Older people may no longer be able to cycle as well. Keeping your balance becomes more difficult. That is why the Cyclists’ Union has organized the Tricycle Discovery Days. During these days, visitors will learn everything about tricycles and you can also try them out.
A lot of interest in the tricycles in the Bargeres Sports Hall in Emmen. There is even a queue for test rides on the bicycles. “We want people to continue cycling for as long as possible. We notice that people become anxious, have already fallen once and may break something. We want everyone to have cycling happiness. Cycling is of course very healthy for your body and also for your brain,” says project leader Gerard Prins. “If that’s not possible on a two-wheeler, then on a three-wheeler. And today people can look at it and say: gee, is that something for me?”
Klary Pruim is for whom cycling is important. She takes a test ride on a low tricycle. She wants to remain mobile for a long time, she says. “And if it can be done this way, that’s great!” Three years ago she suffered a semi-paraplegic injury. “My buttocks are numb, so I keep falling off my regular saddle. I would like a bicycle with a nice wide saddle so that I can enjoy cycling again.”
Tonnie Maarschalkerweerd suffered a brain haemorrhage and cannot keep his balance properly. “Going with a regular bike is over. I can’t do that anymore. That’s why I’m here to get another bike.” On such a tricycle he no longer has to worry about his balance.
Although Maarschalkerweerd still has a 45-kilometer car and is therefore mobile, Pruim hopes to regain her mobility. “We went to the snack bar to get an ice cream, but nothing else,” she says. When she buys a tricycle, she can cycle around again. “I just hope to be able to cycle 20 kilometers again. Now it’s little pain in the ass.”
