County governments have been urged to support para-cyclists with an eye on Paralympic Games.
Only one para cyclist, Nairobi-based Ivusu Ogada, has qualified for this year’s Paralympic Games in Paris, France.
“For us to grow the sport, counties must support para cyclists. It is easy to introduce disabled individuals into para-cycling. It will take about a month to learn how to ride and maybe a year to be ready for competition,” said Ernest Waweru, a tandem bicycle operator.
Tandem bicycles are used by visually impaired athletes. They accommodate two riders, the pilot (with good vision) and the stalker (visually impaired or with low vision) ride together.
“The work of the pilot (front seat) is to operate the bike — the gears, brakes down, give the bike the momentum while the stalker pedals. Communication is key,” explained Waweru.
“This discipline is not known by many but the bikes are there. We are thinking of bringing many of them to help visually impaired persons compete in future Paralympics. We are here because of the Paralympics.”
