Adaptive/Supportive Cycling Initiatives Across Canada
Click the button in the top-left to view as a list. See below for descriptions of initiatives in your region.
Edmonton, Alberta
Ages 3-20; conventional bikes, low-support bikes, high-support bikes, and handcycles
You Can Ride 2 (YCR2) is a charitable program of Goodwill Industries of Alberta. They maintain a fleet of over 200 adaptive bikes that are customized and loaned out every year to children with special needs. Courses on riding conventional two-wheeled bikes, professional development opportunities for therapists and mechanics, and commercial modification sales & service, round out the YCR2 programs, while various summer events encourage participation and community. YCR2 works together so that all children can experience the joy and freedom of riding a bike.
Calgary, Alberta
Medicine Hat, Alberta
Winnipeg, Mantioba
Ages 2-21, low-support bikes, high-support bikes
Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation (CRF) raises funds to improve the lives of children/youth living with physical and/or developmental disabilities (birth to age 21) who access services through the Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC). Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation funds inclusive recreational programs, like The LIFE programs, such as the Therapeutic Recreation and Equipment Loan Pool (includes bikes) for children and youth with disabilities. Families can borrow bikes for three weeks at a time. Bikes are recommended by a therapist based at RCC or the child’s school. Once an appropriate bike has been determined for a child, the therapist can apply to CRF to have a custom built bike purchased for the child to use on a long term basis. Additionally, the Foundation funds a bike clinic which enables RCC clients to have commercially bought bikes modified for their use. The LIFE program also runs summer day camps and weekend / after school programs, including adapted yoga, music therapy, cooking clubs, bocce, gardening, and family festivals.
Winnipeg, Mantioba
The LIFE program at the Rehabilitation Centre for Children (RCC) in Winnipeg, Manitoba is a therapeutic recreation and equipment loan program (including bikes) for children and youth with disabilities. The LIFE program and bikes for short-term loan are funded by the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation (CRF). Families can borrow bikes for three weeks at a time. Bikes are recommended by a therapist based at RCC or the child’s school. Once an appropriate bike has been determined for a child, the therapist can apply to CRF to have a custom built bike purchased for the child to use on a long term basis. Additionally, the Foundation funds a bike clinic which enables RCC clients to have commercially bought bikes modified for their use.
Toronto, Ontario
Kayla’s Children Centre is a non-profit organization that provides cutting-edge education, therapy and recreational programs for infants, children and teens with developmental and physical disabilities, and support services for their families in the GTA (Vaughan). Since 2008, KCC (merger of Camp AIM and Zareinu Educational Centre) has been using bikes to empower children with special needs to develop life enhancing skills, self-esteem, and confidence. One-on-one instruction using a series of adapted and regular bikes and scooters, and consultation to adapt bikes to individual children’s needs is available at KCC’s school and Therapy Clinic, where we believe “Bikes are like wings for kids!”
Are you an adaptive or supportive cycling organization, therapeutic program, or similar?
You can apply to join the movement here.
All applicants will be listed on the map above, and selected applicants will qualify for equipment, training, or support, courtesy of funds raised by Matt & Nicole Devine’s Ride for Change in Support of You Can Ride 2.