Cycling & Adaptive Cycling
To view the sports organisations & clubs available, click the button to the right.
Contents: To jump to the topic you would like, click on the links below
Introduction
Welcome to a DiSA Page on Cycling and Adaptive Cycling
Cycling and Adaptive Cycling in South Africa is an inclusive and empowering sport for individuals with physical impairments.
Whether you are Cycling with your arms or legs, for fun, fitness, rehabilitation, or professional competition, adaptive cycling in South Africa is growing rapidly. With increasing access to clubs, events, schools, and national organisations like SASAPD (South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled), as well as organisations such as Bidii Yetu, there has never been a better time to get involved.
Ready to roll? - Lets get started!
What is Adaptive Cycling?
Adaptive cycling refers to modified bicycles or tricycles designed to support individuals with physical disabilities, including spinal cord injuries, limb loss, cerebral palsy, and more. It allows people of all abilities to experience the joy and independence of cycling, using equipment tailored to their specific needs.
Cycling was introduced as a Paralympic Sport in Seoul in 1988. The competition includes Track and Road events for individuals and teams, with the following events included:
- Sprints
- Individual Pursuits
- 1,000m Time Trial
- Road Races
- Road Time Trials.
These events are for both men and women, with the cyclists grouped together according to their functional ability. Persons with cerebral palsy, amputations or other physical impairments can participate in classes depending on their degree of function and skills required for Cycling.
Depending on their classification, athletes use a bicycle, tricycle, tandem or hand cycle. The convenor for cycling is Rudi Kuhn and the sport is active in all provinces of South Africa.
Types of Adaptive Cycling Equipment
There are various adaptive bicycles suited to different impairments:
- Handcycles – Operated with hand cranks; ideal for wheelchair users or those with limited leg function.
- Tricycles (Trikes) – Three-wheeled cycles that provide extra balance and are great for those with coordination or balance challenges.
- Recumbent Bikes – Provide trunk support and comfort for those with back or core instability.
- Tandem Bikes – Used by riders with visual impairments, paired with a sighted pilot in front.
- Upright Modified Bikes – Traditional bicycles adapted for riders with prosthetics or partial mobility.
How to Get Started in Adaptive Cycling
1. Find a local club or contact SASAPD to connect with para-cycling programs.
2. Schedule an assessment for equipment needs and classification.
3. Start with a fun ride or community race to build confidence.
4. Apply for funding or sponsorships through NGOs or local disability sport associations.
5. Train regularly and join your provincial team for more structured support.
Classification in Para-Cycling
Para-cycling classification is the process of classifying participants in para-cycling covering four functional disability types. The classification system includes classes for handcycles for people who have lower limb mobility issues.
There are fourteen classifications based on functional disability type, research done at the Central Institute on Employment Abilities of the Handicapped in Moscow has found differences in functional capabilities based on differences in visual acuity. This does not play a significant role in tandem cycling.
To ensure fair competition, para-cycling uses a classification system defined by the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) and endorsed by SASAPD in South Africa:
- H1–H5: Handcyclists based on mobility level and trunk function
- T1–T2: Tricyclists, generally for those with neurological or balance challenges
- C1–C5: Cyclists using standard or modified bicycles based on impairment severity
- B: Blind or visually impaired riders using tandem cycles with a sighted pilot
| Gender | Cycling | Hand Cycle | Tricycle | Blind/V1 | Tandem |
| Men | MC1 - MC5 | MH1-MH5 | MT1-M12 | MB | TCB |
| Women | WC1 - WC5 | WH1-WH5 | WT1-WT2 | WB | TCB |
The sport is governed by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). Para-cycling classes, as defined by the UCI, can be decoded easily.
The first letter stands for the gender (M for men, W for women). Subsequent letters stand for the sport division:
- C for Cycling
- H for Handbike/handcycle
- T for Tricycle
- B for blind or visually impaired - also known as TCB for Tandem Class Blind).
The final number is the class in that division - with the lower the number, the greater the degree of impairment. Therefore WH3 stands for the class Women's Handbike 3.
International classification is undertaken by a UCI panel which consists of "a medical doctor, a physiotherapist and a sports technician" who will assess the athlete and assign them a class. The evaluation is done in English, and athletes are allowed to be accompanied by an interpreter and/or a representative of their country's National Federation in the sport.
Classified athletes will be issued a para-cycling classification card.
Events and Competitions in South Africa
South Africa boasts several accessible cycling events for both beginners and elite para-cyclists:
- National Para-Cycling Championships (under SASAPD)
- Cape Town Cycle Tour – Offers handcycle and para divisions
- 947 Ride Joburg – Inclusive of adaptive cycling categories
- Provincial Para-Cycling Leagues
- Community Disability Rides and Fun Days – Hosted in major cities and rural areas
Clubs and Organisations Supporting Adaptive Cycling
South Africa is home to several inclusive cycling clubs and disability sport organisations:
- South African Sports Association for Physically Disabled (SASAPD)
- Cycling South Africa (CSA) – Para-Cycling
- Jumping Kids Foundation
- Chaeli Sports and Recreation Club
- Blits Para-Cycling Club
- Cape Town Para-Cycling Team
Schools, Universities and Development Pathways
- Western Cape Sport School and other regional schools are integrating para-sport programs.
