Cycling for all abilities: I AM to co-host the Bike Buddy Community Awareness event on April 25

SCRANTON — Joe Salva, president of Individual Abilities in Motion, said on Wednesday that everyone should be able to experience the joy and benefits of cycling.

“Don’t let a mobility impairment or balance issue keep you from getting out there,” Salva said. “The Bike Buddy Program was built around the belief that everyone deserves access to adaptive recreation. This event is an open invitation to the community to come see what’s possible and to connect with a program that is here to support them with cycling on the beautiful Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.”

Individual Abilities in Motion (I AM), a Scranton-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities — in collaboration with the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority — will host the Bike Buddy Community Awareness Event and Adaptive Ride on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) office, 213 Railroad Ave., Scranton. The event is free and open to the public.

Salva said the event is designed to introduce community members — particularly those living with mobility impairments, balance issues, visual impairments, or other physical disabilities — to the range of adaptive cycling equipment available through I AM’s Bike Buddy Program.

Salva said attendees will have the opportunity to view and try the equipment, speak with trained volunteers, and sign up for a personalized Bike Buddy session on the Lackawanna Heritage Trail.

This year’s event will feature a special appearance by Rifton — a manufacturer of adaptive mobility equipment — who will bring one of their adapted tricycles for attendees to explore.

Rifton Trikes are engineered for children and teens who cannot use a standard bicycle, and include features such as a supportive backrest, easy step-through access, adjustable pedals, and variable resistance — making independent cycling possible for a wider range of riders.

In addition to the Rifton Trike, the following adaptive equipment will be on display and available to try through the Bike Buddy Program and LHVA Bike Share partnership:

• Excelerator Handcycles — ideal for individuals with lower extremity impairments, including spinal cord injuries

• Recumbent Trikes — a stable, low-to-the-ground option for individuals with balance issues

• Fun2Go Tandem Bike — power-assist tandem for individuals with visual impairments, Parkinson’s, or those who cannot pedal independently

For those who wish to take a test ride, Salva said trained volunteers will be on hand to provide assistance. Light refreshments will be provided.

Attendees are encouraged to RSVP by April 22, at individualabilities.org/events/ to assist with event coordination, though walk-ins are welcome.

Event details

Date: Saturday, April 25

Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, 213 Railroad Ave., Scranton

Cost: Free and open to the public | light refreshments provided

For more information, call 570-561-6139.

Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.