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Special needs bike riders get a boost

Milford. Pike Autism Support Services provided a program to teach people with special needs to ride bicycles.

Milford /
| 02 Aug 2022 | 12:06
    Session Two riders and volunteers
    Session Two riders and volunteers
    PASS Administrative Assistant Wendy Ryan, All One Charities and Foundation Program Officer Mary Carroll Donahue, PASS Executive Director Jeannemarie Passaro
    PASS Administrative Assistant Wendy Ryan, All One Charities and Foundation Program Officer Mary Carroll Donahue, PASS Executive Director Jeannemarie Passaro
    Walmart representative Michelle and PASS Executive Director Jeannemarie Passaro
    Walmart representative Michelle and PASS Executive Director Jeannemarie Passaro

For a week in June, Pike Autism Support Services, or PASS, hosted an I Can Bike Camp, which gives people with autism and other special needs the opportunity to learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle. This ewas made possible by a grant from All One Charities and Foundation in Scranton, support from Delaware Valley School District, Walmart and a group of volunteers. A skilled bike technician and floor manager from I Can Bike/I Can Shine Foundation worked individually with all 17 riders and volunteers over four sessions daily.

The program began with an adaptive bike to gain balance and confidence, then a tandem bike to work on skills, then on to a two wheeler with supports. Many participants were riding independently by the end of the week; others will eventually, with more practice and support. PASS awarded six scholarships to riders, and they thank Walmart for their donation.