iCan Bike – a popular summer camp for young people 8+ who want to learn to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle – was offered during June 2023 this year. The camp is run by iCan Shine professionals and is presented by Easterseals Crossroads to approximately 40 individuals with disabilities each summer. The camp is unique in that it focuses on learning to ride with adaptive bicycles that are presented in progression with the ultimate goal of riding a conventional two-wheel bicycle. Volunteer spotters – many of them local high school students – walk or run alongside riders to encourage and support the process of learning to ride.
Easterseals Crossroads has been offering this program for well over ten years. Staff member John Kelly has been involved for nine of those years as the director of the program. His unique background has made him especially suited to the needs of the program; not only does he head the home modification program at Easterseals Crossroads, he is a licensed physical therapy assistant. As a cycling enthusiast his entire life, he sees the benefits of cycling as a form of exercise, transportation, freedom and inclusion.
For John, running iCan Bike is truly a family affair; this year was an iCan Bike transition for him and his family. For the past 9 years his two daughters have been his
trusty assistants; he knew he could count on them to cover gaps, assist riders and volunteers and do all the little things needed for a successful camp. They were not available this year, as they are living out of state now. Thankfully, his son Brody volunteered to help. Brody has volunteered at iCan Bike before, but he shouldered a much heavier responsibility this year, filling the big shoes of his sisters very well. He worked over 40 hours during iCan Bike camp, helping many riders learn to ride and volunteers learn to help. His caring attitude and work ethic could not be missed.
“Helping at iCan Bike is always one of the highlights of my summer, getting to teach and bond with the kids as they learn is always amazing. The experience that this camp has given me is something that I will never forget. Being by the rider’s side as they face challenges and learn to overcome them is priceless. At the end of the week seeing the kids that I have helped and bonded with on their own bikes riding entirely by themselves makes me so happy and proud of them. Knowing that the work I put in positively affected them and their whole family makes every drop of sweat and sore feet completely worth it” said Brody.
Frequently parents are skeptical or unsure about the prospect of learning how to ride a bike in a single week. Often they have tried to teach their own child to ride for years, which has resulted in frustration and fear of failure. iCan Bike has a proven success rate of approximately 80% of riders who can ride independently by the end of the camp week. iCan Bike 2023 was a great camp, with a very high success rate. So many kids learned to ride a two wheeled bike. We had great weather, very few spills, a great facility and great volunteers.
“This camp works! The program is a lot of hard work and some magic that comes from the combination of many factors coming together to create success – most importantly, the iCan Bike program and huge amounts of dedicated (and physically fit) volunteers,” said John.
The ability to ride a bike for recreation and transportation can provide inclusion with friends, family and community that can in turn improve physical fitness, mental health and overall quality of life. In addition to the ability to ride a bike, the increase in self-esteem and confidence are often dramatic affecting other positive changes in family dynamics, school and friendships. Instead of being left behind, the child with a disability is empowered to be able to participate in a fun outdoor activity with friends and neighbors.
Success of iCan Bike depends largely on the 80+ volunteers needed to offer the program each year. Volunteers must be able to run alongside their riders offering support and encouragement. The program has established relationships with many sports teams from schools including Southport and Roncalli located on the south side of Indianapolis near the venue, Perry Park. Coaches have encouraged players to volunteer at iCan Bike since it is a demanding workout as well as a team building activity – all for a great cause.
A big volunteer spotlight was the Roncalli Women’s Volleyball team. They signed up to cover the third session for the entire week and did not disappoint! They turned up in force showing enthusiasm, a caring attitude and a strong work ethic. The iCan Bike staff were amazed at their ability to get kids riding. Thank you Royals and Coach Christina Erazmus. The way she and her team have embraced iCan Bike each year demonstrates their commitment to our community, to a great cause and to enriching your team and players along the way.
Thanks to a mighty team of staff, volunteers and community partners, we turned some bike riding goals into reality again this year!
