Posted on October 16, 2024
Tandem Bike Donation Brings Cycling to the Blind
People who are blind or have low vision can get back to the joy and freedom of cycling.
The Grand Rapids Lions Club purchased a brand new Fun2Go Tandem Adaptive Bike for the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI). This custom-made tandem bike costs $15,000 dollars. The donation will help the local non-profit share the love of cycling the community with blindness or low vision.
“A special thank you to the Grand Rapids Lions Club,” said Tim Tuthill, Executive Director for the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. “We look forward to putting many miles on the bike with guided rides for those with blindness and low vision, along with others at Mary Free Bed.”
Last year, ABVI launched a successful Tandem Cycling Program with a loaner bike, offering personalized 1-on-1 tandem cycling sessions. Now that they own their own bike, ABVI can now expand the program and welcome even more individuals to experience the joy of biking, staying active, and enjoying the great outdoors.
“Grand Rapids Lions Club has been in Grand Rapids for over 100 years,” said Gray Anderson, former president of the Lions Club. “Our number one service activity has been to assist those with visual impairments of all kinds, whether it’s a white cane, a tandem bicycle, or glasses for children that can’t afford them.”
About ABVI
The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ABVI) has been serving the low vision and blind community in West Michigan since 1913. Founded by Roberta Griffith, the first blind woman in the U.S. to graduate from a school for sighted students, ABVI provides low vision services, rehabilitation, education, and vision aids. In 2020, ABVI became an independent subsidiary of Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation, enhancing offerings for individuals at both organizations. ABVI’s team of expert, low-vision professionals serve over 1,000 children and adults annually from across Michigan, ensuring people with visual impairments can thrive in a sighted world. For more information, visit www.abvimi.org or call 616-458-1187.
