Losing a limb does not mean your life is finished. Many athletes continue to train in their chosen sport or switch to one that best suits them once they recover from amputation surgery. Greg Lakompski, a competitive cyclist for years, became a lower-limb amputee in 1997. Since that time, he has trained as a member of the Orthotic & Prosthetic Technologies Cycling Team and is on the road to making the National Disabled Team. Learning how to ride a bike with a prosthetic foot can help with your physical recovery and could launch you into the world of competitive sports.
Step 1
Ride a stationary bike to build up distance and endurance gradually. The stationary bike lets you work out any issues with your prosthetic foot and pedaling without the chance of sustaining an injury while riding a bicycle outdoors.
Step 2
Try different solutions to keep your foot on the bicycle pedal. Toe clips, custom straps and quick-release bindings are available to attach your prosthetic foot to the bicycle pedals.
Step 3
Wear a stiff-soled bicycle shoe on your prosthetic foot. Most prosthetic feet have a flexible toe, making it hard to effectively push the pedals.
Step 4
Wear a sheath over your lower leg that provides comfort and protection to the skin on your leg. Clean the socket of your prosthesis after your bike ride to prevent skin irritations that can occur from perspiring during your ride.
Things You'll Need
- Stationary bike
- Toe clips, custom straps or quick-release bindings
- Stiff-soled bicycle shoes
- Protective lower limb sheath
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