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Patients at Shriners Children’s Northern California experienced one of the greatest joys of childhood, thanks to a popular program supported by generous community donors. In its eighth year, BikeFit continues to help kids who are unable to ride a standard two-wheel bike enjoy the same physical and mental benefits as other children as they learn to ride custom adaptive tricycles.
For six weeks, excited patients donned helmets, mounted their new bikes and tentatively tested the pedals, gaining confidence with each crank as staff and volunteers accompanied them around Shriners Children’s Northern California’s front parking circle. Many of them experienced riding a bike for the very first time. Because every child is unique, each bike is built to their exact specifications with a variety of accessories: easy-to-steer handlebars, hand brakes, pedal straps, movable trunk supports, baskets, adjustable seats and a bright orange flag for added safety.
“We teach bike safety through a variety of techniques with verbal cues as well as posters with the arm signals used weekly,” said BikeFit Program Lead Laura van Houtryve, PT, MPT. “One of the main things we do during our six-week program is repetition and consistency. We have a similar course with chalk drawings to help teach turns and do vary the course to ensure patients can take the same skills and apply them in a similar situation with success. In addition, our awesome team of volunteers and staff checked for properly fitting helmets before the patients entered the riding course.”
Supportive parents and family members formed an enthusiastic cheering section, joined by Sacramento State University physical therapy students and the Sacramento Police Department.
“Our volunteer crew this year was composed of a select number of high school students through working PTs in the community, along with a large number of undergrad students and physical therapy doctorate program students from Sac State who volunteered their time every Friday,” said Laura. “The dedication from all of our volunteers was truly impressive! In total, 608 combined volunteer hours were completed from June 28 to August 9.”
“It’s been a great experience,” one grateful father told a local TV station. “We’ve tried multiple bikes in the past, but since she wears an AFO, it’s been difficult. Now I’m going to have to hop on my bike to keep up with her!”
The gratitude shared by the families of our BikeFit graduates this year was so touching and filled with pure joy and thanks. The collaboration for BikeFit 2024 from the patients, families, volunteers, staff and program leads made this program successful and 100% fun.
Custom adaptive bikes are expensive, averaging around $2,000 each. Thanks to generous donors, the 23 bikes are provided at no cost to the BikeFit participants. Removing barriers to freedom, fun and recreation through philanthropic support is what makes innovative programs like BikeFit so attractive to donors.
“Graduation day for BikeFit is a special day for the patient participants and their families, as well as the donors who make the program possible,” said Senior Director of Philanthropy Alan Anderson. “AMBUCS, the nonprofit supplier of our custom tricycles, also underwrites up to 50% of the cost of each bike, with the rest provided by generous people in the community. Each graduate is a personal testament to the impact donors’ giving can have on transforming potential into realized ability. We are truly grateful to our donors.”
Plans are currently in the works for making next year’s event bigger and better, with the goal of expanding 2025’s cohort to be double the size – more than 40 patients. Thanks to Shriners Children’s Northern California and generous community support, more kids will be able to experience the thrill of riding their very own bicycle.
“The gratitude shared by the families of our BikeFit graduates this year was so touching and filled with pure joy and thanks,” said Laura. “The collaboration for BikeFit 2024 from the patients, families, volunteers, staff and program leads made this program successful and 100% fun.”
Learn more about BikeFit and other innovative patient programs at Shriners Children’s Northern California.
