Ever hear of a seeing eye cyclist?

Some lucky folks have \”eagle eyes\”; but others, alas, have serious visual impairments. Does that mean that they must miss out on the pleasure of cycling?

Not at all. There are programs that can pair a sighted cyclist with one who can\’t see well enough to ride independently; and get them on a tandem.

For the person with the visual impairment, I guess it\’s a little like working with a seeing eye dog; only the guide is another person. And it\’s on wheels. I once read a quote by Helen Keller, in which she indicated that she enjoyed riding on a tandem bicycle.

I expect it would take a while for someone who can\’t see to get used to such riding; even with a sighted person just ahead taking care of steering; looking out for obstacles; and so on. I suppose that both riders would need plenty of patience and practice. I know I would.

I\’m glad to know that the visually impaired can have a way to enjoy riding a bicycle. For those interested, I hope you can find such a program in your area; and then, may you find your wings!