For many families of children with disabilities, learning to ride a two-wheel bicycle can feel out of reach.
Organizers of the iCan Bike Camp say they are working to change that in Las Vegas by helping riders gain the skills and confidence to ride independently.
Las Vegas iCan Bike Camp builds skills, confidence and inclusion through cycling
The weeklong iCan Bike Camp is hosted by the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities.
Organizers cite research showing that more than 80% of individuals with autism and 90% of individuals with Down syndrome never learn to ride a two-wheel bicycle.
Supporters say bike riding is more than recreation, pointing to benefits that include confidence, independence, physical health and social inclusion. They also say it can change family dynamics when everyone can ride together.
Diana Rovetti, senior project director for the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities, brought the program to Nevada in 2013 after becoming involved with iCan Bike following the birth of her son with Down syndrome.
Rovetti learned about iCan Shine, the national nonprofit organization behind iCan Bike, and helped establish the camp locally.
The camp runs as a five-day program, with each rider attending one 75-minute session per day. Up to 40 riders can participate, supported by trained volunteers and instructors.
Las Vegas iCan Bike Camp builds skills, confidence and inclusion through cycling
Riders must be at least 8 years old, meet mobility and size requirements, and attend all five days.
The cost is $225 per rider, and scholarships are available.
Organizers say volunteers are essential to the camp’s success and are seeking 60 to 80 volunteers willing to donate 75 minutes per day for five days. No bike experience is required.
iCan Shine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2007 that teaches individuals with disabilities to ride a conventional two-wheel bicycle through its five-day iCan Bike program.
The organization holds more than 100 five-day iCan Bike camps annually in 32 states and across Canada, with about 90% of camps occurring in the summer months.
Organizers say about 3,000 people with disabilities learn to ride a conventional two-wheel bike each year through the program, which uses custom-designed adapted bike equipment.
ARC Las Vegas got the chance to speak with officials and participants from the iCan Bike Camp. Watch the interviews below!
Interview with Mark Motsch, iCan Bike Camp Floor Supervisor
For more information, to volunteer, or to register, contact Diana Rovetti at icanbikeNevada@gmail.com. More information about iCan Bike Camp Las Vegas, click here. To get involved and volunteer, click here.
Interview with Anthony Graham and his son Marcus