Shriners Children’s Northern California Celebrates 10 Years of BikeFit

At Shriners Children’s Northern California, 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. Now in its 10th year, the six-week BikeFit event helps 20 patients each year learn to ride custom adaptive tricycles.

Because every child is unique, each bike is built to their exact specifications and physical needs. This includes modifications like easy-to-steer handlebars, hand brakes, pedal straps, movable trunk supports, baskets and adjustable seats.

“As a physical therapist, I am so pleased with the impact that this program has had on so many patients and their families,” said BikeFit program lead Laura Van Houtryve, PT, MPT. “The 10th year of BikeFit came together beautifully with the flexibility to order the custom bikes from Rifton and AMBUCS that met each patient’s specific needs.”

Custom adaptive bikes are expensive, averaging $2,000 each. Thanks to generous donors, the 20 bikes are provided at no cost to BikeFit participants. Removing barriers to freedom, fun and recreation through philanthropic support is what makes innovative programs like BikeFit so attractive to donors.

Community Backed Bikes

“We are excited to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s class of BikeFit graduates,” said Senior Director of Philanthropy Alan Anderson. “These kids join more than 200 others who have graduated before them. Some of our first graduates are in their mid-20s now and still cycling. Each graduate is a testament to the life-changing impact individual donors make to our patients, their families and their communities. The impact of their giving is lifelong.”

“Our volunteer crew this year was composed of a large number of undergrad students and students from Sacramento State’s physical therapy doctorate program,” said Van Houtryve. “The dedication from all of our volunteers was truly impressive.”

BikeFit’s 10th Anniversary was fueled by:

• The Jerome & Wanda Hart Fund
• Ben Ali Shriners
• AMBUCS
• Rifton
• 600+ volunteer hours

“It was especially meaningful watching the friendships grow on and off the bikes this year,” said Van Houtryve. “[I loved] listening to the participants calling each other by name and become truly excited to see each other.”

Plans are already in the works to make next year’s event even better. Thanks to Shriners Children’s Northern California and generous community support, those dreams will soon become reality.

"For many of them, this will be the first time they will be able to go out into the community and ride a cycle alongside their friends and siblings," said BikeFit lead Gwen Hall, CRT. "No matter their age, language or disability – their smiles speak volumes."