LOGAN, Utah -- In the spirit of giving, some Utah State University engineering students designed, built and donated a custom quad cycle to the staff and clients of a local organization that coordinates cycling trips for people with disabilities.
Common Ground Outdoor Adventures in Logan received the quad cycle, which the students who built it dubbed "Tandemonium." It allows people like Elizabeth Graves, who was born with spina bifida, to have the experience of cycling.
"I wear braces from the foot up to just a couple inches below my knees," Graves said. "It makes it very difficult to get on and off things."
Graves hasn't had the chance to ride a bike, but Tandemonium allows her to have the next best thing.
Tandemonium, as its name implies, is built for two people. Passengers like Graves can pedal with their hands or feet, or simply sit back and enjoy the ride.
In designing the bike, the students concentrated on safety, accessibility, durability and portability. USU engineering professor Reese Fullmer said he is proud of what his students accomplished with Tandemonium.
"I'm pleased with the work they've done. We've got a bunch of great students up here," Fullmer said.
But, perhaps most importantly, the project is impressing the people it benefits most.
"I mean, it's awesome," Graves said.
Tandemonium was first completed in April, but has since had some minor modifications made.
