Cycling can make seniors healthier and more independent – here’s how to design bikes and nets that meet their needs

Most seniors travel by car, on foot or by bus and subway on a daily basis. However, many people in their 60s and 70s could potentially be interested in other options, such as cycling. At the moment when the number of cyclists is growing in the USA and the whole society is agingseniors’ preferences regarding bicycle designs and bicycle networks are very vital.

Older people may have concerns about riding a two-wheeled bike if this is the case is afraid of falling – the risk that increases with age and causes many seniors to become less lively. Many cities and municipalities are working on this create safer cycling networksbut that’s what they are intended for young, physically fit cyclistswho are less afraid of cycling near cars and don’t need the occasional bathroom break.

Some seniors live in assisted living or memory care facilities that have roads, sidewalks and paths for residents pushing pedestrians. However, these complexes typically lack bicycle storage, bicycle loops, and secure bicycle paths to local parks and shops.

I’m an architectural researcher – focusing on the environment and behavior – and I’m a senior, and that’s how it is has been researching bicycles and bicycle networks for over 43 years. In my latest project I collaborated with Seth Galebehavioral neurologist; Linda Maziehealth and well-being coach working with seniors; AND Heidi Savagefitness director who also works with seniors to learn from older people what types of bikes and bike networks would be suitable help them stay active and independent with cycling.

We found that most seniors we surveyed who test rode three bikes preferred an adult tricycle or a two-seat model where riders can sit side by side. In terms of infrastructure, their key requirements included cycle loops, separation from cars and nearby bathrooms.

Benefits of cycling for seniors

Many older people in the US do not provide sufficient physical activity for fit aging. A 2016 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than a quarter of all adults over age 50 she did not undertake any physical activity outside of work. This percentage increased with age and was higher among people with chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and depression. Inactivity was significantly higher among women than among men, and among Black and Latino seniors compared to white seniors.

Cycling provides many health benefitsincluding cardiovascular exercise, stronger muscles, better coordination and lower stress levels. It also offers benefits that are particularly vital for seniors. For example, one study found that cycling for at least an hour a week significantly improved the balance of older peoplepotentially making them less susceptible to falls.

There are also findings that suggest such an exercise may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. For example, one study found that when mice exercised on a wheel, their muscles produced irisin, a hormone that supports cognitive function. Irisin entered their brain, improving memory and spatial awareness.

Senior-friendly bikes

For our study, we distributed surveys with photos of senior-friendly bikes and questions about bike networks to 178 seniors in four senior communities in Massachusetts and Fresh Hampshire. Participants rated the photos according to how much they liked the different bike designs and provided more comments while viewing the photos on the gigantic screen.

We also rented three senior-friendly bicycles from the company Van RamDutch company designing bicycles for a wide range of special needs. These models included:

• Tricycle for riders side by side each of whom has a handlebar and who can pedal together while one of them steers.
• Some tricycle for adults with a backrest and a low center of gravity.
• Two-wheeled bicycle with low middle bar which makes it easier to get in and out.

Fifty seniors at RiverWoods-ExeterFresh Hampshire senior living complicated and Fox Hill Villagean independent senior living community in Westwood, Massachusetts, was invited to test three models and complete a survey about their experiences.

Designing bicycle networks for older cyclists

From the photos, the participants were most enthusiastic about the adult tricycle and were also interested in the two-seater tricycle. Adult tricycles are harder to pedal than two-wheeled bikes, and rounding corners requires turning the handlebars without leaning, so there’s a learning curve on these models. However, they provide stability, which was clearly vital to the people participating in our study.

Among seniors who took test rides, the most popular model was a single-seater tricycle. Unlike a low recumbent bicycle, the seat of this bicycle is about the height of a chair and, unlike an adult tricycle, it has a backrest.

The participants’ second choice was a three-wheeled, two-seater bicycle equipped with seats with backrests, armrests and seat belts. Fewer participants were willing to test ride a regular two-wheeled bicycle with low center handlebars; those who tried it were already comfortable riding two-wheeled bicycles.

The comments were enthusiastic, especially about the two-seater bike. Seniors wrote: “I like the social aspect and teamwork”; “I see it as an advantage for our community”; and simply “Amazing!!!”

Some people noticed that the two-seater could be suitable for seniors who were caregivers for their spouses. One husband wrote: “It would be great to ride with my wife who hasn’t ridden a bike for 50 years.”

In response to survey questions about the most vital features of a senior-friendly cycling network, participants said they wanted to be able to cycle for 30 minutes straight, ride twice a week and have an accessible bathroom.

For the network added to their apartment complexes, they needed an on-site bike loop; route to destination outside the complicated; glossy, flat riding surface with grassy shoulders; and picnic tables and water nearby. Participants believed that cars moved too speedy in their neighborhoods, so they preferred to drive on designated paths rather than existing roads.

Our findings mirror other research that has shown that older cyclists want to ride protected cycle paths or separate paved pathsnot in traffic. Since many seniors have restricted vision, another feature that can make bike paths safer for them is clear demarcation strips on the edges of the path to assist older cyclists avoid veering off the main cycle path, especially at night.

Pedaling forward

Here are the key steps I believe will be required to turn discoveries like ours into scalable senior cycling programs in the US

Some seniors may appreciate this classes aimed at renewing the learning of riding a two-wheeled bicycleor ride with another person in a two-seater model. Assisted living complexes could install bicycle storage sheds and purchase some senior-friendly bicycles for residents to ride.

Protected bike lanes can be made more senior-friendly by building them at the level of the adjacent sidewalk so that the third wheel can rest on the edge of the parallel sidewalk. Senior-optimized lanes would be continuous and have bicycle signals, elevated pedestrian crossings, and nearby public restrooms with signs directing people to them.

The routes could lead from residential neighborhoods to places such as cafes, post offices, grocery and drug stores, and parks. Destinations could provide a place to park and lock bikes while cyclists shop or drink coffee.

USA yes aging populationand the health of seniors is an vital issue for seniors themselves, their caregivers and taxpayers. There is mighty evidence that increased bicycle employ among seniors can assist many people lead healthier and more independent lives well into their golden years.