Step through bikes for people with mobility challenges

 Bicycles have been a common mode of transportation for decades, but people with disabilities have been left out. Step-through bikes are specially designed to allow riders who use braces or other devices to step over the frame instead of lifting their leg high enough to mount a regular bike.

Willie Weir, a disabled cyclist and cycling coach in Davis, California, used to use step-through bicycles. He said it was difficult finding step-through bikes that were designed for off-road cycling, citing the need for large tire clearance and higher gearing. But in recent years he has seen more step-through bikes on trails near his home.

He expects this trend will continue as growing numbers of people with disabilities increasingly turn to two wheels for recreation or transportation. "I think step-throughs are starting to feel like a practical option," said Weir who is vice president of Adaptive Adventures, which leads tours all over the world. "They're proving themselves." 

Step through bikes can be especially beneficial when using an electric wheelchair because riders don't have any balance issues that cause them to fall off while they are stopped.

Step-through bikes are starting to become more popular for people with disabilities because they don't have the balance issues that riders using standard bicycles might fall off their bikes while stopped.

 Adaptive Adventures, which leads step-through bike tours around the world, expects step-through bikes to continue growing in popularity.

Step-through bikes are especially beneficial for people who use electric wheelchairs because they do not have any balance issues that might make them fall off while stopped. Adaptive Adventures expects step-through bikes to continue growing in popularity as more people with disabilities turn to two wheels for transportation or recreation.

Step through bikes helps people with disabilities step onto bicycles instead of lifting their legs over the seat, especially those who use braces or other devices. Willie Weir and Adaptive Adventures expect step-through bikes to continue growing in popularity as more and more people with disabilities look at two-wheel vehicles to get around. Adaptive Adventures leads step-through bike tours around the world and expects step-throughs to become a practical option for cyclists.