Pedal to a Healthy lifestyle in comfort on a recumbent

Energy on wheels was part of the title of an article recently about a 95 year old lady that goes to the gym twice a week to participate in a "Spinning" class. Dorothy, the 95 year old, still drives herself to class. The class is packed with seniors with an age rage from 70 - 90 years old. The class not only provides health benefits but opens the doors to socializing with others to ward off the loneliness.

Dorothy has chosen to do the indoor spinning class because she feels "safer" riding indoors even though the seat and positioning is uncomfortable for her and others. Most in the class had knee, back or shoulder problems when they started taking the class and Pettett has osteoporosis. The last time she was on a “regular” bicycle was 10 to 15 years ago, she recalls. The effort ended in disaster — she and a passenger crashed into a wall!

Okay, several items jumped out at me. First, she and a passenger! Was she on a tandem bike, riding on the handlebars or what? Also, where were they riding that they "crashed" into a wall?
Recommendation: receive qualified bicycle, recumbent or recumbent trike training before going out for a ride. Even though a "recumbent trike" looks safe because you have three wheels, there is still a learning curve that takes place. Most importantly, your in a different riding position now and when turning, your body positioning is crucial to safe cornering. Braking, learn how to apply the brakes for different road, traffic and braking conditions. When riding, choose safe trails that do not have walls or obstacles that pose a riding challenge.

Second, knee problems, back, shoulder and the list goes on, so why are they riding in the up-right positioning? Comfort and recumbent bikes/trikes were designed primarily from the need of older riders along with those with injuries an option for safe and comfortable riding outdoors. Recumbent trikes have been described as a lounge chair on wheels. Quite often we have first time riders ask if they could take a nap because it is so comfortable. Additionally, Sidewinder Cycle is one of the leaders in adapting trikes to riders special needs. For example, braking and control levers fitted to one side of the trike because some riders have better use of one side of their body.

Lastly, she does not stand up to pedal on the bike when the class is asked to "kick it" because she gets dizzy, so she sits. How safe is this? This is crazy! It is still not safe even though they are indoors because of the height of the stationary bikes the class is using. This is another reason why we have so many riders switching to recumbent trikes because if the do get dizzy, they are already sitting in a reclined position with all three wheels on the ground. We have fitted Sidewinder trikes to those that have balance and dizziness challenges.

So please, what we are sometimes convinced what is safe is sometimes the complete opposite. After 15 years of building recumbents we have received numerous letters and feedback all thanking us for making a safe, comfortable and durable riding option.