Unusual bike designs help children with developmental disabilities master the art of riding a two-wheeler at the special bike and swim camp called Sidekicks Cycle from June 13-17 at Sonoma State University.
Children who have previously faced multiple barriers in learning to ride conventional bicycles typically experience success using these unique bike trainers.
"For some children - children with balance or coordination problems or disabilities - learning to ride a bike is like climbing Mt. Everest. They can now participate alongside siblings and peers in this pastime that is a childhood rite-of-passage," says SSU kinesiology professor Elaine McHugh. She directs the camp from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. in the main gymnasium next week.
A bike rodeo tops off the fifth annual bike and swim camp from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, June 17. Current and former campers, and other area children with and without disabilities, will participate in activities that challenge their skills and test their knowledge of bike safety.
Stations will include such tasks as a "slow race," a station in which riders try to keep their wheels between two narrow lines, and opportunities to show knowledge of traffic signs. Participants use two- wheelers, three-wheelers, or wheelchairs to complete the course. Local bike shops and police officers are expected to take part.
Adapted Physical Education teachers from Sonoma and other Bay Area counties staff the camp, along with students from SSU, San Francisco State University and St. Vincent de Paul High School. As the children learn to ride, students gain valuable experience teaching children with special needs.
For further information, contact Elaine McHugh, Adapted PE Coordinator, (707) 664-2660.
