of much use but my daughter rode a bike when she decided that she wanted to try - no amount of pressure from me made any difference, I would presume (NB I do not know for definite) that this may be the case in most circumstances irrespective of disability etc. Once she decided she wanted to do it, it just took patience from me to run behind her holding the saddle - I still feel the back pain now!

Richard

 

[voodoo-kid]

Not been on for yonks but I thought I'd update things again...

We took her out in the summer though, and to great effect. She was riding her 16 inch wheeled bike with stabilisers and really enjoyed it. I think she must have done a couple of miles all told (wife and I were knackered) and just wanted to go fast! We did this a couple of times and I certainly think she's interested as she keeps asking to go on her bike. It's a bit too grim and chilly at the moment to take her out though (not that I would bother her too much).

So it all looks promising so we'll have to work on things this summer... between getting my oldest daughter practiced a bit more so that she has the confidence to ride one handed in readiness for her stage 2 bikeability training, and to get a bit of off-road riding in (this is a funny one because she hates the manmade trails we have in South Bristol but loves the more natural stuff).

Cheers all for sharing your experiences and keeping the ideas coming. It really is appreciated.

Mark.

 

[Leighcal]

Never mind the weather! If your daughter wants to go on her bike just get yourselves wrapped up nice and warm. If she's losing interest quickly you're not going to be out long but at least she is still getting time on her bike. Kids generally aren't bothered what the weather is like if they like been outdoors then they'll stay out as long as they can in my experience anyway.
Leigh

 

[hamster]

One other though is a tandem. With kiddy cranks on the back she will be able to enjoy the fun (and be close to you). A pal's son has Down's, the only insurmountable issue seems to be that the typical Dowon's low muscle tone limits his distance. The tandem could help. My kids loved the tandem from age 5 up.

There is a lovely charity - Charlotte's Tandems - who loan tandems for disabled riders to enjoy. They are regularly on the CTC forum.

 

[voodoo-kid]

Another update...

I have a work colleague in the office space around the corner from me who also has a daughter with Downs. He gave up on a regular bike but does taker her out on a tandem, which she apparently really likes. This might be an option but my shed is too full as it is!

I also enquired about having Brian Curtis build something for her after seeing his specialist bikes for people with Dwarfism. He was interested in working with us but is a bit busy at the moment with his little bikes so we are going to make contact again in the autumn depending upon...

I bought a Balance Buddy and ditched the stabilisers to see how she gets on. If you're not aware the Balance Buddy bolts onto the rear axle ends (like stabilisers) and has an enormous loop handle that you can grab hold of to prevent the back breaking stoop of holding onto the saddle (as mentioned above) - and I also remember it from my oldest! I figured that if she's going to take a little while to learn, I might as well be comfy. We've been out a couple of times now, and while she's really wobbly she did surprisingly well. I think with plenty of practice over the summer she might be getting pretty close. She puts both feet on the pedals before setting off (a problem with using stabilisers I guess) but the last time I had her pushing off with one foot and then putting a foot down when stopping. She had these down to a tee but will probably have forgotten this next time I take her out...

So, it's looking promising but there's always Brian to fall back on...

Mark

 

[voodoo-kid]

To resurrect an ancient thread... Has it really been 4 years?
Little'un has continued to struggle with her riding. The pedalling, balancing, steering and braking coordination skills have eluded her. Oh well.
She has enjoyed running around with the pedals off though and can manage a good 2 miles like this but does tire easily. This will continue to be an option for her to potter about on, but I tried on a tandem recently and I feel this is the way ahead. So a big (physically and financially) purchase has duly been ordered! Got to make room in the mancave though so keep an eye out in the classified section!

Cheers all,

Mark