- Universities like Stellenbosch and Pretoria support adaptive sport development and have Paralympic alumni.
- Disability Sport South Africa (DISSA) and SASAPD work with schools to provide early exposure to para-sports.
- Several adaptive cycling projects are being piloted in special needs schools and inclusive PE programs.
South Africans on the International Stage
South African para-cyclists have made an impact internationally, representing the country at:
- Paralympic Games – e.g., Justine Asher and Ernst van Dyk
- UCI Para-Cycling World Cup and Championships
- African Para Games and Commonwealth Games
Conclusion
Adaptive cycling in South Africa is more than a sport—it’s a lifestyle that promotes freedom, health, and inclusion for persons with physical impairments. Whether you're just getting started or aspiring to represent the country at the Paralympics, there's a place for everyone in this vibrant, supportive community.
For guidance, referrals, or help finding a local adaptive cycling club, reach out to Disability Info South Africa (DiSA) – your one-stop information hub for inclusive living.
Governance
Classification is handled by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). While the CP-ISRA has an interest in the sport because it is open to people with cerebral palsy, it is not governed by them. In 1983, the rules for this sport and approval for classification was done by the UCI coordinated Federation Internationale de Amateur de Cyclisme.
Eligibility
As of 2012, people with physical and visual disabilities are eligible to compete in this sport. In 1983, Cerebral Palsy-International Sports and Recreation Association (CP-ISRA) set the eligibility rules for classification for this sport. They defined cerebral palsy as a non-progressive brain lesion that results in impairment. People with cerebral palsy or non-progressive brain damage were eligible for classification by them. The organisation also dealt with classification for people with similar impairments. For their classification system, people with spina bifida were not eligible unless they had medical evidence of loco-motor dysfunction. People with cerebral palsy and epilepsy were eligible provided the condition did not interfere with their ability to compete. People who had strokes were eligible for classification following medical clearance. Competitors with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and arthrogryposis were not eligible for classification by CP-ISRA, but were eligible for classification by International Sports Organisation for the Disabled for the Games of Les Autres.
Cycling
Athletes have a physical impairment that prevents them from competing in able-bodied competition but still compete using a "standard bicycle".
Handbike or Hand Cycling
Athletes have lower limb impairment that necessitates use of a hand-operated cycle. There are four classes of hand cycling:
H1: tetraplegics with severe upper limb impairment to the C6 vertebra
H2: tetraplegics with minor upper limb impairment from C7 thru T3
H3: paraplegics with impairment from T4 thru T10
H4: paraplegics with impairment from T11 down, and amputees unable to kneel
H5: athletes who can kneel on a handcycle, a category that includes paraplegics and amputees
In hand-cycling classifications, H1 and H2 can use an AP1 and AP2 handcycle, H3 can use an AP2, AP3 and ATP2 handcycle, and H4 can use an ATP3 handcycle.
Tricycle
Athletes have an impairment which affects their balance. They compete with a three-wheeled cycle called a tricycle - three wheels providing more balance than a standard two-wheeled cycle.
Equipment
Types of Handcycles
Handcycles are not wheelchairs, they have cranks and gears, while a wheelchair has push-rims directly on the main wheels. A handcycle is a type of tricycle powered by the arms rather than the legs, as on a bicycle. These handcycles are steered and powered by the front wheels, with two coasting rear wheels. Despite usually having three wheels, they are also known as handbikes.
The cyclists use their torso to help propel & steer the cycle simultaneously. Some designs use two front wheels and a single rear wheel, while others use lean-steer designs. , they have cranks and gears, while a wheelchair has push-rims directly on the main wheels. Handcycles come in a variety of styles, making them accessible to people with a wide variety of disabilities. There are also hybrids between a handcycle, a recumbent bike and a tricycle.
Fork steer
Fork steer handcycles represent the majority of handcycles sold. They work well for both low and high-level spinal injuries, and most have adjustable footrests, seat angle, and come with a variety of gearing, wheel and tire configurations depending on intended use: racing, recreation, or touring.
Lean steer
Riders turn lean steer handcycles by leaning into the turn. There is a longer learning curve with lean steer handcycles and they are significantly less stable at high speed. The lean steer system feels similar to mono skiing: using your whole body to steer the handcycle. Lean steer handcycles can work well for lower-level injuries; although, some athletes with high-level disability use them as well.
Another type of lean steer hand trike has two steering rear wheels and one non-steerable, powered front wheel.
Off Road
The off road is different from other handcycles in that there are two wheels in front and one behind, and it has a lower gear ratio range. This gives the cycle the ability to tackle steep slopes and permits handcycle mountain biking. The addition of a wider tire with suitable tread makes some mountain biking possible on standard road bikes.
Touring
Handcycles have also been used for touring, and to better accommodate this interest, some manufacturers incorporate mudguards and pannier cargo racks. As handcycles have evolved they have become progressively lighter, and they have better gearing for long climbs and long distance touring
References
