Bike program for the disabled gearing up for Oklahoma City visit

A national program that teaches children and adults with special needs how to ride a bicycle is coming to Oklahoma City.

About 50 volunteers are needed to help teach others how to ride this summer.

The iCan Bike program will make its debut in the state Aug. 5-9 at Oklahoma City Community College.

The week of bicycle lessons has plenty of children and adults age to 23 years old who want to learn how to ride.

Volunteers who are at least 16 years old and are willing to get some exercise by jogging and running alongside the bicycle riders are needed, said camp director Nikki Williams.

Teaching those with special needs how to ride a bicycle does more than provide exercise. It boosts spirits, too.

“There is an increase in self-esteem and self-confidence by learning a new skill,” Williams said.

She said those with special needs get a sense of inclusion by participating instead of sitting and watching others ride when they think they can't.

Children and adults who have been diagnosed with both physical and mental disabilities can participate. They may have an autism spectrum disorder or Down syndrome or cerebral palsy.

The first iCan Bike program is a national program that started in 1999, but this is the first year it has been in Oklahoma.

“I'm hoping it is the first annual and I can bring it back every year,” Williams said.

Williams had volunteered for the program in different parts of the United States. She now works as the office manager at Total Poss-Abilities in Edmond that offers pediatric occupational therapy. Total Poss-Abilities is a sponsor for bringing the bicycle program to Oklahoma City.

Williams said the program has had success in other parts of the country.

“I see the need in our local community,” Williams said.

Williams said many children with disabilities have fear or problems with balance that keeps them from being able to learn to ride a bicycle.

A device that resembles a rolling pin is used on the bicycles to give it more stability for the special needs riders to build their confidence.

“Instead of taking the training wheels off and rolling them down the hill, the bicycle is modified so they can ride,” she said.