Rethinking the Design of Bikes and Bike Networks for Seniors: Sustainability, Climate Change, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Caregivers

Abstract

Bikes and bike networks are for younger fit bicyclists, and the U.S. continues to not serve older individuals, with and without dementia, and caregivers. Biking is a sustainable form of transportation, and expanding the biking population would address climate change while improving health. To our knowledge, research has not been conducted in which seniors indicate their preferences for bike styles and networks, health concerns, and desires to bike. Conducted in four senior-living communities in New England, the Visual and Verbal Preference Survey involved 178 participants (female—50%/male—29.8%; age 20–85 52.8%; age > 85 41.6% with 19.6% missing gender and 5.6% missing age). Bike test riding in two senior communities involved 50 participants (female—50%/male—40%; age 66–75 14%; 76–85 60%; age 86–95 16% with 10% missing gender and age). Seniors preferred the adult tricycle, followed by the three- and four-wheeled two-seated bikes, and to bicycle for 30 min 2 days a week, have a bathroom break every hour, and have a bicycle loop. Balance and fear of falling were major concerns, but they wanted to bicycle with family, children, and grandchildren. In two of the communities, seniors test rode three senior-friendly Van Raam bikes. The results mirrored the pre-test survey responses, where the adult tricycle (Easy Rider) was most preferred, followed by the three-wheeled two-seater bike (Fun2Go) and the low-step regular bike (Balance Bike). One community purchased the Fun2Go.

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