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Fitability

Inclusive tandem cycling in Canberra

Fitability creates cycling opportunities for people with disabilities. An experienced pilot rides at the front of a tandem bicycle while the stoker rides at the rear.

Try tandem cycling as a stoker Volunteer as a tandem pilot
Fitability riders and volunteers with several tandem bicycles on a tree-lined path.
Photo by Jennie Bovard.

There is a place for you

Choose your way to join

You do not need previous tandem experience. Fitability volunteers provide a welcoming introduction, training and practical support.

  • Ride with us

    Ride as a stoker

    A stoker rides on the rear seat. If vision loss or another disability makes independent cycling difficult, we can arrange a safe first ride with an experienced pilot.

    Request a first tandem ride

  • Volunteer on the bicycle

    Train as a pilot

    A pilot rides on the front seat and steers, changes gears and brakes. Confident bicycle riders receive training and begin with experienced Fitability riders.

    Ask about pilot training

  • Volunteer behind the scenes

    Help in another way

    Volunteers also coordinate rides, maintain and transport tandem bicycles, prepare bikes, raise funds and promote Fitability activities.

    Ask about other volunteer roles

Two riders. One bicycle.

How Fitability works

Pedal Power's Fitability program makes cycling available to Canberrans who might not otherwise be able to ride. The program is run entirely by volunteers.

Pilot
The rider at the front. The pilot steers, controls the gears and brakes, communicates with the stoker and guides the tandem.
Stoker
The rider at the rear. Stokers include people with vision impairment or other disabilities who want to experience cycling.
A smiling pilot and stoker riding a blue tandem bicycle together on a Canberra path.

Your first ride

Start at your pace.

You can try tandem cycling even if you have never ridden a bicycle before. We will help you understand the bicycle, practise communication and build confidence.

  1. Tell us what you need

    Email Fitability. Let us know whether you want to ride as a stoker or train as a pilot, and tell us about any access requirements.

  2. Meet your riding partner

    We will arrange an easy introduction in a safe location, answer your questions and match you with a suitable tandem bicycle.

  3. Try tandem cycling

    Practise the basic skills together. If you enjoy the ride, talk with your riding partner about future rides and events.

Rides and events

Ride socially. Ride your way.

Fitability riders take part according to the interests, experience and abilities of each pilot and stoker partnership.

  • Pedal Power social rides
  • Community cycling events
  • Cycle racing with participating local clubs
  • Triathlons, with guiding available
  • Private rides arranged by trained participants

Our tandem bicycles

Fitability has a range of tandem bicycles. Volunteers match riders with a bicycle that suits their size, experience and riding style.

Some participants bring their own tandems. Fitability also considers loans for regular participants who want to ride with friends or family. Before a bicycle is loaned, the pilot and stoker must receive training and sign a bicycle loan agreement.

Rider stories

What tandem riding means.

Fitability brings together people with different experiences and goals, from first-time riders to experienced pilots and competitive cyclists.

  • Griff — stoker

    “Vision impairment is not relevant.”

    Griff was born blind and first tried tandem cycling at about 11. He now rides regularly with friends and family. He especially enjoys the feeling of the wind while riding downhill and values the opportunities created by the Fitability team.

  • Rosemary — pilot

    “It is all about communication.”

    Rosemary has been involved with Fitability since 2006 as a pilot and organiser. She has completed long-distance tandem rides and supported riders from their first tandem experience through to elite competition.

  • Ashley — pilot

    “One of the best cycling experiences.”

    Ashley began piloting as a way to use his cycling experience to help others. Tandem cycling has since become a major part of his life, from riding with people building fitness to training with elite para-cyclists.

Support Fitability

Help keep every tandem ready to ride.

Fitability is financed through fundraising, sponsorship, donations and grants. The fleet has served the community for more than 20 years and needs continuing maintenance and renewal.

  • Maintain regularly used tandems in safe working condition
  • Purchase replacement tandem bicycles
  • Keep spare parts, saddles and handlebars for different riders
  • Cover insurance and program administration costs
Donate to the Fitability tandem fleet Ask about sponsoring Fitability
$1,000
Approximate annual cost to keep one tandem bicycle on the road and cover administration.
$7,000
Approximate average cost to replace a tandem bicycle when a fleet bicycle reaches the end of its service life.

Contact Fitability

Ready to ride together?

Email the volunteer Fitability team if you would like to try tandem cycling, train as a pilot, volunteer behind the scenes or discuss access requirements.

Email the Fitability team

Fitability email: fitability.act@gmail.com

Need this information in another format?

If any part of this page or a linked document is difficult to access, email Pedal Power and tell us your preferred accessible format.