Handcycling is a fantastic way to get people who have suffered injury back into exercise, independence and sports.

In 2001, after knee surgery, Dick Traum came to realize that using a handcycle is a fantastic way to get people who have suffered injury back into exercise, independence and sports. It was a sure-fire way to reignite the passion for achievement and our athlete’s competitive spirits!

Today many marathons welcome the use of handcycles although all limit capacity in order to ensure a safe experience for all participants. As an example New York City Marathon has been hosting the largest field of handcycles worldwide for many years and major races in Toronto, Ottawa, Vancouver and Montreal also boost large handcycle divisions. Handcycles and Pushrim Wheelchairs are distinct and separate divisions which share the marathon course. This is an important distinction to make since pushrim wheelchair athletes do not have the advantage of gears which handcyclists do.

Handcycles cost upwards of $4,000 and many Achilles Chapters have handcycles which people can take for a practice ride before committing to purchase their own. Contact the Chapter nearest you and ask if that is the case.

Should you be interested in learning more about handcycles, please email XXXXXXX, Director Wheelchair Logistics at xxxxx@xxxxxx.ca.