Getting the wheels rolling: Bikes for kids with special needs
KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WOLF) — A lot of people learned to ride a bike when they were kids, but for those with special needs it's a bit trickier.
That's why one group is making sure kids with all abilities can experience miles of smiles this summer, with the "My Bike" program.
10 lucky kids got to ride off with bikes Thursday, specially-made for them.
"She sees her sister riding a bike and you know she wants to ride a bike," said Greg Stauffer, Rowyn's dad. "Today's a big day for her."
They were all free, thanks to Variety The Children's Charity, local labor groups, and the Luzerne Intermediate Unit.
"Our organization is dedicated to enabling kids with disabilities to live life to the fullest," explained Charles Lavallee, the CEO of Variety The Children's Charity. "Instead of being excluded, being included."
Variety used this to launch the program in Luzerne and Wyoming counties.
"It really made a lot of children smile today, and families," said Nicole Ash, Michael's mom. "He doesn''t see any difference, he just knows he wants to do it. So it's up to us to find ways for him to do things."
The bikes have a lot of modifications to make it easier for kids to ride, including seat belts and harnesses, push bars, and steering bars for the parents to help out.
Priced at $1,800 a piece, these are luxuries many families can't afford.
"Often it's a choice between a wheelchair and a bike and obviously we had to choose the wheelchair," said Ash.
Thursday, the kids got to proudly show off their new toys, that'll last for years to come.
"The seat heights grow, the handlebar heights grow, the accessories come on and off," said Jeff Rukas, the vice president of sales and marketing for Blackburn's "They will grow with the child."
Bringing no shortage of smiles.
"They're so excited to ride a bike for the first time, how could you not be thrilled," exclaimed Lavallee.
Income eligibility for these bikes goes up to $128,750 annually for a family of four.
Variety is aiming to give them to at least 100 more kids.
To find out how to help or to apply, click here.
