Handcycle rack for Bridge2Sports

Overview

The mission of Bridge II Sports (www.bridge2sports.org) is to create opportunities for children and adults who are physically challenged to play team and individual sports by providing equipment and developing sports, teams, and coaching. As a local non-profit, they engage children and adults in a wide range of sports, helping them to build confidence, self-esteem, and the joy of sport. Athletes from this group participate in local competitions, the Valor Games SE, and the Paralympics. Offering more than a dozen sports, Bridge II Sports serves many athletes in the area.

Handcycles

Handcycles are a common piece of equipment used in competitive cycling events. Handcycles are common for individuals who use their hands to propel or peddle themselves. (Often, these individuals have reduced mobility in their legs.)

Problem: Bike Storage Transport for Handcycles

Bridge II Sports has many handcycles that need to be stored and transported to/from practices/competition. Right now, the group does not have a convenient way to transport them, and often sets them flat on a trailer for transportation. There are several commercial products available for storage and/or transport, but none are designed to be used by the individuals who use the handcycles. In other words, the systems are designed for fully ambulatory individuals, not for those with limited mobility in their legs who use wheelchairs.

Project Goal: 

The purpose of this project is to design a storage device for handcycles for Bridge II Sports.

Characteristics of a Potential Solution

The storage device should hold four handcycles. The storage device should be usable in the storage shed as well as on the trailer. Thus, the storage device should be movable or rollable, but then remain fixed when someone is loading or unloading cycles. Individuals using wheelchairs should be able to load, unload and move the storage device. The device should be easy to use. The solution should be durable and able to withstand outside placement for 5 or more years. The final solution should cost less than $400.