With the weather warming up, people are finding the urge to get outside and move around especially after this long cold winter. The cabin fever is waning and bicycling in Manitoba always increases this time of year.
For those who are healthy, the ability to move their legs very often gets taken for granted and biking is no problem at all. However if you have an issue with leg strength due to a neurological condition such as Multiple Sclerosis, or stroke; or you have joint issues such as a bad hip or knee, biking might not be something that comes to the top of mind.
Located at 967 Wolseley Avenue, right across from Laura Secord School, Prairie Velo Bikes has bikes for literally everyone. They specialize in providing bikes to those who might find biking difficult due to a disability, but still want to get around town, and feel the wind in their hair.
For Co-Owner of Prairie Velo Bikes, Brian Szklarczuk, the decision to sell bikes for the disabled was clear. Through his many years of being a professional rider, he realized that the biking industry tended to cater to just ten percent of the population. Brian wanted to sell bikes for every body type and get people out riding, not just sell bikes to the hard core bicyclists.
For those who suffer from balance issues Prairie Velo offers a variety of styles of trikes for more stability, including recumbent trikes. “Recumbent trikes are going to be easier to get on, they are going to be very stable, the wheel base is generally longer….what does that mean for the rider? It means they are going to less tippy,” says Szklarchuk.
There are also electric bikes for those who suffer from weakness in the legs. As Szklarszuk states, “All you have to do is turn your legs over, it does not matter how fast you are turning your legs over, or how slow…just keep your legs turning…it sends a signal to the electric brain of the bike, which activates the motor, and that basically gives you the support you need to keep the bike going.”
It is clear that Szklarszuk, and his partner Suzanne Druwe are passionate about getting people outside and enjoying the outdoors. No matter what your body type, Prairie Velo wants to provide a bike that will get you out tooling around the neighborhood, whether you are 24 or 84!
The cost of a e-bike, trike or regular bike does not need to break the bank, and financing is available with Prairie Velo.
The shop also has knowledgeable mechanics who can solve any issue you might have with your bike. They also sell materials that will help make your rider safer, and more enjoyable. Helmets, lights, pumps, and puncture patches for our pock marked Winnipeg roads are all available on site.
With the cost of gas being at an all-time high, the option of using a bike to get around town and is now a truly viable option thanks to Prairie Velo Bikes in Wolseley.
They are open from Tuesday to Friday Noon till 6:00pm and on Saturday 1:00pm to 5:00pm, 967 Wolseley Avenue.