What is iCan Bike? iCan Bike uses adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program, and trained staff to enable individuals with disabilities to learn to ride a two wheel bicycle. Riders 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 in an effort to challenge riders balance as they gradually discover the skill and joy of riding.
The goal of iCan Bike is to teach individuals with disabilities to ride a two wheel bicycle and become lifelong independent riders. This achievement, in turn, creates a gateway of opportunity, helping each rider gain assurance and self-reliance in many other aspects of their lives. Parents, teachers and therapists describe the results as miraculous. Many of the riders have tried for years to learn to ride a bicycle without success. In just one week of the iCan Bike camp, about 80% of the riders will learn to independently ride a two wheel bike. The remaining 20% make tremendous strides toward that goal. Success in learning to ride a bicycle is a major milestone in anyone’s life. When learning has become a struggle, the accomplishment and its impact can be much greater. We observe that learning to ride a bicycle infuses riders with confidence and an improved self-image that has a positive ripple effect into many other aspects of their lives.
Camp host: Miracle League of Southeastern Connecticut
Camp dates: August 8, 2021 - August 12, 2022
Camp location: East Lyme Middle School 31 Society Road Niantic, CT 06357
Fee: $200
Rider Requirements
Each iCan Bike Rider must meet all of the following requirements
- Minimum age - 8 years old
- Able to sidestep to both sides
- Have a disability
- Able to attend camp all 5 days
- Able to walk without assistive device
- Maximum weight 220 lbs.
- Willing and able to wear a properly fitted bike helmet
- Minimum inseam of 20” (measure from floor while rider is wearing sneakers)
- NOTE: Dropping-off Riders at the program is not permitted. A parent, legal guardian or other adult authorized to take responsibility for the Rider (e.g. another parent) must remain on site for duration of each day's 75-minute program.
We don’t have the power to make life “fair,” but we do have the power to make life joyful.”