Local business to fund adaptive MTB in Canberra
Two Canberran businesses are fundraising for adaptive mountain bikes at Mount Stromlo.
Canberra local businesses, The Handlebar and Cycle City Hire, are working to raise $60k over the next two months so they purchase of two adaptive mountain bikes. The GoFundMe compaign has been created to make the Mount Stromlo trails more accessible to adults and children with disabilities.
Enough story – where do I donate?!
The Handlebar and City Cycle Hire manager, Rowan Cumming, says the idea was borne from their love of helping people find the sport and the sense of freedom it brings.
“We are a bunch of avid mountain bikers ourselves and it’s our thrill to get more people into the sport as it increases our crew of mates,” Rowan said. “When we came across the Bowhead Reach Adaptive E-Bikes, it tied right into that vision.”
The adaptive bikes that are being funded are modifiable to suit a wide range of needs. They are built with a front wheel stance narrower than typical mountain bike handlebars, eliminating the need for any costly adaptive trail construction. With front steering and suspension, they allow stability on off-camber and inconsistent surfaces. The design should allow access to the majority of the park, with assistance from a battery-powered eMTB system.
But purchasing these bikes is just one part of the plan for the two Canberran businesses.
“Once we have the bikes available, we will reach out to existing care providers to ensure we can create a plan for the user’s time riding at Stromlo,” Rowan said. “We will also work with users based on their needs to provide safe access around the park and recovery options for those times when things don’t quite go to plan.”
Skills-training company rideTECHNICS are also offering their services to upskill first time users on how to use the bikes.
ACT Minister for Disability and local member for Murrumbidgee, Emma Davidson, said: “It’s great to see the community helping create a more inclusive Canberra. It shows the power we have as individuals, organisations and communities to make a difference and build a better normal.”
You can donate via the GoFundMe page.
