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Shifting Gears United

Vision in Motion
Accessible Tandem Cycling Program

Tandem cyclists enjoying the outdoors

About the Program

Vision in Motion is Shifting Gears United’s innovative adaptive cycling initiative, empowering individuals who are blind and visually impaired (BVI) to experience the joy, health benefits, and freedom of cycling. By pairing individuals with BVI with compassionate, sighted volunteer “captains” on tandem bikes, we break barriers to physical activity, encourage independence, and foster true community inclusion.

How It Works

  • The Tandem Model: Sighted captains ride up front and steer, while BVI participants pedal from the rear, working as a team.
  • Monthly Community Rides: Structured group rides on local, safe, and scenic paved trails.
  • Skill Development: Clinics for both captains and stokers ensure safety and effective communication for a seamless riding experience.
  • Social Connection: Post-ride gatherings promote friendships and reduce isolation.

Who Can Join?

This program welcomes cyclists of all ages with blindness and visual impairments, as well as volunteer captains who wish to give back and learn the rewarding world of tandem cycling. No prior cycling experience is required—just a willingness to connect and try something new!

Why Accessible Cycling?

People who are blind or have low vision often face extra challenges accessing outdoor fitness and social opportunities. Tandem cycling provides a safe, exhilarating way to:

  • Build physical fitness and boost mental health
  • Forge lasting friendships and reduce social isolation
  • Gain independence through teamwork and trust
  • Experience the thrill of cycling in beautiful outdoor settings

Get Involved!

Do you want to ride, volunteer, or support Vision in Motion? We’re looking for participants who are blind/visually impaired, enthusiastic volunteer captains, and sponsors who want to help us provide accessible outdoor fun for all abilities. Reach out and let’s pedal together!

Multi-Sports Registration Form

Personal Information

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Waiver and Legal Agreement

Waiver and Release of Liability

I know that participating in Shifting Gears United athletic events is potentially hazardous. I agree not to enter any Shifting Gears United race, activity, or sponsored event unless I am medically able and properly trained. I agree to abide by any decision of a race official relative to my ability to safely complete the activity. I assume all risks associated with participating, including, but not limited to: falls, contact with vehicles, other participants, spectators, or others, the effect of the weather, including high heat, extreme cold and/ or humidity, traffic conditions of the road, all such risks being known and appreciated by me. Having read this Waiver and knowing these facts, and in consideration of your accepting my application, I, for myself or for my child and anyone else entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Shifting Gears United to which I belong (including directors, officers, leaders, members, athletes, volunteers, guides), the local county and city departments of Parks and Recreation, all sponsors of Shifting Gears United and any of their races or events, members and volunteers, from present and future claims and liabilities of any kind, known or unknown, arising out of my participation in any Shifting Gears United event or related activities, even though that liability may arise out of ordinary negligence or fault on the part of the persons named in this Waiver. By registering for a Shifting Gears United or any other race though Shifting Gears United, I hereby grant my permission to Shifting Gears United to act as proxy on my behalf for that race with full authorization to execute consents, waivers and releases included in the Shifting Gears United registration. I further grant my permission to all the foregoing to use photographs, motion pictures, recordings, or any other record of my participation in Shifting Gears United for any legitimate purpose, without remuneration. I have read this waiver and agree to the terms.

Safe Sport Acknowledgement

I understand that (1) participation with Shifting Gear s United is strictly voluntary, and (2) I a monthly to receive/provide running companionship, advice, and encouragement from my fellow Shifting Gears United athletes/volunteers/guides. If anything, else is asked of me, or if I am otherwise uncomfortable or concerned, I will bring it to the immediate attention of the Shifting Gears United President.

By typing your name here, you acknowledge that this serves as your electronic signature.

Witness Information (Optional)