Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (2011) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (1973), a disability is a physical or mental disability that affects a major life activity. What is a “Major Life Activity”?
- eating?
- toileting?
- walking?
- playing with your family?
Until a disability affects you or one of your immediate family members, you have no idea how great of an impact it is. Try to imagine having to help someone eat 3 meals a day, plus snacks, day after day, after day. Words cannot describe how a “normal” family is affected. Eating out in restaurants? Sorry, we can’t do that. Going on a bike ride? Sorry, we can’t do that either.
Well, we couldn’t do that until just recently. You see, my (Missy) brother has a disability–well, let’s be honest–multiple disabilities (autism, cognitive disability, seizure disorder, mild cerebral palsy). Those disabilities affect many of his life activities as well as some of our family’s activities. Something as simple as riding a bike was too difficult for him. We tried those “special” bikes but since he cannot steer or use the braking system, bike riding just wasn’t possible for him.Plus, how could you get that bike on the bike rack? Sure, this tricycle/bicycle probably works for some people–it just didn’t work for us.
Enter, the Caboose Trailer Bike. This bike attaches to the back of an adult bike. Surely you have seen toddlers riding at the rear of bikes. This bike is similar except that it has two wheels at the back for added stability. The rider does not need to steer or brake. However, the rider has handle bars and fully functioning pedals to enable him or her to participate.
We ordered right from Pedal Cars and Retro dot com. The bike shipped in just a few days. It comes in a box and requires some assembly. However, once assembled, the only work that is required is attaching it prior to the ride. Well, ok…..it does require a bit of work to pedal depending on how much the rider weighs.
The trailer bike does not fit on our bike rack. It does, however, fit in the back of the SUV. So, all 5 of us, and our bikes, and the trailer fit snugly in one package.
Clearly, with my brother tagging along on family outings, we can never have a “normal life” but that won’t keep us from trying.
We are hanging out again this week over at Yeah Write. Hop on over there to visit other blogs where there are no winners just writers. Or you can head over to the challenge site and help pick out the winners on Thursday.
That is so cool!
I has a back injury once that put me into a wheelchair for 6 weeks, boy was that a lesson for me as I went on 27 speaking gigs, through airports (arg), hotels (oww) and shuttles (sigh). It’s not very easy, that’s for sure. I think instead of making things like water fountains and counters wheelchair accessible, they should make the wheelchairs themselves with the ability to adjust to varies heights. Oh they things you learn once you’re actually there.
Great post and great bike!
Thank you Angela! We have had some great rides on it!
What an awesome bike. I love your line where you say “but that won’t keep us from trying.” Such a good attitude.
Thanks for stopping by, Missy! Glad you liked our post (and our attitude!).
I loved this. I think it’s fantastic that you go that extra effort to find ways to help him be a part of your family. Go you!
Thank you for coming over to our blog! Mac is definitely worth the extra steps. Seeing him laugh and have fun is the best.
Hmm…seems like a great tool for you!
I really want one of those adult tricycles. And the attachment seems like a fantastic solution to many situations. Thanks for sharing!
Plus, it was really easy! Once you put it together, taking it off and putting it back on is a breeze. Thanks for coming by again!