A·dapt·ive Cy·cling – Bikes for the Rest of Us

Rehabilitationships

We are back with another special episode of Rehabilitationships. In this episode, we recorded on location at “Bikes for the Rest of Us.”

This annual event hosted at Mary Free Bed helps over 50 children and adults with varying abilities get introduced and personally fitted for adaptive bicycling.

Over the episode we talk to organizers, participants, volunteers and vendors to find out how the event makes such an impact.

The participants were pre-registered and paired with therapists who assisted in matching their physical needs with the most appropriate biking equipment. Whether the children or adults have had a life-altering event or were born with a disability, this event made it easy for people to try multiple bikes and find the best one for them.

More than 50 volunteers, including Mary Free Bed therapists, nurses and staff helped give new access to recreational cycling that promotes health and wellness. “Bikes for the Rest of Us” has taken place for over 20 years and thanks to a donation from the Mary Free Bed Guild, participants will receive funding to help offset the cost of the new adapted bicycles.

Biking equipment was provided by Airway Mobility & Rehab, West Michigan Bike and Fitness, AMBUCS and Creative Mobility. Participants who grew out of their bikes were able to bring in their old one to donate to another family. Also, every rider was fitted with a free helmet, thanks to the Kiwanis Clubs of Urbandale/Battle Creek and Grand Rapids.