Every Kid in MN Deserves This Childhood Joy- We Can Make It Happen

How many of us can remember the joy of the first time being able to ride a bike, all by ourselves? I can still remember riding a bike at my Grandmother's house and going just a few feet. Then a few more, and a few more. Then learning to turn, and finally being able to ride. What an exhilarating feeling of accomplishment, and one of the first big steps in life that gave me the confidence to try other things. If I can do this, I wonder what else I can accomplish?

A PARENTS JOY

As parents, many of us get those same feelings from helping our kids learn to ride. It's so exciting to watch them pedal down the street, giggling with wind in their hair. Seeing them feel that freedom, gaining confidence, and beginning to believe in themselves.

Now, imagine you are the parent of a child with a disability. You want your child to have this same chance to feel the same way, but you don't know how to get them there.

That’s why I want to tell you about All Abilities Bike. All Abilities Bike is a program that’s finally giving every kid the same joy through inclusive Learn-to-Ride Camps right here in Minnesota.

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ALL ABILITIES BIKE GIVES OUR KIDS A CHANCE

All Abilities Bike offers a chance for kids with intellectual and developmental disabilities to learn to ride a bike, many for the first time. These camps use balance-to-pedal bikes, utilize trained instructors, and have a playful curriculum that helps kids succeed at their own pace.

Right now, this program is actively looking for central Minnesota partners to make this possible in our area. Are you a coach? Do you know of people in our local schools who would like to get this started? Do you know or are you a Special Olympics coach?

Imagine that you are a parent of an amazing child, and you've had moments where you wondered if your child would ever get to experience some of the simple joys others take for granted. All Abilities Bike is making those simple joys happen, so why not central Minnesota?

COME SEE ALL ABILITIES BIKE IN ACTION AT THE U OF M

You will have a chance to come see it for yourself at the Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games that are happening June 21–23, on the University of Minnesota campus. The All Abilities Bike Ride Experience booth will be there with staff ready to answer questions, show you the bikes, and help you learn how to bring a camp to your town.

"Everyone deserves the chance to ride," says Lisa Weyer, Executive Director of the Strider Education Foundation.

If this sounds like a mission that you would like to start or be a part of, you can learn more at www.AllAbilitiesBike.org or call 605-956-3877.