Wheelchair Bike
Everyone loves feeling the wind in their hair
How it works:
Make your Free reservation online!
Meet at the Dune Climb where a volunteer will take you through a short orientation.
Head off on your adventure with the accompanying volunteer driver.
Wheelchair Bike Ride
The Wheelchair Bike Program is open to individuals who may not be able to ride the Heritage Trail independently but wish to have the experience of “riding” again. Your ride will begin at the Dune Climb where you will meet your hosts to ride a paved section of the Heritage Trail to Glen Haven, or South Forest Haven Drive at the edge of Glen Arbor, and back.
You’re welcome to bring along family and friends to ride with. And don’t forget your water and sunscreen!
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
This section of SBHT meanders through the extraordinary phases of natural dune development to Glen Haven where you will be able to view Lake Michigan in all its glory, and beyond to the blackberry lined blow-down area from straight-line winds in 2015 where you can see the forest naturally regenerating.
Equipment: Wheelchair Bike
Parking: Paved parking lot (directions)
Restrooms: Flush toilets
Distance: 8-9 miles
Our Wheelchair Bike
Wheelchair Bike
Location: Sleeping Bear Dune Climb
Max Weight: 250 pounds (with equipment)
Physical Requirements: Some trunk control is required
While we wish the Wheelchair Bike was accessible to all, there are some limitations.
The arm rests of the trike do not lift. To get into the seat the Wheeler must be able to access the seat from the front. For wheelchair users this means transfer boards do not generally work. Unless the Wheeler can be lifted by those accompanying them, some weight bearing is required. Please considerhow you may be able to get into the seat before making your reservation. If you have questions please contact us at beartracks@friendsofsleepingbear.org
The bike manufacturer states the total weight of the Wheeler - with equipment (such as oxygen, etc) cannot exceed 250 pounds.
The Wheelchair Bike requires the Wheeler to have some trunk control. There is a 3-point harness but there is no ability to add bolsters to help with trunk stability.
There are foot straps for safety.
The total ride is 8 to 9 miles. While on the trail the Wheeler may decide at any point to ask the Pilot to return to the starting point. The Pilot may also make the decision to return to the start. Decisions to return to the starting point may be made by the Pilot, the Wheeler, or those accompanying theWheeler – for any reason.
The Heritage Trail is paved on the section you will be riding. It is mostly flat and allows for a fairly smooth ride.
While a total seat insert cannot be used in the Wheelchair Bike seat, you may bring a reasonably sized seat cushion for comfort.
There are limited restroom opportunities on the trail.
Helmets are required for all: the Wheeler and those accompanying the Wheeler. We do have a limited number of helmets available for use.
Please bring any medication you may need.
Please dress for the weather. You may want to bring an extra layer should it become cooler than expected.
Also suggested: Sunscreen, Bug Spray, Sunglasses, Rain protection, Water
Support the Bear Tracks Accessibility Program
With a commitment to provide recreational opportunities to all, Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes offers the Wheelchair Bike Program. This program provides visitors with riding mobility assistance on the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail.
The wheelchair bike was purchased by the Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes. If you would like to make a contribution, you may make a donation to the Wheelchair Bike Program. Donations will go to bike maintenance and to adding more wheelchair bikes to the Dunes. We accept cash or checks made out to Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes designating the Wheelchair Bike Program.