Bike Day

Each year, our Center for Children's Rehabilitation, in partnership with the Beaumont Foundation and Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, brightens the lives of around 100 children who are living with a disability by giving them a custom bike that meets their special needs and by giving them a way to live their lives as enjoyably as possible.

Bikes customized for children living with a disability cannot be found at local bike shops or big box retailers. Depending on specific needs, bikes are modified or customized for each child. Some are even pedaled by hand.

Each May, patients are fitted for adapted bikes that they will receive in July for free. Once everyone has a good feel for the bike, helmets are fitted and adjustments are made and then it's time to load up the biked and take them home.

Bicycles for children with special needs can be expensive. These special bikes can cost from $1,300 to $3,000, and in some cases can cost as much as $6,000. Insurance doesn't cover them. Consequently, many families cannot afford to purchase the custom bikes by themselves.

Fund raising efforts for Bike Day are ongoing, as each year there are increasingly more children who apply for a customized bike. The program is always seeking contributions, as it relies heavily on the donations and goodwill of the community

Although there are limited funds, the benefits are priceless.

Benefits of Beaumont's Bike Day program include:

• building endurance and muscle strength
• improving disassociation of both upper and lower extremities
• participating in an age-appropriate, skill activity with their peers
• being included in a great family activity

The children are selected based on their need and how long they have been waiting. To be considered for the program, children must have a prescription and be referred by their physical or occupational therapist or doctor. Those who are current or past patients of Beaumont are given first priority.