This Bike has MS
This bike has been built with the symptoms of multiple sclerosis hidden within its parts. Paralympian Gold Medalist Carol Cooke AM led a team of neurologists, physiotherapists, bike mechanics and people living with multiple sclerosis to build a bike to improve understanding of multiple sclerosis.
Its wheels are heavily fatigued and its handlebars like pins and needles. Teeth were removed from its gears to mimic spasticity. The grind of the cassette served to create a whirring sound. Ball bearings were tucked inside the handlebars to create pins and needles. The frame was made heavy and the wheels buckled which would cause fatigue and offset balance forcing the rider to constantly fight against it just to keep it straight. The seat was without any padding, which would simulate numbness and pain.
In order to truly demonstrate the impact of multiple sclerosis in a way that words could never do, we searched for an elite cyclist that would take on the challenge. Led by Carol Cooke, we created a pester campaign targeting past and current elite cyclists to take the challenge and ride the bike in the MS Melbourne Cycle. After five weeks of searching, we finally found a rider in five-time Australian Olympian Shane Kelly.
Watch below to find out more
Thanks to WhiteGrey for bringing ‘This Bike has MS’ to life. This campaign continues to raise significant awareness of multiple sclerosis not only in Australia but around the world.
This Bike has MS - Dizziness
This Bike has MS - Fatigue
This Bike has MS - Balance
This Bike has MS - Spasticity
This Bike has MS - Pain
This Bike has MS - Pins & Needles