I'm deaf but it doesn't stop me cycling
Some people think that deaf people
cycling is dangerous, but what I lack in hearing, I more than make up for in
other ways on the road
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Shane Prendergast |
I was about 12 years old when I was told I had a
significant hearing loss. I have worn hearing aids since I was a teenager, and
was profoundly deaf by 21.
Around the time of my diagnosis, I watched my
dad, who is hearing, take on incredible charity cycling challenges – cycling
across America, Australia and Canada. I didn’t really understand the magnitude
of his achievements back then but as I’ve matured, it makes me immensely proud
and I feel cycling is something which is in my blood.
The idea of following in my father’s tyre tracks
came to me at university and this year I have signed up to the RideLondon 100-mile
cycle ride across London and through the hills of Surrey in July. Then in
September, I’m tackling a mammoth 3,200 miles across America, both for
charities Action on Hearing Loss and Clic Sargent.
Since I’ve started my training, I often get asked
by hearing people how I manage, as it’s frequently said many cyclists “see”
with their ears.
As
my hearing aids are not waterproof, I ride without them as sweat or rain could
damage them and at over £2,000 a piece it’s really not worth it, so I hear
absolutely nothing while on the road.
I’ve
been deaf for a number of years so a silent world is something that I am used
to, though it feels quite surreal taking out my hearing aids, like somebody
pushed a mute button – there are people around me but absolutely no sound.
Naturally,
my observation skills have improved tenfold, particularly with lip reading and
facial expressions, and I’m constantly aware of my surroundings. On the bike,
observation is paramount, as without it, I’m much more exposed to an accident
than a hearing person would be.
The
biggest obstacle to overcome is trying to maintain safe positioning on the
road, as I don’t know when someone is behind me or about to pass. The shock of
seeing a vehicle passing closely without hearing means it’s easy to start
wobbling and potentially crash into an unsuspecting vehicle – another reason
drivers should consider how much space they give cyclists on the road.
I’m
constantly looking around when I’m cycling, so much so that my neck and back
often ache after a few hours in the saddle. I never take risks when I’m not
100% certain that it’s safe.
A
few times I’ve been on small country lanes, looked around and found three or
four cars stuck behind me. I have no doubt they’d been blasting their horns
because when I move over to let them pass, I often get the finger.
When
I first started training, I went out with my local club. As much as I loved the
feeling of being part of a group, the experience was quite frustrating.
In
a group, you usually ride in a line, taking turns at the front then dropping to
the back to break the wind for each other. I was nervous about my turn as I
wouldn’t be able to hear the leader barking instructions from behind.
I’m
pretty sure I missed a turn a few miles in and this prompted the leader to swap
tactics, making those at the back accelerate to the front. I appreciated that
he adjusted the ride, but at the same time it made me feel bad for the group
having to adjust their social events to accommodate me.
I
didn’t go to another ride after that as I figured it was easier to train on my
own, and I feel more comfortable that way.
Some
people might think that deaf people cycling or driving is dangerous, but what I
lack in hearing, I more than make up for in other ways. I question whether a
hearing person cycling or driving with music is actually more dangerous as they
usually will unconsciously rely on hearing.
Deaf
cycling is incredibly tranquil. It allows you to think clearly and having
cycled both with and without sound, I definitely prefer the latter.
I’m
incredibly excited about the challenging year ahead. I hope that I prove
deafness is no barrier to life, and doesn’t prevent people from embracing their
passions.
Credit:
TheGuardian
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