Learning to ride a bike can be hard, especially for those with intellectual disabilities. One program in Midland is helping kids with disabilities learn to ride a bike in just five days.
It’s called iCan Bike camp, a partnership between the non-profit Arc of Midland and iCan Shine, who provides the equipment for learning. This week’s camp has 28 riders, who started the week on stationary bikes to get a feel for the pedals. Now after three days, some riders are taking off on their own two wheels.
“We just launched our first rider, and she was super excited. She gave me the biggest smile and the biggest high five after she got off the bike, she was so proud of herself,” said Kailtlyn Schmit, floor supervisor at iCan Bike.
Beth Adams is the mother of one of the camp participants. She says her child had given up on learning to ride a bike but has made tremendous progress in the camp.
“I'm a special ed teacher by trade so to see this... to have an opportunity for kids with disabilities to be able to do something that normal kids do is amazing,” said Adams.
Adams says the kids not only learn how to bike, but to be independent and grow their self-confidence.