Vehicle makes outdoor recreation possible for people with limited mobility.
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HOUGHTON -- Snowy packed trails, hills and other obstacles won't be a problem anymore for people with limited mobility who want to enjoy the woods in Houghton.
As part of their Senior Design Project, six students at Michigan Technological University recently completed one of three off-road trail assist vehicles for use at the Michigan Tech Trails.
"I used to run cross country," said Mechanical Engineering student, Mindy Miller. "So, I'm very familiar with the trail system and I know that I love using it. So, I thought it would be great to those who cannot use it, to be able to."
The trail vehicle consists of a race car seat, off-road tracks, a standard wheelchair joystick and two marine batteries. The batteries last up to two hours.
"What we wanted to do is have a vehicle that can be used spring, summer, winter and fall," said Design Team member, Colin Fay. "Wheels don't work too well in the snow; tracks keep it aloft in the snow and dirt as well."
The $8,864 trail vehicle was funded through a State Parks and Recreation Grant, which paid for two others that will be built by December. The grant also paid for three hand cycles, so people with little or no use of their legs can get out and ride the 35 kilometers of trails.
"What we're trying to do is accommodate people with different levels of disabilities," said Tech's Director of Sports and Recreation, Mike Abbott. "And my goodness, what I've learned from trying them all out is actually, you have to be in pretty good shape to do them all."
Providing access doesn't stop at bikes and trail vehicles. Last winter Michigan Tech also purchased sit skis for cross country skiing. All of the items can be checked out at the Student Development Complex on campus.
