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"To empower people with vision loss to realize their full potential, and to shape the community's vision of that potential.”
Our programs and services are designed to empower our clients to move beyond limitations.
Those who have participated in this program have made comments including, "I loved getting out in the fresh air and the companionship," "It gives me more confidence," "I like being with friends."
TANDEM BIKING PROGRAM
For most people, their first two-wheeler bicycle signals a time of freedom and adventure. Clients who are visually impaired or blind rekindle this spirit in Cleveland Sight Center's Tandem Bike and Hike Program. This program has been a regular, midyear Cleveland Sight Center recreation activity for over twenty years. With the support of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, it is offered on one Saturday morning each month from April through September.
This very popular program provides a unique opportunity for:
- Outdoor Adventure and Exercise
- Fellowship
- Independence
The rides take place on the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath, a comfortable, level surface of crushed limestone adjoining the canal. The beaver marsh, beautiful trees and shrubs, the cornfields and destinations like Szalay’s Farm Market all lend to a pleasant morning retreat. Clients take turns biking and hiking, enjoying the natural and historic wonders and wildlife of our national park through interpretation and information from the park naturalists.
Our bike fleet consists of new or gently used Schwinns, Raleighs, and a Burley. Thanks to a generous donation, a side-by-side adult trike was added in 2001. Individuals challenged by balance, mobility, joint limitations or weight can thoroughly enjoy the trike.
Both riders are comfortably seated in extra-wide seats with back support and arm rests. There is an independent pedal-drive system allowing each rider to pedal at their own speed or not at all freewheeling with the pedals motionless. The trike has three independent brakes; rear coaster brake for each person, as well as a common front drum brake. Heavy-duty pneumatic tires and rear basket are standard.
An integral part of this program is the volunteer or bike "captain." Volunteers come through the VIP (Volunteers in the Park) program as well as Cleveland Sight Center’s volunteer department. It is the volunteers who make the event possible for our clients. Pedaling through the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area on tandem bikes, "stokers" are assisted by the sighted captain specially trained to work with individuals who are visually impaired or blind.
