Quadriplegic Ontario man hand-cycling across Canada to promote activity after injury
CTV
Kevin Mills, a quadriplegic man from Ontario, is hand-cycling across Canada to promote outdoor activity after injury while also charting an accessible nationwide bike route for those with a disability.
Kevin Mills, a quadriplegic man from Ontario, is hand-cycling across Canada to promote outdoor activity after injury while also charting an accessible nationwide bike route for those with a disability.
July 15 and 16, he'll be making a much-anticipated stop in his hometown of Newmarket, Ont.
Mills uses his shoulders and arms to turn a hand crank on a bike attachment that clips to his wheelchair. He also has a small battery that helps on inclines and making such a grueling trip possible.
"I want people with disabilities to see me out there biking and maybe get inspired to do something and create a conversation to improve accessibility," Mills said.
In 2009, the former paramedic was in Cuba for his sister's wedding when he was struck by a rogue wave while swimming in the ocean. He hit the sea floor and the crash injured his spinal cord. A doctor told Mills he would be lucky if he could move his shoulders.
After pushing himself to move and embracing activity-based therapy, Mills regained some mobility and has been able to get back into cycling. He finds it important for both mental and physical health and wants others to benefit from therapy.
Mills was very active in the years before his accident and loved to run and go rock climbing.
