Have you seen the Buddy Bike? It's a tandem bicycle (bicycle for two) different from standard tandems in that the captain steers from the rear seat while the stoker (pedaler only) sits in front. Shorter than a standard tandem, it also has a lower front seat so both riders can enjoy the view.
The makers of the Buddy Bike point to its innovative design and safety features that provide children with special needs (especially autism, Down's Syndrome and other cognitive or mild physical disabilities) an opportunity for social interaction and physical exercise that would otherwise be unavailable.
It's certainly an interesting design and concept. The rear rider steers, while keeping his/her arms around the front rider. That's an advantage for smaller kids or others for whom this sort of additional support is a valuable feature. Plus, having both riders able to see clearly is a real advantage.
Though I've not been out on a Buddy Bike, I'm interested in hearing from those who have ridden it. Do you have any experience with the Buddy Bike? Comment below.
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Comments
Thank you! What a nice and accurate blog about the Buddy Bike. I will post a link to this page and request that our Buddy Bike families post some comments for you. Great comments can be found at our web site too. http://buddybike.com/CustomerComments.html
Thank you again!
Shelley at Buddy Bike
I like the idea of this, as I have wondered how I could get my daughter out and enjoying a bike ride with me. She is disabled but I believe this would work for her.
So, do you have an agent in Australia?
Hi Alan. No, we don’t have a dealer in Australia yet. We have shipped a couple bikes to families in Australia. It can be very expensive but I believe funding may be available. Please let me know your city/province and I’ll see if you are near one of the Buddy Bike families to arrange a trial. shelley@buddybike.com
Hi,
I live in sydney, australia. I am very happy to find something as amusing as Buddy bike for my 5 yr old autistic son. he cant ride a bike, but i’m sure would love the motion once he is with me in the bike. Is there any local dealer in australia? if not how can i order one and how much will it cost? is there any sort of funding for this.
Regards,
Tasa.