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Patient Samantha pedals happily with two volunteers.
For the ninth consecutive summer, Shriners Children’s Northern California transformed its parking circle into a training course where patients experienced the life-changing joy of riding adaptive bikes. Thanks to generous community support, BikeFit 2025 set a new participation record with 35 graduates – each receiving a custom trike and the priceless gift of independence.
“BikeFit is one of the most amazing programs at Shriners Children's Northern California,” said Senior Director of Philanthropy Alan Anderson. “It's an opportunity we have to help kids be independent on trikes. This would not be possible without our generous donors.”
For six weeks, patients practiced on trikes customized with:
Physical therapists and volunteers – including Sacramento State physical therapy students and Sacramento police officers – guided riders through chalk-drawn courses, building skills through repetition and celebration.
“The program means so much to me as a physical therapist because I get to see the independence, the strength, the camaraderie that this program brings. It's a whole community endeavor.” said Laura van Houtryve, BikeFit coordinator and Shriners Children’s Northern California physical therapist. “It's really amazing to see patients doing something new, parents meeting each other. The whole staff comes together to support this program, and then the kids get to take their bikes home and ride in the community with their friends and family. It's something they truly wouldn't be able to do without the BikeFit program.”
This year's expansion was fueled by:
“AMBUCS donates half the cost of the bikes, and the rest of the program is supported by our donors and volunteers,” said Alan. “Together we ensure that every child learns how to safely be independent and gets to be a child when they go home with their trike.”
With custom adaptive trikes averaging $2,000 each, donor support remains crucial. Plans are already underway to keep participation high in 2026, ensuring more children can experience this transformative milestone.
