Introduction

"The first thing to recognize is that there actually is a lot of wasted space on the streets that cars don’t (or at least shouldn’t) use. What’s more, it would be fairly inexpensive — both fiscally and politically — to start handing over more of this space to pedestrians." - https://whyy.org/articles/how-to-squeeze-more-pedestrian-space-out-of-phillys-narrow-streets/

Safe, accessible walking and bicycling infrastructure makes communities safer for everyone, especially when accessibility for people with disabilities. People with freedom of mobility can work and care for themselves. Ability to move around provides additional opportunities for communities to grow and take care of themselves, which has been shown as a key to saving lives during heatwaves, floods, and other climate-related dangers.

Bikes

Some motorists see cyclists as nuisances, not realizing how much danger their own vehicles pose to everyone else on the road and the community. Studies have found that bikes, especially in conjunction with safety improvements such as protected bike lanes actually increase public safety. Protected bike lanes and bike-friendly paths can be used by wheelchair and push-chair users, meaning accessibility and safety is improved. Dangerous air pollution and run off is reduced, and potential customers travel at slower speeds which boosts local economies. More eyes and ears on community roads even reduces crime rates compared to places with high vehicle use and less pedestrians or cyclists.

Leading Bike-Friendly Cities/Towns - https://bna.peopleforbikes.org/#/

Accessibility

'A rolling walking stick': why do so many disabled people cycle in Cambridge?

"Riding a bike may be easier than walking for two-thirds of disabled cyclists, but they often remain invisible to society. Many don’t realize that more than a quarter of disabled commutes in this university city are made by bike"

Resources

Tomcat Case Studies - These personalized stories of how cycling has helped people gain or regain independence may people with disabilities, researchers, designers, manufacturers, communities, and families make informed decisions about topics including equipment, community designs, and community programs..

Rooted in Rights - "In the spirit of the disability community’s motto, “nothing about us without us,” we believe that disabled people should be the ones writing, producing, shooting, and editing our own stories. Through our storytellers program and storytelling workshops, we train disabled people who are new to video advocacy about how to use video storytelling to push for progress and influence change. We also work with disabled writers to edit and publish their stories on our blog. Through digital organizing, we build community and amplify the messages of disabled storytellers who challenge stigmas and advocate for change. The stories reflect the views of the authors and not necessarily those of Disability Rights Washington. "

Europe

Netherlands

Vanraam - "Let's all cycle" "An adult, who is no longer able to ride on a regular two-wheel bike is looking for an appropriate and safe alternative. A trike for disabled adults from Van Raam is an environmentally friendly solution and specially designed for you. By using various options, modifications and accessories, they give extra support and stability while cycling. Because everyone is different and every individual has different needs, we offer more than one trike for disabled adults to help and give a safe alternative for everyone. Find out more about the safe alternatives: a trike for disabled adults." Auf Deutsch

UK

Theraplay - Bespoke Disabled Bikes & Trikes

Tomcat Special Needs Innovations Ltd - "This business was created out of the desire to help just one little boy experience the joy, normality and freedom of exploring the outdoors on wheels.

Tomcat’s founder, Bob Griffin quickly discovered that no other company manufactured trikes of the right design to properly support physical disabilities.

It began a journey of discovery and invention that’s spanned more than two decades and resulted in creating life-changing solutions for over 10,000 people of all ages."

North America

USA

eSpecial Needs: Adaptive Tricycles

Special Needs Bicycles and Tricycles from Worksman Cycles