We've been told for decades that riding a bike is easy,
however the reality is that when it comes to staying upright on two wheels,
there is nothing more complicated, according
to the Daily Mail.
The
writer Catherine Hess puts it this way:
How in the world do
we manage to propel ourselves, constantly rocking back and forth with the
movement of our legs, on two wheels; simultaneously navigating movement on
multiple planes while trying to avoid countless obstacles?
It’s amazing when you
consider that riding a bicycle actually involves more physical and neurological
processes than driving a car!
Bike riding is also a
sensory whirlwind. Hess says it involves
the continuous use of all of an individual’s sensory capabilities - visual,
vestibular (balance) and proprioceptive [the awareness of one’s body and limb
positioning].
Scientists
from Holland, the USA and Nottingham have even devised a mathematical
formula to explain this complex task:
Inertia forces + gyroscopic forces + the
effects of gravity and centrifugal forces = the leaning of the body and the
torque applied to the handlebars of a bike.
Or put more
simply: If you don't pedal fast enough
to keep moving while keeping the bike straight, you fall over!
Now that you know
these facts, is it any wonder that individuals with developmental and/or
physical disabilities experience difficulty when learning to ride a bike?
If you are a parent of
a child who is struggling with this skill - take heart. I am here to tell you
that there are many people and products out there that can help you navigate
this challenge and get your child out riding.
With a little research it won’t take you long to find out what you
need. The world of adaptive cycling is a
crazy quilt of options that are as bright and beautiful as the riders
themselves.
Here’s some advice to
get you started:
1. CONSULT
your child’s physical or occupational therapist at school or in a clinic. These
professionals will have a good knowledge of your child’s motor skills and will
be a great resource for helping you find a therapy program or piece of
equipment that is right for their level of functioning.
2. REMEMBER
to be patient and persistent. Similar to
any other skill that your child has mastered, it will probably take them longer
than most to get the hang of it.
3. RELAX -
its’ summer. Get your bike out of the
garage, air up the tires, and get out
there and enjoy yourself with your family!
And as for the math behind my message? You don’t need to be a scientist to figure
out this formula:
Parents + Children + Bikes = FUN!