It’s As Easy As Learning To Ride A Bike!

Summer is officially here!  And for kids bicycles are part of summer fun.

Bicycles represent an opportunity for independence, freedom, being active and having FUN.  But typically for kids with disabilities they never get to experience the fun of riding a two-wheel bicycle.

Research shows that less than 20% of people with Autism and 10% of people with Down Syndrome learn how to ride a bike.  I would like to share an opportunity for children and young adults with disabilities right here in ND to learn to ride a bike.

The Anne Carlsen Center partners with iCan Shine, a nonprofit organization to organize and host a 5-day bike camp called iCan Bike to teach individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle.  This bike camp is for riders who are ages 8 and up, who are able to sidestep and walk without assistive devices.  The iCan Bike program uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program, and trained/volunteered staff to empower these individuals.

Here are some other fun facts about the iCan Bike program:

• Riders attend camp for 75-minutes each day for 5 consecutive days.
• Each rider is supported by the same two volunteer “spotters” each day at camp.
• The adapted bike is adjusted to gradually introduce more instability in an effort to challenge riders at their own individual pace, ending the week with an award ceremony.
• Approximately 80% of the riders who participate in the iCan Bike program ride a two-wheel bicycle independently (at least 75 feet with no assistance) by the end of the 5-day camp.
• Registration fee is $100.

Check out this video:

Mark your calendars!

• Minot – July 9-13, 2018
• East Grand Forks – July 16-20, 2018

iCan Bike is another great program available to provide a learning opportunity in recreational activity for people with disabilities.  I can only imagine the amount of cheering, smiles and laughter this provides the riders and their families!

To be a rider or how to volunteer, please visit Anne Carlsen Center’s website.

“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.”
– John F. Kennedy