The Bermuda Bicycle Association will start a programme of handcycling starting at North Field, National Sports Centre, today.

The initiative is led by the BBA which is working with local individuals and entities to introduce this new cycling discipline.

Handcycling is an adaptive form of cycling which uses the arms to turn the cranks rather than the legs.

Developed to make the sport accessible to those with reduced leg function, handcycling is a part of paracycling competitions including the Paralympics and the UCI Para-cycling Track World Championships.

With a donation from Tokio Millennium Re, the BBA was able to purchase three handcycles which will be used in regularly scheduled training sessions.

The equipment will be stored at the NSC and initial sessions will be run on the paved oval around North field.

Working on the project with Peter Dunne, the BBA president, are Cal Blankendal, of Bermuda Sports Management Group, Keith Simmons, Government accessibility officer, Ann Lindroth, of Bermuda Paralympic Association, and Chrissie Kempe of Windreach.

The purpose of the project is to initially create a sporting opportunity for those who have found that the mechanics of traditional cycling are beyond their limitations but who are looking for a sporting outlet.

There is no charge for participation in the programme and the committee is working on developing transportation options for participants without their own means of travelling to the NSC.

More for details contact the BBA at info@bermudabicycle.org or call 704-8614.