Cycling Projects
National inclusive charity, Cycling Projects, has joined forces with accessible trike manufacturers Tomcat SNI (Special Needs Innovation), to design an affordable hand-propelled tricycle.

The two organisations have worked together for nearly a decade with a shared goal of making cycling accessible to all. In 2019, they collaborated on the design of innovative tricycle products, the ‘Dragon’ and the ‘Dragonfly’, which have since become among Tomcat’s bestselling products.

Cycling Projects and Gloucestershire-based Tomcat are now working together to find a similar solution for a hand-propelled tricycle.

The design objectives of the new innovation, which is planned for launch in spring of 2022, is a hand-propelled trike that is easily accessible for independent users, including wheelchair users.

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The new design promises to be lightweight and easy to propel, whilst being stable and surefooted on all terrains. It will also be easy and quick to adjust in multi-user environments such as cycling centres and schools.

Cycling Projects and Tomcat have launched a competition that anyone can enter to come up with a new for the new product, both for the adult and teenage models.

Founder and chief engineer Bob Griffin explains: “Between 17th November 2021 and 28th February 2022 we will be running a competition that anyone can enter to find a great name for our new trike. If possible, it should hint at its ‘hand-propelled’ credentials.

“Also, try to hint at its two sizes (for example “Dragon and Dragonfly”).

“The best name we receive, whether used or not, will win the very first trike off the production line in a size to suit the winner, to keep for themselves, or give away to a good home of their choice.”

Ian Tierney, Charity Director adds: “A new, lightweight hand-propelled cycle will provide great opportunities for even more people to enjoy the magic of cycling, and we’re excited to see what it will be named!”

The “Name a Tomcat trike” competition will be launched at the next Kidz to Adultz North event at the exhibition centre in Liverpool on 17th November at Cycling Projects stand on V12.

Bob Griffin, founder and MD of Tomcat concludes: “A quick comparison of muscle mass in the arms and legs of us humans will quickly convince you that legs are far stronger than arms. After all, they have to support and transport the human body most of the time.

“Arms are part time workers by comparison. Therefore, if the arms are to be the main source of propulsion, it makes sense to design a machine that is as light, well-engineered and as ergonomic as possible.

“We hope we have achieved that with our new design, but because enjoying cycling is also about riding comfort and confidence, we have included some of our best innovation into the new trike to make it a pleasure to get on, get off, and ride.”

Last year, Tomcat collaborated with the Department for International Trade (DIT) on a written case study to coincide with International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD), reflecting on its disability innovations over the past 24 years and export successes.

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