INLB introduces bicycle service for the blind in Laval
Submitted by Koos on 12 August 2009 - 5:12pm
(TLN) Laval is one of three new areas in the Montreal region chosen by the Institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille (INLB) for the launching of a service with special bicycles adapted for persons with impaired vision or who are blind. The two-place bicycles allow the users, when accompanied by a relative, friend or volunteer, to get some exercise during the summertime.
Built for two
Conceived entirely in Quebec, the bicycles, whose seats are side-by-side, were an initiative of the INLB. Their aim is to improve the quality of life and the social integration of persons who are visually impaired. The bikes have two independent transmissions, a special platform for a guide dog, a safety harness and a floor grill on the passenger side to facilitate getting on and off, and to avoid injury if control is lost on the pedals.
“The idea for this bike came from the realization that persons with visual impairment are more restricted in their physical activities because of their condition,” says Line Ampleman, executive director of the INLB. “We wanted to offer them an alternative that was secure and easy to use.”
Now in many cities
Since the initial start of the service in 2006, at least 400 people have taken advantage of it in the Montreal region and in the Montérégie on the South Shore. The service was first launched in the region of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield in 2006. Following that, it was later implemented in the cities of Granby, Sorel-Tracy, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, LaSalle and Longueuil, as well as in Rosemont and Montreal North.
“It’s really cool,” says Enrika Ekdom, a visually handicapped person who uses the service in Granby. “I tried it out with my brother. It’s best to do it with someone you are familiar with. I feel very confident.” Since its first appearance, several improvements have been made to the initial prototype bicycle in order to make it more accommodating.
Improved bikes
In addition to reducing the size of the bike from 42 to 39 inches to facilitate access to bike paths, the position of the pedals has also been modified to limit the movements of the knees and hips. The platform has also been enlarged for the comfort of the guide dog, and the seats, which were found to be too high, were adjusted.
The project would not have been possible without the involvement of several partners, including the Fondation de l’Institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille, which played a major role by financing the purchase of the bikes. Also notable has been the involvement and support of numerous community organizations who facilitated the project’s expansion into various cities and municipalities.
Renting the bikes
The bikes can be rented Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All users must be certified as being visually-impaired and must be accompanied by a companion and must be members of the Association des sports pour aveugles de Montréal (ASAM). To become a member of ASAM, you can obtain a registration form at the Centre d’Action Bénévole de Laval, located at 1870, rue Michelin in Laval, or contact Anathalie Jean-Charles of ASAM at (514) 252-3178, local 3655.
The Fondation de l’Institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille has as its mission to raise funds to further the work of the institute, to support its projects, and to contribute to its expansion. All funds go to the institute, for projects such as research into visual impairment, the acquisition of optometry equipment, and to produce books adapted in braille and sound. Contributions can be made by telephone by calling 450-463-4610.