Step 'n Go is Changing Lives - One Step at a Time

“I’m Outdoors, being independent & having fun!”

Jennifer was 18 when she and her family attended the 1995 Shriners Convention in Burlington, Vermont. When Dick, her father, saw the Step 'n Go on display in the bazaar, he asked if his daughter Jennifer could try it. She was quite excited, but skeptical at first because she had never ridden a bicycle of any kind.

Jennifer has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy with limited strength in her lower body. After the long car trip her leg muscles were tight but she was game to try. Jennifer transferred to the Step 'n Go from her wheelchair with help from her parents. Jennifer was more comfortable sitting than standing, so we used the Butterfly seat for support and to help stabilize her over the treadles. We were in the hotel parking lot, which is open and flat. The bike was in low gear and she started moving it with very small steps, barely shifting her weight from one foot to the other. As often happens with first time riders, everyone hovered around her protectively. But after just a few minutes, Jennifer started to loosen up and went faster, leaving Mom and Dad behind. Soon she was moving on her own with no fear.

We left the bike overnight at the hotel with the family. The next morning, Jennifer and her mother Nancy got up about 6 a.m., and went out to the bike path. Nancy walked along beside her while Jennifer rode the Step 'n Go. Dick said, "This was one of the first times that Jennifer was able to do something independently with her mother, under her own power, without being in a wheelchair. It was a real boost".

Due to her limited range of motion and her semi seated position, the Range of Motion Adjusters are set to allow about 5” of excursion and the Variable Resistance Selectors are on the easiest setting for increased mechanical advantage. Motivated by Jennifer’s need to power the bike with minimal effort, we developed the variable resistance treadle. This adaptation (which is now standard) increases the mechanical advantage of the treadles, effectively giving her the stepping power of someone weighing much more. With this and a few other adjustments, Jennifer is able to ride her bike without assistance in the area around her home.

Both Jennifer and her parents feel the Step ’n Go is helping to strengthen and tone her muscles as well as improve her coordination and range of motion. Now, Jennifer can enjoy the benefits of a weight bearing, aerobic exercise and be outdoors with her family and friends, engaged in an independent activity that’s fun!

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