Organisation

Blind Low Vision NZ

Purpose

Try your hand at piloting a tandem bike during this fun Biketober event! Ride solo or with a passenger, and discover if you’ve got the skills to help someone with low vision enjoy cycling 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️🦯

Description

This is a fun "have a go" event where participants try out a tandem bike. They could even learn to "pilot" the tandem bike with a passenger, called the "stoker." If they enjoy this activity, they may choose to sign up as a volunteer.

This is a fun community event arranged by Blind Low Vision as part of Biketober. Participants can bring their own bike if they have one, to ride alongside others on the day. Learn the basics of handling a tandem bike, a bicycle built for two! Gain confidence with this, then try riding with a passenger, known as the stoker. You might find you have the skills to be the pilot for a person who is blind or has low vision. Having a pilot for a tandem bike helps members get out and about, enjoy fresh air and exercise, and participate in a beloved activity while staying safe with eyes to navigate hazards.

If you enjoy this and have the right skills, you might like to register as a volunteer for Blind Low Vision as a Tandem Bike Pilot and enjoy this activity regularly.

People who give their time at Blind Low Vision NZ make a huge difference to those who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision across Aotearoa New Zealand. There are many ways to get involved, whether weekly, monthly, or occasionally. Blind Low Vision NZ offers opportunities to suit different interests and makes great use of individual talents while helping people gain new experiences. However someone chooses to help, they are making a world of difference to someone.

Requirements

🚲 Can ride a bike and enjoy it
🚲 Physically fit and strong enough to manage a larger bike
🚲 Has social skills to chat with people of various abilities and all walks of life
🚲 Has an email address that is checked regularly
For those interested in an ongoing volunteer role:
🧰 Ideally have some basic bike repair skills such as managing chains and fixing flat tyres
✅ Willing to complete police background checks, referee recommendations, and induction training

Time Commitment

This is a one-off event as part of Biketober.

If signing up as an ongoing volunteer, ideally able to commit to one decent bike ride per week, which might take about 3 hours.

How to apply

Email Nadrah Zakariah / nzakariah@blindlowvision.org.nz

Please copy (CC) volunteer@otago.ac.nz into your application email. Also, we have a great email template and helpful tips on making an effective application here: https://www.unicrewotago.org/aboutpriceless