Connecticut Adaptive Cycling: 'Everyone Rides’

The philosophy of Connecticut Adaptive Cycling is simple – "everyone rides."

The group, a project of the non-profit Children and Adult Mobility Project, has operated out of Simsbury for the last year. It sponsors rides, events with area hospitals and use of bicycles for those with physical limitations.

“I think it’s important for everyone to exercise,” said Kenneth J. Messier, Simsbury resident and president of Children & Adult Mobility Project, Inc.

Connecticut Adaptive Cycling, which costs $25 a year to join, sponsors several rides of its own and participates in others. For example, it will send a team to the Cardio Express Bike MS Ride in Hartford Sept. 9.

The group sponsors rides and training with health-care facilities like Gaylord Hospital and the Hospital for Special Care as well as local events, such as a Veteran’s Bike Ride on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail this past May.

Supporting Veterans figures heavily into the cycling club. Messier said it actually grew out of another effort by the mobility project that worked with wounded veterans from Iraq. When that effort slowed down a little as time passed, it was the perfect time to branch out.

“We expanded it last year to anyone who wanted to do adaptive cycling,” Messier said.

It also provided a great opportunity to offer off-season training for the Connecticut Sled Hockey players Messier manages.

But even more than most sports, he also sees another advantage for his athletes and other riders with physical disabilities.

“You can ride with your family,” he said.

Having the adaptive bicycles and use of the free bikes all in downtown Simsbury also allows families to have a greater chance to do so, he added. 

And that works both ways. Since the bikes for those with limitations are often large, family members sometime can’t bring other bikes but through Simsbury Free Bike, another program of the Children and Adult Mobility Project, can still ride together, Messier said.

As part of its efforts, the adaptive cycling group offers use of several bicycles from its Simsbury facility in the rear of the Andy’s Shops along Iron Horse Boulevard in Simsbury.

The bikes fall into two broad categories.

Recumbent trikes offer riders a seated, laid-back position. Often powered by leg pedals, they are great for people who have issues with balance, whether due to stroke, age, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s or other conditions, Messier said.

Hand-cycles are best for those who can’t use their legs, such as paraplegics, amputees or those with Spina Bifida.

While Messier hopes to eventually find enough volunteers to staff the facility, at present those interested in joining the group, testing a bicycle before purchasing one or volunteering, should contact him at Ctadaptivecycling@gmail.com.

People can also follow the activities of Connecticut Adaptive Cycling on its facebook page.