Pedals Power Route to Independence

There's something magical and freeing about riding a bike without the training wheels for the first time. That moment occurred for a group of youngsters with disabilities in Sussex. 

Lannon Elementary School was the location of a five-day summer program designed to teach individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle. The iCan Bike program is offered through the iCan Shine nonprofit organization. Trained staff use adapted bicycles and a specialized instructional program to help individuals with disabilities accomplish this major milestone.

Riders, who are age eight and older, attend one 75-minute session each day for five consecutive days where they learn to ride while accompanied and encouraged by volunteer “spotters.” 

Over the course of the week, the bikes are continually adjusted to challenge riders appropriately as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding. The program boasts an 80 percent success rate in helping individuals independently ride a two-wheel bicycle.

The iCan Shine organization conducted more than 90 iCan Bike programs in 2012 in 32 states and two Canadian provinces, serving nearly 2,500 individuals with disabilities. Sponsored by the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin and the Autism Society of Southeastern Wisconsin, the camp at Lannon served 20 campers, with one family coming from as far away as Appleton.

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