First of all, we would like to get to know you better. Could you tell us a little about the Eşpedal Association and tandem bicycles?
The Eşpedal Association was established as a meeting point for sighted and visually impaired bicycle enthusiasts. On tandem (two-person) bicycles, the sighted person, or pilot, sits in the front seat, while the visually impaired or blind person, or co-pilot (assistant pilot), sits in the rear seat. Since November 2015, we have traveled thousands of kilometers. Of course, tandem bicycles existed before us.
When did tandem bicycles establish their place in the racing world?
The origins of tandem bicycles date back to the 1880s. As performance-focused improvements were made over the years, “tandem bicycle races” also found their place in the Olympic Games by 1972.
“Some steps are revolutionary, some pedals increase the speed of the revolution.”
So, what are your initiatives as an association regarding participation in the Paralympic Games?
The Tandem Cycling category was first introduced at the 1984 New York Paralympic Games, the pinnacle of disabled sports. Since then, no Turkish athlete has been able to participate in these events in the cycling category. The Eşpedal Association took the initiative at this point and embarked on a major struggle to enable visually impaired cyclists to represent themselves in Europe, the world, and the Paralympic Games.
Where does the Tandem and Eşpedal Association fit into the competitions held in Turkey?
The Gran Fondo bicycle races, known as amateur bicycle races in Turkey and around the world, were a great opportunity to promote tandem bicycles and increase their visibility. On average, around 15 races are held each year, and the Tandem Cycling Association participates in many of these races with its tandem category. By participating in bicycle races with its own resources and volunteers, the association contributes to the recognition of this branch by authorized federations.
Without getting lost in statistical data, it is known that there are 1 million visually impaired people in our country. For many, access to sports is either nonexistent or severely limited. As the Eşpedal Association, we use cycling as a tool to achieve our ideals of equality, accessibility, and barrier-free living. Among our 2025 goals, one of our greatest aspirations is to activate the Para Cycling B category under the umbrella of the Cycling Federation and perhaps even produce the first national athletes from within the Eşpedal family.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We have a campaign running on Change.org: “Activate the Para Cycling B Branch, Let Visually Impaired People Participate in Tandem Cycling Races.” We are waiting for your support for our campaign. Every pedal turned together strengthens the concept of companionship. Although we talk about the race-focused story of tandem bicycles, the roots of Eşpedal lie in a love for nature. Through our traditional summer camps held in different cities each year, our long-distance bike tours, and our fun and educational events, perhaps our paths will cross one day. Happy pedaling to all!