The wheels are in motion
Gareth's designs include:
- standard tricycles
- reclining styles where the pedals are out in front to accommodate a high support seat
- double cycles for an able-bodied person to ride with a person with a disability
- the Challenger and the Rapid range, which are hand-pedalled tricycles for people who cannot use their legs
- the Go-Cart, originally designed for children with autism
- the U-Scoot for teaching preliminary riding skills
- the Spinner, designed to encourage problem solving
- the Glider, a tricycle for people with no arms or no use of their arms where steering is done by leaning left or right, and which has a foot brake, low gears and a well-supported seat.
To feel the wind in your hair, the sensation of movement and the vibration of tyres on tar is something most people take for granted. It is now possible for people with a disability to also enjoy this experience.
"A bike is part of you, it's like breathing," says former bike racer for track and road, Gareth Isham, who now builds 135 cycles and major accessories a year to meet the needs of people with a disability.
Gareth was operating a standard bicycle shop in Toowoomba when he was first approached by a person with a disability, asking him to make a special tricycle, and about 30 years ago Tempo Tricycles International was born.
Gareth says bike riding brings joy while building strength and flexibility. But one notable benefit for people with a disability is the level of independence a piece of equipment such as a cycle provides.
Karl Richardson on his customised tricycle.Peter Collini, aged 11, has cerebral palsy and though he is quite mobile, balance is an issue and has prevented him from taking part in family bike rides.
Peter's mum Toni, a Tempo Tricycles advocate says, now he can manage the hills the same as the rest of us.
"And just because it's a tricycle doesn't mean he has to go slow."
Karl Richardson, aged nine and also with cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair. His mother Annette says "the action of cycling patterns Karl's legs for walking by using the right muscles."
"It's a supportive type of exercise that doesn't resemble therapy. And he sits up so beautifully on his trike," she says.
Gareth makes all types of cycles. "But only a few at a time because we are always looking for improvements according to the feedback we get," Gareth says.
"We try to find the right cycle for the person. If we feel we don't have a good fit then we set out to make a new model, and that can pose a challenge."
Some children have disabilities that prevent them from pedalling any kind of cycle, so Tempo has recently added the Road Runner trailer to its portfolio.
"It can be towed behind a cycle, allowing the person to feel the wind on their face and experience a sense of motion and speed, which you don't get in a car," Gareth says.
Last updated November 2007