iCan Bike Camp

Remember how you felt the first time you rode a bicycle without training wheels?

The freedom…the independence…feeling like you’re one of the gang. Learning to ride a two-wheeler is an important rite of passage for everyone. It’s just as try for people with disabilities as for everyone else. Many people with disabilities struggle to learn to ride, but iCan Bike is changing that.

A local and national partnership

Formerly known as Lose the Training Wheels, iCan Bike provides adapted equipment, a specialized instructional program, and trained supervisory staff to make the dream of riding a two-wheeled bicycle come true. Independent Living Resource Center, a Wichita-based non-profit organization, is the camp’s local partner. ILRC’s mission is to empower people with disabilities by encouraging independence and fostering inclusion. Since 2006, ILRC has been the proud host of this unique bicycle camp for children, teens and adults with disabilities.

How does it work?

Campers attend a 75-minute session each day for five consecutive days, where they learn to ride while accompanied by trained volunteers. Over the course of the week, the bikes are continually adjusted as the campers learn skills and gain confidence in their ability to ride independently.

Camp sessions are limited to eight participants per session, to allow for plenty of individualized attention. On average, more than 80 percent of campers are riding regular bicycles at the end of the five-session camp.

Why is bicycle riding important?

For children, learning to ride a bike is an important milestone and a source of pride. Children and teens with disabilities gain self-confidence and improved self-esteem. They’re able to participate in family activities and are more likely to be included with their bike-riding peers. Bicycling is a great way to improve fitness for people with disabilities of all ages. And bicycling is a great method of independent transportation for teens and adults.

Who may participate in iCan Bike?

We welcome children older than eight, teens and adults. Typically, iCan Bike participants have been diagnosed with disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other physical or developmental disabilities. All campers must meet the following criteria:

Be at least eight years old when the camp begins
Have a diagnosed disability
Have a minimum inseam of 20 inches
Weight less than 220 pounds
Be able to walk without an assistive device
Be able to side-step quickly
Be able and willing to wear a properly fitted helmet

What we provide

Each camper will be given a properly fitted bike helmet, a camp tee shirt, and will be recognized at a participation celebration on the last day of camp.

Camp Schedule

Session 1: 8:30 am – 9:45 am
Session 2: 10:05 am – 11:20 am
Session 3: 11:40 am – 12:55 pm
Session 4: 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Session 5: 3:35 pm – 4:50 pm

More information to come

Check back for more information about next year’s 2020 ICAN Bike Camp.