Bicycles and Infrastructure
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
7:39 minute video "Created for NACTO’s Bike Share and Cities for Cycling Roundtable."
'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
Calls to Action
Level 1
If you don't know how to ride a bike, or use another active transport option, then try learning. Some advocacy groups give lessons, or someone you know might be willing to help!
Ride as often as possible - being seen on the road helps raise awareness that this is a valid transport mode.
Use simple skills to maintain your bike
Use upgrades that will make it easier to do more with your bike - like adding a basket, paniers, baby seat, or trailer.
Level 2
Invite others to ride with you.
Help friends & family learn riding and maintenance skills.
Level 3
Support your local bike advocacy group.
Report road hazards to your local council or whoever is supposed to fix those problems.
Attend community planning meetings, HOA meetings, etc. to ensure that cyclists are being represented and problems or suggestions brought to the public conversation.
Volunteer/work at educational events and locations to encourage cycling and road safety. This can include teaching students to ride or cross streets safely.
Level 4
Support national and state-level laws that will help protect cyclists.
USA
