Sometime before Christmas I had been invited to a running cycle
taster session that was postponed because of the snowy weather. I
was told that one of the highlights would be meeting a young lad
who'd really taken to the running cycles. He'd gone to a race
meeting in Denmark and had smashed two world records. This all
sounded great; I had visions of a robust, muscular athlete primed
to compete at the highest level and of writing about the small
margins that make him a winner.
Walking into the sports centre I noticed a young lad skittering
around in a walking frame. Quite oblivious to the shifting and
moving his dad, one of the organisers; he was just exploring the
set-up. His tiny frame scooted to and fro and as people started to
arrive he cocked his head to explore each and every face as if
reading their individual characters. I was becoming intrigued.
Would the running cycles that I had heard so much about help this
young fellow too? In truth, I had doubts that he'd be big enough or
sufficiently coordinated to stay astride one.
I introduced myself to him with a delicate handshake. His dark
eyes stared at me from his fair-skinned face. "I'm Peter by the
way, this is my son Gavin; he doesn't speak." said his dad putting
down another cycle and showing a thumbs-up to him. "Alright Gavin?"
Gavin replied with his little thumb and continued to play with his
older sister.
Further and faster
Running bikes are excellent for disabled people that have some
movement in their legs. The tricycle design means that riders
require no sense of balance; concentrating instead, on having fun,
whilst every foot-fall propels them further and faster.
I have seen running bikes before. Somebody had pointed them out
at an exhibition but I'd thought nothing of it. The truth is that
until I saw kids actually riding them, I didn't get it. In fact, it
really only clicked once I got on one myself and started to cause
my own breeze. Even for someone ambulant like me, I could
immediately sense the opportunity and realised the greatness of the
gift that running bikes represent. The sense of freedom, ease and
gracefulness is consuming. If you get the chance, try it.
The design concept
A meeting between two Paralympics legends Mansoor Siddiqi and
Connie Hansen agreed on the concept of a running bike, missing
pedals, allowing the rider's weight and foot-fall to provide
forward motion. Connie's father, a retired blacksmith, cannibalised
a bike and other bits and pieces to come up with a prototype.
Since then the cycle has been refined although it still retains
a simple, lean design. It has just started to gain popularity in
the UK. Spearheading the interest in it are two young people who
have really made the running bike their own.
Gavin Drysdale is just ten years old but has been riding for
four years. Gavin has cerebral palsy and uses callipers. The first
time he used the cycle he managed a creditable 200 metres. "These
days, he regularly covers 8 kilometres in a single training
session." Adds Peter. On a recent trip to Denmark, home of Connie
Hansen and the running cycle, he smashed two world records.
Record breaker
Without warning the penny dropped loudly in my hollow head. Of
course, the little lad is the 'record breaker'. I turned my
attention to the far end of the track and saw him pushing this way,
and at a fair speed too.
Gavin and his club mate Kayleigh have since been drafted into
the Scottish Disability Sport National Squad. Gavin's dad, Peter,
has been instrumental in founding the Ayr Carrick Eagles (ACE)
running bike club and is currently organising sessions and aiming
to raise funds for more cycles for young people with similar needs
to Gavin. A natural coach, it's Peter that musters the by-standing
spectators and parents into a cheering trackside support, willing
the children to greater advancement, whatever their level.
Peter is such an enthusiastic advocate for the cycles and
outlines not only the positive changes he's seen in his own son but
also in Kayleigh. "Kayleigh's physiotherapist says she is now
developing calf muscles" Peter whispers excitedly. "Kayleigh's
stamina has improved, her lung function is up and her core is
strengthening," he says. Any one of these benefits would be
incredible, but a triple whammy is a much bigger deal. Add to that
the general cardio workout that running bikes provide (with minimal
impact damage to feet and ankles that joggers might suffer) and you
have a brilliant formula for fun and fitness. Indeed the clinical
benefits are backed up by physiotherapist Helen, who has also
attended the session this evening.
So much fun in fact, that despite the new feeling of
'saddle-sore,' Jack, a new rider, refuses to get off for a rest.
"I'm addicted to it" he smiles; another young lad who by the end of
the evening is yawning long and deep, not through boredom but
through being completely exhausted, in the most satisfying way.
Easy to use
Once Jack had finished it's an easy job to get him from the bike
back into his wheelchair (and vice versa). The chair rolls right in
between the back wheels of the cycle and under the cycle seat which
then dips via a release lever. Jack then slides comfortably back
into his wheelchair and reverses out.
"It's fantastic. I'm so impressed" commented a rep from the
Cycling Touring Club (CTC). ACE has applied to them for funding for
a new trailer, a slight downside to the cycles is that they have
quite a large 'footprint'. This could be alleviated by, say, quick
release wheels or folding frame but that's for another time. Right
now ACE could really use a trailer to transport their cycles to
events instead of cramming them into helpers' cars. Anyway, those
discussions are also looking positive, so things are certainly
taking shape.
Back on the indoor running track it's easy to see that the
cycles are ideal for a range of abilities. Gavin has, after four
years, began to develop a personal technique. He's a
small-but-faster stepper whilst Kayleigh paddles along using longer
strides. Newer riders are initially just thrilled with the motion
that they can accomplish independently. Others choose to have their
mum or dad walk beside them giving the self adjusting handlebars a
quick tweak now and then.
Getting up to speed
Even Millie, a five year old from Ayr has started to get up to a
decent speed on her own. Her dad, Scott is now left on the
sidelines as the session has moved outside and Millie progresses
round what to her, must be a vast track. Indeed, she is button
sized to the naked eye but we can all see that she's not struggling
at all.
Physiotherapist Helen again reiterates her view. "So many
pluses," she summarises before telling me that she hopes that
somebody will run a properly organised record of clinical
improvement as a result of using running cycles. She again chooses
Kayleigh as her case study, telling me that her hips have broadened
and her calf muscles are improving.
Usually, the only way to get this kind of progress is by using
trampolines in rebound therapy. Of course, whilst a trampoline is
good gentle fun it can't replicate this kind of excitement and
independence. The running cycles also encourage use of both sides
of the body independently (as happens when people walk: left, right
etc). Just as importantly the running cycles are ridden in an
almost standing position enabling deep, energetic breathing and a
feeling of height and confidence to take hold.
A familiar brand
The cycles themselves are being imported and distributed by Quest
88, a familiar brand to readers of Able's product review pages.
Naturally they're thrilled at how well the cycles are received when
they do taster sessions like this evening's or when they visit
schools and clubs.
The cycles all carry the hallmark of Quest 88's attention to
quality and safety and will no doubt be subject to their habit of
innovating on top of the innovation. For now though, running cycles
are the sleeping giant of disability products. Let's wake it
up.
The Facts
Running cycles are a practical way of improving overall
fitness, muscle tone and nervous and metabolic systems. Users with
major physical disabilities can still use the bike for extended
periods without getting tired and to help improve balance and motor
reactions.
Running cycles can be used by children as young as three
years through to adulthood. They are suitable for people with
cerebral palsy as well as those with muscular dystrophy,
Parkinson's disease and other mobility issues. Due to its low
centre of gravity, the bike offers good stability and balance
whilst running, walking or resting.