Portland Wheelers launches inclusive ‘Biking is for Everybody’ competition at Back Cove

PORTLAND, Maine (WGME) — For some, biking is their most well-liked mode of transportation. For others, it is only for enjoyable. For riders at Back Cove on Sunday, it is a option to expertise one thing they might have by no means tried earlier than.

“You’ve got an interest in biking? You should be able to bike and you can because the stuff exists now for that,” Portland Wheelers Executive Director Peter Ryan mentioned.

Portland Wheelers, in collaboration with local people teams, hosted its first annual “Biking is for Everybody Festival” this weekend.

The competition is supposed to be an inclusive alternative to present anybody the possibility to trip, regardless of their age, capability, or background.

Even pets had an opportunity to trip.

“A lot of people might think biking is not for them because of a disability, because of age, whatever reason, and what we have here just shows that that’s not the case. There are so many options, so many great ways to meet people where they are, so everybody gets to have that cycling joy,” Ryan mentioned.

The competition provided adaptive trikes, hand cycles, and even tandem bikes. There have been quite a lot of choices for everybody.

“We have some that are just a passive ride, so if you’re not doing any of the pedaling you can sit in the front seat and go for a ride with someone, and then we have other levels where maybe you do a little bit of pedaling, and another level where you do all of the work, but there is some assist for you,” Ryan continued.

Along with bike rides, there have been bike demonstrations, tune ups, and household actions.

Organizers say the objective just isn’t solely to get extra individuals driving, but additionally to create a neighborhood the place individuals really feel comfy getting exterior and shifting round on wheels.

“It’s so important for people to realize what they want to do, what they can do… what we are doing is bringing awareness to that here,” Ryan mentioned.

Attendees additionally bought to take pleasure in a meet and greet with elite bicycle owner and Paralympic medalist Clara Brown.

Later within the day, Brown helped the Portland bike occasion lead “Lulu’s Ride,” a motorcycle parade round Back Cove in reminiscence of Lilia Kerman, a good friend of Portland Wheelers.