Oh, finally... A Forum For Visual Impaired And Other Disabilities

[GraysonPeddie]

Does it make sense to move my thread to here? Isn't my thread assisted-technology related?

Because of my visual impairment, I thank Tom for creating such a forum. This forum is nice for discussing visual impaired-related issues when it comes to transportation by bike.

My mom is so worried about me riding my tricycle in the road, because sooner or later, I might lose my right eye due to immature drivers once I get in the road. I'm talking immature drivers who may just ignore my orange safety triangle and my orange safety flag as shown here:



My mom told me that I'm smart when it comes to electronics, helping out with her Android phone (as I currently have), fix computers (whenever I need to but not my main hobby). I also like to do things like take pictures at Epcot's Future World and all that kind of stuff that I'm smart about. Put simply, my mom is worried about losing my right eye by immature drivers in Tallahassee as she told me that Tallahassee is a college town. About my left eye, I was blind when I was born.

My mom told me to never ride my tricycle in the road but in the sideWALK as sideWALK is for walking, but there are obstacles in sidewalks like the light pole that is placed in the middle of sidewalk with no grass between a concrete wall and sidewalk, plus there aren't any grass between the sidewalk and the road for getting around the light pole or a pole that carries wires for that matter. Also, my mom totally insists that she supports me riding my tricycle in the road yet she insists that she is worried about me (I apologize for my repetition about my mom worried about me, but ugh...).

Okay, I don't know what to say about this and I don't know what to do. I'd like to exercise by riding my tricycle. I could take a bus, but I'd rather take control over where I'm going and I am trying to get used to ever-changing routes and schedules due to budget cuts or something. Besides, I really want to encourage my active lifestyle, not only for recreation, but for transportation, so when it comes down to riding my tricycle in the sidewalk, it all comes down to city ordinance where sidewalk riding is prohibited near businesses close to sidewalks and downtown where there are side-street car parking. This makes me want to violate the city ordinance but since I'm contradicting myself, I want to keep my record clean of any violations when it comes to riding my tricycle for transportation.

Well, that's all I have for now. I don't know of any advocacy groups and I don't know how I can calm my mom's worries and nervousness as I really do want to ride my tricycle in the road and avoid sidewalks whenever I can.



Umh... Man, I've stressed out after I typed my long message. Perhaps my mom is always right? Being always right does have flaws. Being a hero does have flaws, too, but I'll not let this debate about heroism be discussed here. All this stuff about heroism and "being always right" will certainly fall in "Foo" forum (eh, off-topic -- heh heh). Let me sum this up that "heroism" reminds me of "Final Fantasy IX." *chuckles*

[no1mad]

Somehow, I don't think pointing out to her that you have just as much chance of being taken out by an inattentive driver as someone with two good eyes.

If she's really worried, ask her to invest in some really bright tail lights for you to use.

[GraysonPeddie]

Looks like I forgot to mention this but maybe something brighter than a PDW Dangerzone?



What if the Dangerzone does not calm my mom's worries? Invest something brighter and bigger than a car light? I don't want to blind motorists' eyes during the night. Does it make sense to shine a really bright light directly at the road? How about a light that shines below my tricycle near the pedal?

[Tom Stormcrowe]

I moved your thread here.

[GraysonPeddie]

You are a very nice man. Thanks!

[no1mad]

There is some debate on how bright a light should be and whether you want to blind anyone approaching you.

If you're more concerned about standing out than being noticed from a distance, then here's a possible lighting scheme for you:

-A bright light like the PDW Radbot 1000, DZ, or PBSF. Or maybe something like the Cygolite Hot Shot that allows for you to program the intensity of both flash and steady modes.
-A dual purpose, active (light)/ reflective (passive) like the B&M 4D Toplight or Cateye Reflex. Should light fail without your noticing, at least it's still acting as a reflector.
-Increase your side visibility by using something like the Down Low Glow (YouTube vid has site to get more info) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43LsJq7z1qM or Bike Brightz.

[qmsdc15]

I have a very weak left eye, I probably would be "legally blind" if I lost my right eye. I have the same orange flag and SMV triangle as you. I almost always wear sunglasses while riding (plastic, impact resistant lenses) and should probably carry clear lens safety glasses for use in low light situations. I pull a trailer which makes using sidewalks problematic for me as well. it sounds like you are a cautious rider who is operating his vehicle safely. My mom worries about me too, but moms are like that. Try to reassure her, but use your good judgement to make your own decisions and be safe.

I think this adaptive forum is a great addition to BikeForums!

[Tom Stormcrowe]

My wife has low vision and glare is one of her "blinders". She wears a VERY pale yellow set of night lenses in low light and dark conditions. The pale, pale yellow enhances her contrasts and brings out detail and it helps her with her night vision and lightly eases the oncoming headlights.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

By the way, I'm 51 and MY Mom still worries about me, too. I see a 51 year old man in the mirror, and my Mom sees that 5 year old boy with his hair bleached blond in the sun, riding with training wheels. I expect it's much the same with every Mum.

[no1mad]

My wife has low vision and glare is one of her "blinders". She wears a VERY pale yellow set of night lenses in low light and dark conditions. The pale, pale yellow enhances her contrasts and brings out detail and it helps her with her night vision and lightly eases the oncoming headlights.

