Disabled Cyclist Confronted on Trail Highlights Accessibility Rights

A disabled U.S. cyclist is calling for greater kindness and understanding after a viral video showed him being confronted by a fellow trail user while riding his adaptive tricycle. The incident, which took place near Bloomington, Indiana, has sparked an online conversation about disability rights, accessible trails, and the importance of inclusive outdoor spaces.

Tom Morris, a former strength coach turned disability advocate, was riding his specially-adapted electric tricycle along a public trail when he was abruptly stopped by a man who insisted he wasn’t allowed to be there.

“You’re not supposed to have e-bikes on this trail,” the man says at the beginning of the video, which Morris later posted on Facebook. Calmly, Morris responds, “It’s a handicapped piece of equipment.” Rather than backing down, the man—who identified himself only as Freddy—coldly replies, “And?”

Freddy then challenges Morris to “show him the rules” proving that his adaptive mobility device is allowed on the trail. Morris reiterates that he cannot walk and depends on the trike for outdoor recreation. A woman accompanying Freddy eventually chimes in, saying, “You should’ve led with that,” to which Morris responds, “Is this your husband? Class act, brother.”

Since the video was posted, it has been viewed tens of thousands of times. Social media users quickly labeled Freddy as “the male Karen,” a term often used to describe individuals who aggressively enforce perceived rules, especially when doing so discriminates or lacks empathy.

Morris later confirmed that he reached out to Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for clarification. He spoke with Terry Coleman, the DNR’s deputy director, who assured him that his adaptive electric tricycle is fully legal on Indiana’s trails.

“What I’m on is not an e-bike,” Morris explained in a follow-up post. “It’s an adaptive mobility device. Adaptive equipment is permitted on all trails in Indiana, including those in state parks.”

He added that Coleman informed him the DNR had recently acquired 12 off-road wheelchairs to help expand trail access for people with disabilities. These electric mobility devices are designed to provide more freedom and equal access for disabled individuals who want to enjoy nature and participate in outdoor activities.

Morris hopes the incident sparks a larger conversation about compassion, inclusion, and accessibility. “We need to be more kind to each other,” he said. “Just because someone looks different or is using something you’re not familiar with doesn’t mean they don’t belong.”

The unnamed couple were later recognized in their neighborhood after the facebook video reached over 700,00 views. The local police received a complaint from them of people harrassing them. After a few weeks, they had to relocate to a different state due to all the people coming up to their doorstep.”

As outdoor spaces continue to evolve, Morris urges others with disabilities to reclaim their right to enjoy nature. “If you have this kind of equipment—use it. Use it on the trails, in the parks, anywhere you’re allowed. You belong there just like everyone else.”

Tom responded with this statement.

I posted that video for one very simple reason and that was to bring awareness. That night that the video was taken, I waited until the next morning not knowing if I was going to post it. When I woke up the next morning I opened up some social media and the very first person that was on my feed was a young boy, Eli, an 8-year-old boy with spinal bifida who is wheelchair bound. All I could think was what if this were to happen to him or someone like him? He doesn’t have a voice or a platform like I do.

The only reason I posted that video is because I want to advocate for people that maybe don’t have the ability to advocate for themselves. That video was never meant with intentions to do harm or ill will to those two people. I don’t know them, I know them from one interaction, and I have nothing but love and kindness for them. This is not a revenge thing, this isn’t anything like that.

People have reached out with a lot of support and I appreciate that but on the other hand what that man and woman’s comments to me were, they weren’t very nice but some of the stuff that’s written in those messages is challenging and that’s not who I am and that’s not the message. The message is kindness. As we move forwards I would just really appreciate if we could look at each other with a little more empathy and try and get out there and make this place a little bit better.—Tom Morris