Tandem bicycle club in Ecuador’s capital leads blind riders to new adventures

QUITO, Ecuador (AP) — Franklin Ochoa, who lost his eyesight 16 years ago, has embraced new adventures, all thanks to a bicycle club called Ciegocleta. Every Sunday, the club organizes tandem bike rides in Quito’s capital city, where blind riders are steered by volunteers who can see. Ochoa, 44, is a passionate member who has even completed a 1,000 km tandem bike ride across Ecuador.

He feels a sense of happiness and joy when riding with a guide, urging them to let go of the brakes. Ciegocleta, founded 19 years ago by Miguel Ramos, builds tandem bikes for its members to enjoy the popular ciclopaseo, a weekly event where cars are barred from certain avenues and bike riders and joggers take over. Ramos, who built the tandem bikes for his children, started inviting blind neighbors to join him, leading to the formation of the club.

The club currently has 150 members, but only about 30 show up for the Sunday rides. Blind riders receive security tips before heading out, while volunteers experience the ride from the rear of a bike with their eyes covered. Around 56,000 people in Ecuador are visually impaired, and while they have made progress in finding employment, inclusion in sports remains a challenge.

One volunteer, José Paéz, joined the club to help his father-in-law overcome depression after losing his sight due to disease. Ochoa plans to undertake a ride from Ecuador to Mexico, hoping to find a partner to join him on the adventure.