Disabled pillion on bike- how?

**Bikernereid** · 11th August 2008, 20:36

Not sure if this should be in this section but here goes.

I work with a young man (21, very slim) who has cerebal palsy and he loves bikes. I must admit I do encourge him as he has such a passion for them. Well he has seen mine and ONWERS bike and went nuts. He would really love to go on the back of our bike but I have NO idea if this at all possible and therefore I am looking to anyone who might have safe and sensible suggestions as to how this might happen. I have discussed this with a few friends but none of them has ever had the experience of taking a disabled pillion.

Before I broach the subject with his parents I would like to have the safest solution so that my argument to get Rhys on the bike is as strong as it can be. I would hate for anything to happen to Rhys as a result of bad planning and design.

If anyone could help I would really appreciate it.

**Gremlin** · 11th August 2008, 20:37

I think for everyone's safety, a trike would be a better call?

**Bikernereid** · 11th August 2008, 20:43

Originally Posted by Gremlin

I think for everyone's safety, a trike would be a better call?

If I had access to one believe me I would love to but as it is we are stuck with our Fazer. I was wondering if it having a top box might make it easier to have Rhys on securely? Any thoughts?

**Rodney007** · 11th August 2008, 20:49

BIG NO,

very simple,

not on the back of a two wheeler

**Rodney007** · 11th August 2008, 20:56

Originally Posted by Rodney007

BIG NO,

very simple,

not on the back of a two wheeler

sorry maybe that was a bit broad and i didnt read first post correctly,

sidecart would be great, and im sure something could be made to carry him safely on a two wheeler,

but if something is to happen "touch wood" comming off would be the worst part,

**JimO** · 11th August 2008, 20:58

Originally Posted by Bikern1mpho

Not sure if this should be in this section but here goes.

I work with a young man (21, very slim) who has cerebal palsy and he loves bikes. I must admit I do encourge him as he has such a passion for them. Well he has seen mine and ONWERS bike and went nuts. He would really love to go on the back of our bike but I have NO idea if this at all possible and therefore I am looking to anyone who might have safe and sensible suggestions as to how this might happen. I have discussed this with a few friends but none of them has ever had the experience of taking a disabled pillion.

Before I broach the subject with his parents I would like to have the safest solution so that my argument to get Rhys on the bike is as strong as it can be. I would hate for anything to happen to Rhys as a result of bad planning and design.

If anyone could help I would really appreciate it.

love your avatar

**trumpy** · 11th August 2008, 20:58

Originally Posted by Rodney007

BIG NO,

very simple,

not on the back of a two wheeler

Why?

Bikern1mpho, what type of Cerebral Palsy does he have? What are his normal tonal patterns? If I know these (and some other info) I might be able to help. PM me if you wish.

**Bikernereid** · 11th August 2008, 21:03

Originally Posted by trumpy

Why?

Bikern1mpho, what type of Cerebral Palsy does he have? What are his normal tonal patterns? If I know these (and some other info) I might be able to help. PM me if you wish.

Thanks I will try and find out and let you know asap.

**Trudes** · 11th August 2008, 21:04

Maybe try to contact someone in a local motorcycle club and see if someone with a sidecar or trike could take him for a ride while you guys ride along with.

**jrandom** · 11th August 2008, 21:05

Originally Posted by Bikern1mpho

I work with a young man (21, very slim)

He can't be that heavy. Strap him on like a backpack and he'll be right as rain eh?

But god help you if you bin.

**Bikernereid** · 11th August 2008, 21:08

Originally Posted by Trudes

Maybe try to contact someone in a local motorcycle club and see if someone with a sidecar or trike could take him for a ride while you guys ride along with.

It's an idea but to be honest if we could get him safely on our bike that would be the prefered option.

**oldrider** · 11th August 2008, 21:28

Originally Posted by Bikern1mpho

Not sure if this should be in this section but here goes.

I work with a young man (21, very slim) who has cerebal palsy and he loves bikes. I must admit I do encourge him as he has such a passion for them. Well he has seen mine and ONWERS bike and went nuts. He would really love to go on the back of our bike but I have NO idea if this at all possible and therefore I am looking to anyone who might have safe and sensible suggestions as to how this might happen. I have discussed this with a few friends but none of them has ever had the experience of taking a disabled pillion.

Before I broach the subject with his parents I would like to have the safest solution so that my argument to get Rhys on the bike is as strong as it can be. I would hate for anything to happen to Rhys as a result of bad planning and design.

If anyone could help I would really appreciate it.

Our son (44 now) has cerebral palsy and epilepsy and I used to take him everywhere on the back of my bike.

We used to go to rallies but keep to ourselves mostly because people just thought he was pissed and I was carrying him around.

His rally favourite was the wet tee shirt contests, just a normal young man really.

His cerebral palsy has become much worse as he has grown older and the epilepsy was always a problem in case he had a fit and fell off the back before I could stop and help him.

I made a seat belt and tied it to the GIVI back box so that he couldn't fall and so that I could release him quickly when we stopped.

We thought if we had a crash, that the GIVI box would break off and he would be free from the bike.

Actually he never ever had a fit while on the bike but the increasing stiffness of his muscles made him very uncomfortable toward the end of his riding time.

He absolutely loved riding and loved to go places and loved to go as fast as the bike could go! (yeh yeh yeh I know "safety" etc)

He had learned to ride a push bike and could ride a wee trail bike (with a big geared down sprocket on the back) as long as I was on the back to get him started and stopped.

We (Mrs O/r) and I crashed our bike at Cape Reinga and even though the bike went end over end about six times and then rolled over about three times into the deep water table upside down, the GIVI box never broke off!

You can imagine what would have happened if our boy had been on the back tied on with the seat belt!

Sadly, we have never taken him on a bike since!

His cerebral palsy has become increasingly worse and he would not be able to sit on the back for very long anyway now but he has not lost his love and interest in bikes, he just doesn't let it worry him any more.

To cut to the chase here and answer your question, I believe you should give him the opportunity!

Be absolutely sure that his parents or guardians are willing to carry equal responsibility in the decision and in the unlikely event of something going wrong, you are not left holding the baby!

I believe that there are plenty of straps available that have grips for the pillion to hold onto the rider.

These could easily be modified to "strap" the pillion "to" the rider so that if you had to let go of the bike, you would both be free to go.

Quassie makes some and I was going to talk to him about it while he was down here but he didn't call in so can't help you there.

It is the only way that your friend will ever experience the thrill of riding so if you can give him that experience, why not, just go for it.

I hope this has been of some help to you. Good luck and Cheers, John.