Adaptive Bikes
Exercise is essential to health and wellness, however most insurance companies do not pay for adaptive cycles. This is because bikes/trikes are used for recreation rather than as a “medical necessity”. There are a number of creative ways around this!
Step #1: Talk with your child’s physical therapist and/or physical education teacher to discuss adaptive bikes. You will want to ensure that the bike you purchase is the right choice and that it fits your child correctly. Here are some examples to consider.
Step #2: Explore ways to access an adaptive bicycle for your child. Options include rentals, grants from foundations, and aid from the local community. We provide information about an array of resources below.
For additional information about grant and funding opportunities for adaptive bikes, click here.
Check out the resources below:
Ainsley’s Angels New York
An ‘Angel Team’ consists of (1) Angel Athlete-rider and up to (3) Angel runners being pulled. The team works together to SAFELY accomplish the mission, while staying together and having fun. The Angel Athlete-rider is the core of the team and pulls the runner across the finish line with smiles, cheers and immeasurable inspirational spirit.
For more information contact:
Syracuse Chapter
Local ambassador: Stephanie Smith
Email: syracuse@ainsleysangels.org
Central New York Chapter
Local ambassador: Kirt Mykytyn
Email: centralny@ainsleysangels.org
AMBUCS
Inspiring Mobility & Independence
AMBUCS works on a grassroots level to fulfill their mission of "Inspiring Mobility & Independence.” The Amtryke Therapeutic Tricycle Program is one of the main ways fulfill their mission. Members of AMBUCS fundraise for and give away about 3,500 Amtrykes each year. Click here to learn more! Click here to request an adaptive bicycle or tricycle!
For more information contact:
Email: ambucs@ambucs.org
Phone: 800-838-1845
Athletes Helping Athletes Adaptive Bicycle Grants
Athletes Helping Athletes offers adaptive bicycle grants for children with disabilities. Eligible athletes receive a custom built adaptive bike from Athletes Helping Athletes. Click here to apply for a grant!
For more information contact:
Email: aha@roadrunnersports.com
Phone: 888-566-5221
Boilermaker Wheelchair Challenge
The Sitrin Wheelchair Challenge program provides a racing wheelchair to the program participant that can complete the Boilermaker 15K in 2 hours and 15 minutes or less. Since 1997, 30 racing wheelchairs have been awarded to the Challengers. Program participants are chosen though an application process. Typically one chair is awarded per year. Applicants not chosen to be the Challenger can still participate in the race, but are not eligible to win the racing chair. Winners of the racing chair are not eligible to win prize money. Click here to learn more!
For more information email racedirector@boilermaker.com
Boilermaker Sitrin Wheelchair Race
The Boilermaker Wheelchair Division is typically one of the largest and most competitive fields in the country. Athletes experience the world renowned 15K course, recognized for its fun, entertaining yet challenging course, and its post-race party at the F.X. Matt Brewing Company.
With ample water stops, strong attention to medical detail, and crowd support that is like no other race, the Boilermaker 15K is an event not to be missed. Update 6-29-21: Participation will be limited to fully vaccinated athletes only. Proof of vaccination must be provided at packet pick-up. Click here to learn more!
For more information email racedirector@boilermaker.com
The Active Fund - Kelly Brush Foundation
Life is Better Active!
The Kelly Brush Foundation is dedicated to making active lifestyles a reality for anyone with a spinal cord injury. Life is better active!
Through the Active Fund, we provide grants for individuals with paralysis caused by spinal cord injury to purchase adaptive sports equipment. We believe in the power of sport and recreation to foster inclusion and overcome the barriers of paralysis. We have helped over 900 people from 48 states purchase handcycles, monoskis, sport chairs, racing chairs, hockey sleds, and much more. Click here to learn more!
For more information email grants@kellybrushfoundation.org
Road Racing at Sitrin STARS
Sitrin’s STARS program trains competitors for the Wheelchair Division of America’s largest 15K road race, The Boilermaker, held in Utica, NY. STARS road racing athletes also compete in other races throughout the country, including the New York City, Boston, Los Angeles, and Miami Marathon. Additionally, Sitrin is the proud sponsor of the Boilermaker Wheelchair Challenge, which awards customized racing chairs to athletes who complete the course in less than two hours and 15 minutes in a standard wheelchair. Click here to learn more!
For more information contact Marc DePerno
Phone: 315-737-2459
Adapted Cycling at Move Along, Inc.
Family adaptive cycling is a fun activity for the whole family. This program is for individuals with or without physical disabilities who want to enjoy riding a bike again with family and friends. Move Along has eight different hand cycles for you to try out. Come on out and enjoy the wind in your face the beautiful freedom cycling can bring.
For more information contact Jeff Wright
Email: jeff_wright@movealonginc.org
Phone: 315-263-1705
ARISE at the Farm
ARISE at the Farm in Chittenango has a paved track for cycling. Individuals can bring their own bicycle or borrow one of their adaptive cycles, hand cycles, two-person cycles or cycle cars. Click here to learn more!
J-Rob Foundation
The J-Rob Foundation purchases adaptive sporting equipment for kids with physical disabilities. This equipment may include, but is not limited to, racing wheelchairs, hand cycles, monoskis and bi-skis. Click here to learn more!
Oneida Cycling Club at Special Olympics CNY
Cycling club opportunity for individuals with intellectual disability. More experienced cyclists meet at the Trailhead in Oriskany on Route 69. Shorter distance cyclists meet at MetLife Parking Lot near Oneida County Airport off of Judd Road. Head coach is Laura Cabelus.
For more information contact:
Phone: 315-314-6839
Madison Cycling Club at Special Olympics CNY
Cycling club opportunity for individuals with intellectual disability. Location is Arise Farm, 1972 New Boston Road in Chittenango. Head coach is Linda Mitchell.
For more information contact:
Phone: 315-314-6839
“iCan Ride” Bike Camp via STRIDE Adaptive Sports with “iCan Shine”
This camp is designed to teach children with special needs how to ride a two-wheeled bike. The unique five day bike riding program is coordinated with iCan Shine’s iCan Bike program (formerly known as Lose the Training Wheels). The organization provides a fleet of adaptive bikes designed to ensure the success of all riders. The philosophy and technology of the program has impressive evidence for success in youth with Autism and other youth with special needs or disabilities.
Campers participate one 90-minute session daily for a week. Each camper is assigned a trained volunteer who runs alongside them to ensure safety. STRIDE will assist campers in getting their own bicycle after camp, if needed.For more information contact:
Email: mevans@stride.org
Phone: 518-598-1279
TRAID Center at AccessCNY
The TRAID Center at AccessCNY has a large selection of equipment, including bikes and trikes. Click here to learn more!
For more information contact William Hnatko, Program Coordinator
Phone: 315-410-3336
Adaptive Bikeshare
Adaptive bike shares allow individual riders of all abilities to gain access to a fun, environmentally-friendly way to travel around a community. Programs like Move Along at Onondaga Lake Park throughout the summer season can show the power of an adaptive bike share.