Adaptive Bike Ride NYC

Looking for adaptive sports in New York City ? InTandem provides bike rides for free.

I didn’t think I’d ever ride a bicycle again given that I’ve developed invisible disabilities (vertigo and deteriorated hip bones) in recent years therefore I appreciate learning about and experiencing the fun and free bike rides from InTandem Bike. Understanding that there are limited adaptive sports opportunities for people with disabilities to exercise or socialize, InTandem provides both. They’re a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide tandem cycling programs to people who are blind, have low vision, or cannot ride independently due to other disabilities.

There are a few ways to participate. If you have a disability and want to enjoy New York City from a stokers seat that’s your primary option. You’ll be paired up with a well trained captain after an individualized orientation which allows the team to provide the right equipment and necessary accommodations. No cycling experience is necessary to have a great time, get an excellent workout, and join a fun and inclusive community! You can also become a captain if you’re into the joys of cycling and want to volunteer. InTandem provides a thorough training on bike safety, tandem riding techniques and communication, and disability awareness. If you’re not into cycling at all and would still like to volunteer, you’re more than welcome to watch and care for guide dogs and personal belongings while their owners ride.

There are weekly scheduled rides in Central Park and in a typical season a very busy calendar of enriching event rides. In addition to food-themed rides, they frequently ride to museums and other cultural institutions where rides are combined with a special tour. InTandem also participates in all the major NYC rides like the TD Five Boro, Hudson Valley, NY Century, Tour de Bronx, Tour de Staten Island, and others. Check out their famous Donut Ride, an annual fundraiser that takes place in fall.

My first ride was on a crisp fall Sunday morning with barely any changes to the foliage. Our meeting point was in the parking lot of the Loeb Boathouse where all their bikes are stored. Rides can be from 3 miles to however long you and your captain agree upon. In my case I was nervous that I had not been on a bike for more than 10 years so I thought I’d barely manage but actually pulled off 5 miles in a very short time. It was plenty of fun with my amazing captain Anjela who ensured I got the right helmet, tested out two rounds in the parking lot and then off we went for an invigorating ride with an engaging conversation on the loop in Central Park.

Visit InTandem's website for more information and email info@intandembike.org if you’d like to participate.