I wonder if I can find some Fredly goggles or safety glasses that would comfortably fit over my glasses, yet not dig into my head while wearing a helmet?

Yes, I've started using a helmet again. The temps are dropping where I won't overheat wearing one and my Mom pointed out that one saved my skull after doing an impromptu Superman impersonation over the handlebars about 20 years ago. Also learned the importance of gloves after that 3 point landing...

[CbadRider]

I wonder if I can find some Fredly goggles or safety glasses that would comfortably fit over my glasses, yet not dig into my head while wearing a helmet?

I did a Google search for yellow safety glasses and it came up with Radians Shooting Glasses.

It looks like they would fit over regular glasses. I don't know about helmet interference, but for $3 a pair it might be worth checking out.

[GraysonPeddie]

I've just ordered Yellow and Green Bright Lightz. Thanks, no1mad.

And thanks, qmsdc15, for your advice. Perhaps with Yellow and Green Bright Lightz might help reassure my mom and calm her worries.

[no1mad]

I did a Google search for yellow safety glasses and it came up with Radians Shooting Glasses.

It looks like they would fit over regular glasses. I don't know about helmet interference, but for $3 a pair it might be worth checking out.

Bookmarked it! And thanks!

[Neil_B]

Odds of a cyclist getting hit riding legally on a public road is very low. Tell your mother that riding on a sidewalk is unsafe - car drivers don't look for bikes on sidewalks - and you are more likely to get hit there.

[GraysonPeddie]

Okay, I'll let her know about that. I'll try to do everything I can, but then it will not be that easy, but then it won't be easier for her to stop worrying about me.

[no1mad]

Actually, you'd probably have less chance of being hit on that trike of yours, as it's wider and is something that one doesn't see on a regular basis. Just make yourself as conspicuous as possible. You can always seek her input on your lighting scheme by having her stand outside as you ride down the street. Some people here have reported their family members having similar concerns as your mom- until they were observed by their loved ones at night on their bikes.

[Neil_B]

Okay, I'll let her know about that. I'll try to do everything I can, but then it will not be that easy, but then it won't be easier for her to stop worrying about me.

Sounds like there's a greater problem there than you riding in traffic.

[Peter_C]

Odds of a cyclist getting hit riding legally on a public road is very low. Tell your mother that riding on a sidewalk is unsafe - car drivers don't look for bikes on sidewalks - and you are more likely to get hit there.

I agree with Neil completely. I was hit (back when I was young and dumber) by a car turning into a driveway, during the day, in bright sunlight. He claimed to not see me - but someone walking would have been safe (due to going slower).

[powerhouse]

I've had legal blindness for my entire life. Despite this visual shortcoming, I'm able to ride a bicycle if I wanted to and so I did! I still had most of my eyesight with which I could see most things as I pedal along. But there were other important things I needed to be able to notice. However, there was no type of eyewear available to do this.

Years later, I learned of the Ocutech, a special type of prescription eyeglasses with a small, short-range telescope mounted on top of the frames. Through the assistance of my low-vision specialist, I purchased and was later fitted for a pair of these. These glasses were extremely expensive but they were well worth the price. Upon looking through my Ocutech's carrier lenses, everything within a short distance is cleared up. When I look through the telescope, I see a small two-dimensional picture of what someone with 20/20 (normal) eyesight would have.



The Ocutech has made a big difference both on and off the bike. It is a handy piece of eyewear that fits easily under a bicycle helment. When riding, these glasses enable me to spot what I couldn't without them (e.g. traffic lights, street signs, bumps, debris, etc.). I learned to be a good cyclist before the advent of the Ocutechs. Today I'm an even better one

[Rollfast]

Finally, a forum that comes before A&S. Thanks, and make the best of it everyone!

[Chris516]

Finally, a forum that comes before A&S. Thanks, and make the best of it everyone!

Yes, Because what people w/o physical disabilities don't think about. Is that one day they could become disabled. Sort of almost in the vein of the show '1000 Ways To Die', on Spike TV. They could become disabled in a freak accident.

A friend of mine has been paralyzed from the neck down since he was 16. He dove off a cliff into a lake, hitting his head on a rock that he didn't see. He didn't plan it. It was just freak accident.

[Rollfast]

Friend, I have thought of these things a lot of my 45 year life. I too had a friend to became paralyzed diving from a river bridge. Another friend's big brother blew half his fingers off with homemade fireworks. I didn't have diabetes at the time but another friend I know called me from ER asking for a ride home once when he was seen (that was nine hours later). I guess it's no wonder he just let go when they took half his leg later on and couldn't ride his mountain bike or hunt well...he died in his early 50s. My diver friend passed away in his early 40s from chair related problems, as I hear happens.

I have other instances but they don't fully relate to the general forum topic even more).

Still YES, I know exactly what you mean. Especially as my body tries to fall apart.

[Rollfast]

Odds of a cyclist getting hit riding legally on a public road is very low. Tell your mother that riding on a sidewalk is unsafe - car drivers don't look for bikes on sidewalks - and you are more likely to get hit there.

The way my mother used to corner over the occasional curb in her truck, I'm afraid you could have a grain of truth there