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SCRANTON \u2014 Joe Salva, president of Individual Abilities in Motion, said on Wednesday that everyone should be able to experience the joy and benefits of cycling.<\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t let a mobility impairment or balance issue keep you from getting out there,\u201d Salva said. \u201cThe 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\u2019s possible and to connect with a program that is here to support them with cycling on the beautiful Lackawanna River Heritage Trail.\u201d<\/p>\n
Individual Abilities in Motion (I AM), a Scranton-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities \u2014 in collaboration with the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
Salva said the event is designed to introduce community members \u2014 particularly those living with mobility impairments, balance issues, visual impairments, or other physical disabilities \u2014 to the range of adaptive cycling equipment available through I AM\u2019s Bike Buddy Program.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
This year\u2019s event will feature a special appearance by Rifton \u2014 a manufacturer of adaptive mobility equipment \u2014 who will bring one of their adapted tricycles for attendees to explore.<\/p>\n
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 \u2014 making independent cycling possible for a wider range of riders.<\/p>\n
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:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Excelerator Handcycles \u2014 ideal for individuals with lower extremity impairments, including spinal cord injuries<\/p>\n
\u2022 Recumbent Trikes \u2014 a stable, low-to-the-ground option for individuals with balance issues<\/p>\n
\u2022 Fun2Go Tandem Bike \u2014 power-assist tandem for individuals with visual impairments, Parkinson\u2019s, or those who cannot pedal independently<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n