In the rugged landscapes of Inner Mongolia, a group of cyclists is catching attention with their unconventional gear. Instead of traditional mountain bikes, these riders, mostly wheelchair users, are navigating the challenging terrain on low-slung, three-wheeled handcycle bikes.
Dubbed Krankin’ Thru China, the group has been promoting the participation of wheelchair users in outdoor sports for over a decade. Despite China’s recent passage of an accessibility law aimed at fostering a “barrier-free” society, daily life for people with disabilities still presents numerous challenges across the country.
Founder Wang Feng, who lost the use of his legs due to a childhood illness, conceived the idea of using handcycle bikes to encourage outdoor activities among his injured peers. Krankin’ Thru China has undertaken several long-distance journeys, including a notable three-month expedition from Yunnan to Beijing in 2017.
Collaborating with a Shanghai-based university, the group aims to make handcycle bikes more affordable and accessible. Their recent trip through rural Inner Mongolia served as a testing ground for a prototype designed to achieve this goal.
Wang Feng, along with teammates Pan Yifei and Joshua Dominick, embarked on their journey in early May, starting from Qahar Right Rear Banner. Their presence and equipment often surprise bystanders, who marvel at the ingenuity of the adapted bikes.
In Hohhot, the cyclists engaged with a local disability association, allowing members to experience the thrill of handcycle biking firsthand. For participants like Di Wenke, adaptive sports play a crucial role in combating societal prejudices against disability.
Despite the progress, numerous obstacles persist, especially in smaller towns and rural areas lacking wheelchair-friendly infrastructure. Additionally, the high cost and specialized nature of adaptive biking equipment pose significant barriers to accessibility.
The team’s reliance on custom-made equipment underscores the need for more affordable and widely available options. The prototype bike, developed in collaboration with New York University researchers, represents a step toward addressing this issue. Constructed from standardized parts and based on an open-plan blueprint, it aims to empower individuals with disabilities to enjoy outdoor activities with ease.
Noel Joyce, a lecturer involved in the project, emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive environments where people with disabilities can fully participate and enjoy the world around them. The team’s efforts reflect a broader push for accessibility and inclusion in outdoor sports, ultimately aiming to break down barriers and foster greater societal acceptance.