iCan Bike: Yes, that is possible – We-Ha

From Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26, Miracle League of Connecticut hosted the iCan Bike program at Conard High School in West Hartford to build participants’ confidence in riding a two-wheeler.

iCan Bike 2024 at Conard High School. Photo credit: Kaily Martinez

By Kaily Martinez

One of the most important milestones children achieve is being able to ride a bike. For some children with disabilities, however, learning this skill is not as easy. But with adaptations and building confidence, many children can achieve the lifelong goal of being able to ride a bike.

Wonder League of Connecticut organized the annual five-day event I can ride a bike program at Conard High School from Monday, July 22 through Friday, July 26. Over the course of five days, the children steadily built their confidence in riding a two-wheeler.

The 40 children were divided equally into eight participants for each of the five sessions during the five-day program. Each session lasted approximately one hour and 15 minutes, starting in the gymnasium with adapted bicycles and ending with the children riding outside on their two-wheelers.

iCan Bike 2024 at Conard High School. Photo credit: Kaily Martinez

The adapted bicycles had a long round piece with no grooves on the back wheel. Volunteers could use a handle brake that came out of the back of the saddle as an emergency brake or to guide the children if they lost their balance.

When the children became distracted, the volunteers replaced the wheel with one with grooves. This made it difficult for the children to notice that it had been changed and less likely for them to notice the difference. When the participants felt comfortable enough on the modified bikes, they switched to their two-wheelers and eventually went outside to practice.

Mike Michaud, executive director of the Miracle League of Connecticut, spoke fondly of the children who participated in the program. As Michaud watched the children practice in the gym, he mentioned a participant named Leigha who had taken a brief fall on Thursday that left her feeling depressed.

But Leigha’s volunteers made it their business to restore her confidence. As Leigha rode by with two volunteers beside her, Michaud encouraged her: “Leigha, you’re doing great. Well done!”

iCan Bike 2024 at Conard High School. Photo credit: Kaily Martinez

Ultimately, Leigha was a natural on the bike and still exuded excitement about being able to do it herself, and other students were just as eager to join her.

Harper’s mother, Jennifer Stabnick, said last weekend that Harper didn’t want to wear a helmet. But after a few hours of practicing wearing one, he’s grown to love it. “He knows that this is how he can sit on the bike,” Stabnick said.

Last year, Harper was too young to enroll in the program. Stabnick said she had to set an alarm 14 months in advance so she would remember to enroll him. Stabncik proudly admitted, “It was worth all the anticipation.”

“I’m constantly amazed at how many truly thoughtful, incredible, generous people have come into our lives as a result of Harper’s needs, and this program is such an incredible example of that,” Stabnick said. “I think Mike told us that it’s over a thousand hours of volunteer work that went into making this one week happen, and it makes you a little emotional. I’m a teacher myself and I know how much time I put into what I do, but all these people for one week, it’s such a gift.”

iCan Bike 2024 at Conard High School. Photo credit: Kaily Martinez

As each session came to an end, they had about 15 minutes to celebrate the children’s achievement in learning to ride a bike. As each child was called, they ran through a tunnel of volunteers to Michaud, who would present them with their certificate, a goodie bag and a medal.

Applause rang out for each name that was called, one no louder than the other. The volunteers were just as happy to see the smiling faces among the children and their loved ones. During session four, members of the West Hartford Fire Department were also on hand to take pictures with the children and celebrate their accomplishments.

iCan Bike 2024 at Conard High School. Photo credit: Kaily Martinez

Kaitlyn Schmidt, a supervisor who participated in the iCan Bike event, reminded families to keep practicing riding their bikes. “Practice makes perfect,” Schmidt said. She advised parents to have their children practice steering the carts in and out of the store when they go grocery shopping.

“We especially want to thank our volunteers who have done all the hard work. Over a thousand volunteer hours have been put in this week to help your children learn to ride a bike,” Michaud said.

While this year’s program has ended, Michaud noted that next year’s session will take place from July 21 to 25, 2025.

iCan Bike 2024 at Conard High School. Photo credit: Kaily Martinez

iCan Bike 2024 at Conard High School. Photo credit: Kaily Martinez

iCan Bike 2024 at Conard High School. Photo credit: Kaily Martinez

iCan Bike 2024 at Conard High School. Photo credit: Kaily Martinez

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