Mark Harrison was looking for ways to keep active with MS. When he couldn’t find any stylish accessible cycles, he decided to create his own – the Triple Tread trike.
Over several years, I experienced strange feelings such as pins and needles, numbness, muscle spasms, poor balance, clumsiness and coordination, headaches, joint and muscle pain, tiredness, and motion sickness.
In 2004, driving became difficult and walking was uncomfortable due to the sensation of wearing wet and crumpled up socks filled with sharp stones; even when I was sitting down in my bare feet!
Finally, I was diagnosed with RRMS.
At the time, I had a successful career in international sales and marketing in the media, special effects, and broadcast sectors.
During this time my MS symptoms progressed; major trade shows and regular international travel were fatiguing.
As my sensory pains were progressing, I started to investigate products and services that might help me. It concerned me how many products made for the disability market looked so naff!
The London 2012 Paralympics provided a seminal moment and gave me hope! The games also profiled the technological possibilities and materials available for modern mobility aids.
My past association with brands and technology planted the idea that I could use my commercial and technical experience in a new career; providing great products that could benefit many people with disabilities.
I knew I needed to keep active and began looking into cycling.
Like many people with MS, I’m sensitive to overheating, which causes unpleasant symptoms.
However, the speedier you cycle, the faster the cooling breeze flows over you. The rotational cycling motion uses different muscles than walking too, so I could go further distances without the fear of falling due to foot drop.
Some people living with a physical or neurological disability may struggle to ride a two wheel bike due to balance issues. The main accessible cycle option has been an upright tricycle design with a single front wheel and two rear wheels - the delta tricycle.
Most delta tricycles are similar in design to one a child might learn to ride and I refused to use one of this style.
So, I set out to create Triple Tread®
I’ve found starting a business to have many parallels to living with multiple sclerosis. They both have many challenges and balancing issues. Each step must be taken carefully so not to make a mistake, trip or fall.
Finance is the biggest hurdle.
I’ve had to explore funding competitions and awards to aid our development costs. I’ve invested as much of my own money as I can, but it’s been challenging with no additional income.
Writing applications and pitching have offered great opportunities to make connections, raise awareness about MS, and share our story.
It was paramount to me that Triple Tread® looked like a standard bike. This would mean it would not look out of place standing alongside other cycles in bike shops.
Inclusion is everything.
I also designed the trike so that the single rear wheel could be mounted onto a turbo trainer. This could enable someone with MS to still exercise indoors during bad weather, or if there was concern about MS fatigue setting in.
Finally, my design was complete. I was so happy to have a trike that people living with MS, like me, could use safely and inclusively!
Andy Reid MBE, a triple amputee veteran, tested the trike. Watch the BBC News Triple Tread video.
What does the future hold for me? More wobbling, more bouncing off walls, more falls but also more opportunities.
I wouldn’t wish MS on anyone, but I feel privileged to be part of the community. I have a perspective of both a non-disabled and disabled person. Plus, I’ve developed personally and professionally.
The Triple Tread® trike is currently in production, and Mark is seeking a partnership with a manufacturer.
Find out more about the Triple Tread® trike.
