Inclusive tandem cycling in Canberra
Ride together.
Go further.
Fitability creates cycling opportunities for people who are blind, have low vision, or have another disability. An experienced pilot rides at the front of a tandem bicycle while the stoker rides at the rear.
Choose your way to join
There is a place for you.
You do not need previous tandem experience. Fitability volunteers provide a welcoming introduction, training and practical support.
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 as a stokerVolunteer 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 tandem pilot trainingHelp in another way
Volunteers also coordinate rides, maintain and transport tandem bicycles, prepare bikes, raise funds and promote Fitability activities.
Email Fitability about other volunteer rolesWhat is Fitability?
Two riders.
One bicycle.
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 who 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Come and try tandem cyclingFitability holds introductory events where prospective pilots and stokers can receive instruction and disability-specific information. Email fitability.act@gmail.com to ask about the next event.
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.
Renew the tandem fleet
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
Approximate annual cost to keep one tandem bicycle on the road and cover administration.
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 ask about access requirements.