Children, youth, and adults with disabilities can achieve a dream – learning to ride a bicycle – at the Easterseals Rehabilitation Center’s annual “iCan Bike” day camp June 6-10 at Evansville’s National Guard Armory. Registration deadline is May 16 and spots are limited. For details or to sign up, contact Patty Balbach, 812-479-1411, ext. 268, pbalbach@evansvillerehab.com.

“iCan Bike” is designed for individuals age 8 and up with mild to moderate disabilities or disabling conditions (such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, coordination issues, etc.). Participants receive individual assistance while progressing through a series of modified and adapted bicycles. Each “camper” attends for 75 minutes each day, with sessions scheduled between 8:00am and 12:30pm OR between 1:00pm and 4:30pm. By the end of the week, the majority of participants achieve the goal of independently riding a regular two-wheeled bike with no training wheels or adaptations.

Registration cost of $200 per person helps Easterseals bring the fleet of unique adapted bicycles to Evansville. The fee includes the five-day “bike camp,” a bicycle safety helmet, and an “iCan Bike” t-shirt. Financial assistance is available for bikers in need, thanks to generous donors. To financially sponsor one or more campers, please contact Patty Balbach, 812-479-1411, ext. 268, or pbalbach@evansvillerehab.com.

Volunteers are needed to help “iCan Bike” participants achieve their dreams of riding a bicycle. Volunteers must be 15 or older, be able to run beside a child on a bike, and be available daily June 6-10 during specific session times (8:00am-12:30pm OR 1:00pm-4:30pm OR both). Potential volunteers are invited to call 812-479-1411, ext. 268, or email pbalbach@evansvillerehab.com.

Among the supporters of “iCan Bike” are Bicycle Club of Evansville, Cycling Solutions, John Oldenburg Bike Fund, and Mother Bear Charitable Foundation.