Cycle St. Louis is seeking experienced cyclists in the St. Louis area to ride with blind and visually impaired individuals (and other adults with disabilities) on a tandem bike as a “tandem captain.” The frequency of riding can be determined by you and your partner’s availability. It is NOT necessary to own a tandem to be a tandem captain.
A tandem captain should be:
- Capable of riding at least 30 miles at a leisurely pace on a two-wheeled bike (typical rides are 15-20 miles but riding a tandem is more strenuous).
- Comfortable riding in groups and traffic.
- Good communicators and sensitive to the needs of people with disabilities (communication while riding a tandem is very important).
Training will be provided before pairing with an adult. Those interested in volunteering should send an email to Cycle St. Louis (cyclestlpartnership@gmail.com)
- In all my years of cycling, the most satisfying rides have been on a tandem with individuals with disabilities, Hugh Share
- Anytime I can ride, it is great, but being a tandem captain for youth who are blind or visually impaired is just an unforgettable experience, Bill Naucke
Cycle St. Louis is a partnership of organizations and individuals committed to building an inclusive cycling community in the St. Louis metro area by creating cycling opportunities for people with disabilities, and where everyone (all ages and abilities) rides together: Big Shark Bicycle Company, Children’s Hospital St. Louis – Cerebral Palsy Sports & Sports and Rehabilitation Center, Delta Gamma Center, Gateway Tykes on Trykes, Kids Enjoy Exercise Now (KEEN), Missouri Families for Effective Autism Treatment (MO-FEAT), St. Louis Arc, St. Louis County Parks, Ranken Jordan Pediatric Hospital, Recreation Council of Greater St. Louis, Special Olympics Missouri, Team Activities for Special Kids (TASK), Trailnet.