Action Preserves Cycling Program for People with Disabilities
Submission Date: June 2018
State/Territory Submitted on the Behalf of: Oregon
States/Territories Involved: Oregon
Funding Source: CDC
CDC Funding:Yes
CDC Funding (Specified):Other CDC Funding
Other Federal Funding:CDC(non CSTLTS)
Domain Addressed:Environmental Approaches
Public Health Issue:- Making recreational activities accessible and inclusive to those with disabilities means removing barriers so that more people have an equal opportunity to enjoy the benefits of exercise.
- Handcycling is a fun exercise and a feasible option for riders who live with mobility impairment. Yet, inherent barriers can make handcycling less than universally inclusive. Ā For example, handcycles are expensive and can be difficult to transfer in and out of vehicles. Safe places to ride are also not readily available.
- An established handcycle program in Portland, Oregon experienced a budget shortfall that put the program at risk.
- Adaptive Sports Northwestās (ASNW) popular Portland Summer Handcycling Series program eliminates barriers by offering 12 weeks of free handcycling in a safe location. Their skilled volunteers facilitate bike transfers for the many people with severe mobility impairment served by the program.
- The Oregon Office on Disability and Health provided technical assistance to the Oregon Public Health Institute Health and Outdoors Initiative staff. As a result, the Institute granted funding for the first time to a disability agency, ASNW, providing $10,000 to maintain their Summer Handcycling Series program.
- The Summer Handcycling Series program served 100 people with disabilities, providing more than 240 hours of riding recreation.
- Almost all of the participating riders surveyed said they felt better after their ride than before.
- ASNW continues adding bikes as it enters its 13th program year.
Health Equity and Cultural Competency, Healthy Communities (general), Social Determinants of Health
State Contact Information:
OR
West Livaudais
Oregon Office on Disability and Health
503-494-4858
livaudai@ohsu.edu