Wheelchair accessible bike is positive experience for Lorcan

A TEENAGER and his family are raising awareness around the benefits of community-based, wheelchair accessible bikes – after a joyful cycle through Dodder Valley Park.

Living in Old Bawn with mam Bríd and dad Declan, Lorcan Kenny is 16 years of age and a student in Stewarts School in Lucan.

Speaking with The Echo, Bríd explained how Lorcan has a severe intellectual and physical disability, is non-verbal and has epilepsy.

A couple of years ago, Bríd and Declan investigated wheelchair accessible bikes for their son.

However, due to cost and storage space, it was not a feasible option for a family.

When Bríd saw the introduction of a trishaw bike in Dodder Valley Park, which is run by volunteer group Dodder Valley Cycling, she reached out to see if they had access to a wheelchair accessible bike.

Alan O’Flaherty, founder of Dodder Valley Cycling, had in recent times got talking to a man who had a wheelchair accessible bike, and he made a call and shared Lorcan’s story.

Last week, Paddy Byrne from Life Pharmacy Ireland, arrived in Tallaght with a wheelchair accessible bike and there was no stopping Lorcan who enjoyed a jaunt all around his local park.

“There’s not a lot of things that Lorcan can do in his community, but he loves anything sensory, and he was so excited by the breeze on his face,” Bríd said.

“The cycle was a really positive experience for us.

“Lorcan is non-verbal but to see how he communicated the joy and the excitement when he was on the bike.

“He was shaking his head, shouting, he was so delighted.

“[The bike] opened up so much opportunity for Lorcan to try something new, something different.”

She added: “Lorcan can’t get out of the community much, the community is his life… and what a wonderful community Tallaght is.

“It would be lovely to have [a social outlet] in walking distance…. and I believe other families would experience the benefits too.”

Bríd, who thanked Alan and Paddy for Lorcan’s experience, believes the wider community could benefit from a wheelchair accessible bike that operates on a booking system like the trishaw.

The trishaw in Dodder Valley Park can be booked by anyone of any age who finds pedalling a bike difficult due to balance, leg power, visual impairment or cardiovascular, for example.

Lorcan enjoying a bike ride in Dodder Valley Park with Paddy Byrne, cycling, and dad Declan by his side

The trishaw is a community bike, that promotes inclusivity and spreads the joy of cycling along the Dodder greenway to all – connecting people with each other and nature.

The trishaw, which has a seat to the front for two people, is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Alan O’Flaherty of Dodder Valley Cycling told The Echo that he is confident that someone may be able to help increase the range of accessible bikes in the area.

“Bikes are magical, there’s an amazing sense of freedom in it,” Alan said.

“It was just a joy to see Lorcan [on the bike].

“It’s such a small gesture to bring someone out on a bike and to see that reaction, it’s fabulous.

“Maybe [Lorcan’s experience] will have a ripple effect.”

Established to set the wheels in motion for the trishaw, Dodder Valley Cycling now has 40 volunteers, all of whom are trained trishaw pilots.

He added: “The overall aim is to not only have a trishaw but also other accessible bikes like they have in Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown.

“I’m pretty confident that somebody may be able to help increase the range of wheelchair accessible bikes [in the community].”

For further details on Dodder Valley Cycling, which is supported by Cycling for All, follow them on Facebook or visit doddervalleycycling.com, where’s there a booking page for the trishaw.

The trishaw can also be booked by texting ‘info’ to 089 4066746 or emailing bookings@doddervalleycycling.com

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