You Can Ride 2
Apr 10, 2017
Active Physio Works is proud to support You Can Ride 2, as we share in their vision that all children will be able to experience the joy and freedom of riding a bike. Having the opportunity to see the joy that is brought to a child’s face when they see their new bike for the first time, is one that I shall remember forever.
You Can Ride 2 is made possible by the two programs they offer including the borrow a bike program and the learn to ride course. The borrow a bike program coordinates the efforts of Physical Therapists (many of our PTs volunteer for the program throughout the year), occupational therapists, bike mechanics and cycling enthusiasts to match adaptive bikes to the specific needs of the child. The loan pool of bikes allows families to go on rides without having to spend thousands of dollars on a bike that may not fit their child the following year. The learn to ride course assists children over the age of 8 to discover how to ride a two-wheeled bike. Over 15 years the volunteers with You Can Ride 2 have developed strategies and teaching techniques for those children who need a little extra assistance with their new bike. Over 2500 hours of volunteer time goes into the borrow a bike and learn to ride programs each year which is an amazing feat. The support amongst our community is one that can witnessed first-hand while we were on-site for the borrow a bike fittings earlier this year and last. The sheer joy on the children’s faces at the opportunity to have a bike specifically fit to their needs, is incredible to see.
The bikes assist the children in getting stronger, recover from surgery, improve mobility skills and eventually help them master the skill of riding a bike. By being able to ride the bikes in their community, the children are able to build upon their social skills, and develop new relationships with their children in their communities and schools. This past winter, 20 children were allotted bikes for in their school, which for them was their only means of engaging in physical activity.
Since the bikes, themselves are specially adapted to the needs of each individual person, one bike alone can cost up to $5000 plus the time of the mechanics and therapists to fit the bike to a person’s needs.
In 2016, 132 bikes went home with kids, and they’ve set a goal of 150 bikes for Canada’s 150th. With the support of our local community and your help, You Can Ride 2 could reach their goal by July 1. To donate, please visit youcanride2.ca or click here.
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