ICan Bike Comes To Parma

Rider and volunteers in Reis Rink.

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From June 22nd to 26th, Parma was home to a unique and important program. ICan Bike, a 5-day intensive camp teaching individuals with disabilities how to ride a bike independently, took place at Ries Rink. This program was able to teach 40 riders over 5 sessions how to ride, building skills and confidence through intensive instruction and assistance. 

ICan Bike is just one service of the national charitable group ICan Shine, which is devoted to providing a range of services such as this to disabled individuals in communities across the country. After seeing programs like this flourish and see widespread success, camp director and Parma resident Debbie Ezaki thought it would be a good idea to bring it into our own backyard. 

“It really just made sense,” said Ezaki. “The program helps build so much confidence for these riders.”

On the first day, riders of all ages begin with different levels of training bikes, riding on the concrete floor of Reis Rink. Balance aids such as floor rollers replacing back wheels and volunteer-guided handlebars help riders find ease and confidence as they begin. 

Each rider began on Monday with two-three volunteer spotters, who followed them throughout the program, assisting with each progressive step riders took toward independent riding. At 8 riders per session, and 5 sessions per day, over 100 volunteer spotters got involved to make this program possible. 

Watching the third session’s first rider make it outside on a standard two-wheel bike, there was no question the profound effect this sort of program will have on its participants. Every rider is given a helmet and a medal to take home, to serve as a reminder of everything they have learned and accomplished, as well as to encourage riders to practice and utilize these new skills. 

“You want them to take the skills home,” said Ezaki. “When the confidence is built, it’s amazing to see the effect it can have in their lives.” 

ICan Bike was sponsored by a number of sources throughout the community, making it a more affordable option than comparable programs Ezaki had looked into in the past. It was also facilitated by all the volunteers who came out to help. The ICan Bike camp was an important and influential program that truly made a difference to so many members of our community.