Everyone should be able to engage in eco-friendly forms of transportation, like cycling, and now with super-sized bikes they can.
Cycling has been gaining popularity in Israel and other areas of the Middle East over recent years, which is great for the environment, great for reducing vehicle congestion in cities, frugal, and healthy. But unfortunately, this trend is accompanied by another societal change – an increase in child and adult obesity. And therein lies the rub. Because since overweight people could, arguably, benefit the most from healthy forms of exercise such as cycling, they often have a hard time finding bikes that can comfortably support them.
But companies have started to take notice of this problem; one company tackling the issue is US-based Super Sized Cycles. Founded by an overweight cycler who was sick of not finding bikes that were suited for her, Super Sized Cycles offers bikes made for people who weigh over 200 pounds (approximately 90 kilos) and up to 550 pounds (250 kilos).
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnSP2Mcybxk&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
Super Sized Cycles sells a variety of products, including bicycles, electric bikes, tricycles, and bike accessories.
The Zize Bikes are tailored to overweight riders because they are equipped with:
- Steel frames
- Stronger rims and spokes
- Wider tires
- Wide metal pedals
- Bigger, more comfortable seat
The creation of bicycles tailored to overweight cyclers not only contributes to the availability of a healthy form of exercise, but it makes eco-friendly transportation available to a larger demographic. We hope to see these bikes available in the Middle East as well.
Image via: Jake Folsom
Read more about cycling in the Middle East::
Fast Forward Asks, “What is the Best Mode for Public Transportation in Lebanon?”
Israel Becomes a Nation of Pedalers (Cycling Freaks)
The Difficulties of Developing Cycling Routes in Iranian Cities
Author: Karen Chernick
Much to the disappointment of her Moroccan grandmother, Karen became a vegetarian at the age of seven because of a heartfelt respect for other forms of life. She also began her journey to understand her surroundings and her impact on the environment. She even starting an elementary school Ecology Club and an environmental newsletter in the 3rd grade. (The proceeds of the newsletter went to non-profit environmental organizations, of course.) She now studies in New York. Karen can be reached at karen (at) greenprophet (dot) com.
