For the last couple of years, I have been posting here about learning to ride as an adult with cerebral palsy. This month, Active Travel Studies published a commentary piece documenting some of my experiences.

My article knits together some thoughts I’ve shared previously on this blog, but focuses more on mental health and wellbeing. Cycling has transformed not only how I move through the world, but how I see myself.

But this is not just about sharing a feel-good narrative. Visibility is advocacy, and I passionately believe that sharing stories about cycling and disability is important, particularly in the current environment.

In Australia, we are seeing increasing crackdowns on e-bikes in public spaces as well as changes in e-bike legislation which, I believe, are unintentionally discriminating against riders with disability. This is something I am advocating to change.

Bikes are not always readily understood as assistive technology. I’ve had many instances where I’ve needed to explain to security guards, venue staff, or police that my e-trike serves the same purpose as a mobility scooter. It may look like a bike, but it is my mobility device.

I believe that people should have the freedom to use the mobility aid of their choice. And everybody deserves the option of being able to explore cycling. It is in this spirit of encouragement, resilience and resistance that I share my story below:

O’Keefe, F. D. (2026). Transforming Disability Through Cycling: Learning to Ride as an Adult with Cerebral Palsy. Active Travel Studies, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.16997/ats.1863