From Monday, July 22, to Friday, July 26, Miracle League of Connecticut hosted the iCan Bike program at West Hartford’s Conard High School to build participants’ confidence in riding a two-wheel bicycle.

By Kaily Martinez

One of the major milestones children achieve is being able to ride a bike. For some children with disabilities, however, learning that skill may not be as easy. But with accommodation and confidence-building, many children can achieve the life goal of riding a bicycle.

Miracle League of Connecticut hosted the annual five-day iCan Bike program at Conard High School from Monday, July 22, to Friday, July 26. Throughout the five days, the children steadily built their confidence in riding a two-wheel bicycle.

The 40 children were equally divided into eight participants for each of the five sessions throughout the five-day program. Each session was about an hour and 15 minutes long, starting in the gymnasium with adapted bicycles and eventually ending with the children riding their two-wheel bicycles outside.

With the adapted bicycles, the back wheel was a long circular piece with no groves. Volunteers could use a handle break coming out from the back of the seat as an emergency break or to guide the children in case they got off balance.

Once the children got distracted, the volunteers replaced the wheel with one that had groves. By doing so, the children didn’t realize it was replaced and were less likely to notice the difference. Once the participants felt comfortable enough on the adapted bicycles, they transitioned to their two-wheel bicycles and eventually went outside to practice.

Mike Michaud, the executive director of the Miracle League of Connecticut, spoke fondly of the children participating in the program. As Michaud watched the children practicing in the gymnasium, he mentioned a participant named Leigha, who had a brief fall on Thursday, causing her self-esteem to diminish.

But Leigha’s volunteers made it their job to rebuild her confidence. As Leigha rode by with two volunteers right next to her, Michaud encouraged her, “Leigha, you’re doing fantastic. Great job!”

In the end, Leigha was a natural riding the bicycle and still exuded excitement about being able to do it on her own. Other students were just as eager to be there.

Harper’s mom, Jennifer Stabnick, said last weekend Harper did not want to wear a helmet. But after they practiced wearing a helmet for a few hours, he now absolutely loves it. “He knows he’s going to be able to be on a bike as a result,” Stabnick said.

Last year, Harper was too young to be enrolled in the program. Stabnick said she had to set an alarm 14 months in advance so she would remember to enroll him. Stabncik proudly admitted, “It was worth all the anticipation.”

“I’m constantly amazed how many really thoughtful, incredible, and generous people have entered in our life as a result of Harper’s needs and this program is such an incredible example of it,” Stabnick said. “I think Mike told us there was over a thousand hours of volunteering that goes into making this one week happen, and it gets you kind of emotional. I’m an educator myself, and I know how much time I put into what I do but all these people for one week, it’s such a gift.”

As each session came to a close, they saved about 15 minutes at the end to celebrate the children’s accomplishment of learning how to ride a bike. As each child was called, they ran through a tunnel of volunteers to Michaud, who would hand them their certificate, a goodie bag, and a medal.

Applause rang out for each name called, one not louder than the other. The volunteers were just as happy to see the smiling faces spread among the children and their loved ones. During session four, members of the West Hartford Fire Department were also present to take photos with the children and celebrate their accomplishments.

Kaitlyn Schmidt, a floor supervisor who participated in the iCan Bike event, reminded families to continue practicing riding bicycles. “Practice makes permanent,” Schmidt said. She advised parents when they go grocery shopping to let their children practice steering the shopping carts in and out of the aisles.

“Most of all, we want to thank our volunteers who have done all the hard work. There has been over one thousand volunteer hours put in this week to help your children learn how to ride,” Michaud said.

While this year’s program ended, Michaud commented that next year’s session will be held from July 21 to July 25, 2025.

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