Racers ready to roll this weekend thanks to unique trike

A unique adult tricycle that allows riders to mimic the motion of runningis giving people with certain mobility issues an opportunity to take part in Ottawa Race Weekend.

The three-wheeled Alinker, a Dutch invention billed as "a radically different walking bike," is geared toward helping people with cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and other conditions stay active.

The bike has two wheels in front, a smaller stabilizing wheel in the rear, a seat, curved handlebars and a handbrake. There are no pedals riders propel themselves using their feet.

Adult tricycle doubles as mobility tool

6 years ago

Duration 0:59

Gym owner Karen Snyder demonstrates the Alinker bike, a type of adult tricycle that's helping people with mobility issues get moving.

"[It's]the most wonderful piece of equipment you'll ever have," Mary Bolt told CBC'sOttawa Morning.

Bolt has a degenerative joint disease. Before discovering the Alinker, her body would lock up afterfive to 10 minutes of walking, she said.

"It was getting very hard for me because I was getting cabin fever, and I was feeling like I didn't have the ability to do anything, and I was sort of losing hope about being able to move."

Bolt began using the Alinkerlast Octoberas part of her therapy at LiquidGym in Bells Corners.

LiquidGymco-ownerKaren Snyder said the Alinkergives riders something they can't getwith a walker orwheelchair.

"[They can] create a cardiovascular workout as they're moving because they canget that speed," Snyder told Ottawa Morning.

Mobility the 'best gift ever,' cyclist says

6 years ago

Duration 0:32

After a debilitating hip surgery, Mary Bolt says it was the gift of a three-wheeled bicycle that allowed her to move again.

About 50 riders from LiquidGymwill participate in the 2K race during Ottawa Race Weekend, Snyder said. Participants havebeen training since October.

"For a lot who have never done an event, this is amazing," Snyder said."When the gun goes off, and [at the] finishing line, there's going to be cheering going on. It is going to be overwhelming."

While Mary Bolt knows of no relation to her speedy Jamaican namesake, she sounds just as competitive about her chances this weekend.

"I'm going to win it," she said."If I don't win it, I'm going to finish anyway."