Re: Having the Elderly Ride Bikes

On Wednesday, August 24, 2011 12:00:41 PM UTC-4, Rita wrote:
On Wed, 24 Aug 2011 06:57:51 -0700 (PDT), "TibetanMonkey, the Beach
Cruiser Philosopher" <nolionn...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

On Tuesday, August 23, 2011 10:39:03 PM UTC-4, Rita wrote:
On Tue, 23 Aug 2011 17:34:21 -0500, High Miles
<2blu...@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

On 8/23/2011 4:19 PM, Rita wrote:
On Mon, 22 Aug 2011 14:33:24 -0700 (PDT), "TibetanMonkey, the Beach
Cruiser Philosopher"<nolio...@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

On Monday, August 22, 2011 12:55:02 PM UTC-4, Jeff Strickland wrote:

As a matter of public policy, taking the car keys from seniors and giving
them a bike is probably not a good idea on several different levels.

Having them ride a bike assumes they can keep their balance. Many cannot.
They use a cane or a walker, that they easliy can stow in the back seat
while driving.

It also assumes they can tolerate the physical exertion needed to propel the
bike. Many cannot. They use a cane or a walker, that they easliy can stow in
the back seat while driving.

It also assumes they only travel a few blocks, and never need to carry a
load.
I think the pluses override the minuses:

1- They will care about bike facilities, which fall under their radar now,

2- They will be in shape as a consequence of riding bikes,

3- They will be more mentally alert,

4- They opt to ride a trike, which provides better workouts while providing safety,

5- They will reduce Medicare costs,

6- Who wants to live after you are unable to ride a bike and are unable to have an erection? ;)


The alternatives are just too scary...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRh5zKleh0I
I am age 81 and I ride an adult trike. No problem balancing
and it turns on a dime. I had it electrified and so if needed I
can hit the throttle and get all the help needed in pedaling.
I use it constantly to shop for groceries, there is a big basket
over the two rear wheels.

I live in San Diego with very clement weather and little rain so
I can ride it year round.

They are perfect for seniors. I am surprised when I note I
don't see others around riding them because they sure
beat using a walker or rollathing. Fun to ride and recharge
in a light socket.

I do have a lot of people stop me and ask questions about
the trike. Often they are asking for an elderly relative.

http://brandscycle.com/merchant/278/images/small/trike_lg.jpg

No good for us country people.
I'd have to go five miles on a high speed highway to get to anything.
A person would have to have a death wish to try.
From the country house, it's only three miles to the nearest - anything,
but it's also on hilly roads where cars rule.

There are not a lot of days that are suitable weather wise for biking.
Powerful cold in winter, dreadful heat in summer, and often sudden rain
storms decorate spring and fall.
So even if the roads were flat and safe - it wouldn't work here.

All the old folks on my transport list either no longer drive or don't
own a vehicle. None could manage a trike.
They're on the feeble side, with many physical limitations.
So - I toss their walkers or wheel chairs into the truck bed and take
them where they need to go.

Not every area is suitable for biking -- that's true. I am lucky to
live in a place that is perfect for biking -- and I knew that before
I moved here, having visited often, and deliberately chose a
neighborhood that is exceptionally bike friendly. I had an adult
trike bought within a couple of weeks. I rode it without an electric
motor for about three years but then needed the additiional boost
in some parts of the neighborhood. One can ride miles on bike
paths along the ocean.

They really are very safe, you would have to work at it to fall off
of one. A very good exercise option for a large group of seniors.
When I got home from 8 days in the hospital a year ago I was
shaky on my legs, so I just hopped on my trike and felt both
comfortable and safe.

I get along well and very cheap transportation costs -- no gas,
no insurance and I take taxis when the distance is too great to
ride somewhere and still spend only a tiny fraction of what running
a car would cost.

Buying that trike was one of the smartest things I've done.

You are a smart lady because you got your priorities right, making sure the place was right for biking BEFORE moving.

I considered the trike I had a lot of fun, but that was due to the small turning circle and due to the fact that you must lean into a curve. I'm sure you stay away from those, but you must avoid flipping due to a bump or something.

They also sell those trikes that are really close to the ground, which are also fast. Maybe good for younger and disabled people. Some older folks choose folding bikes because of their lower step over frame.

I also bike by the beach but my path is only a mile long and doesn't take me anywhere. I can only say, "Life's a beach" in a very symbolic way. ;)

I see a few riding a recumbent bike now and then. They are said to be
comfortable to ride but so low to the round I can't believe one's
field of vision is the best. Seems like you would have to be
constantly turning your head upward to see well what is around
you and ahead.

This should make an old man --or lady-- happy:

http://www.bicycleman.com/recumbents/sun/images/sun_ez3_lg.jpg

You trade somewhat less visibility for stability. I like that one.

It's just a more aggressive trike with multiple gears.
.

Relevant Pages

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  • Re: Having the Elderly Ride Bikes
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    (soc.senior.issues)
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