For many kids, summer time means hopping on their bike and heading out into the neighborhood. If they are lucky, it's a family activity along the towpath or through the parks.
But for kids with disabilities, riding a bike is a difficult and can create a barrier to connections with both family and peers.
Rob Fellinger has a soft spot for kids and for bikes and for families. So it's no surprise that he starts his summer by offering a program to teach kids with differences how to ride a bike - and access their local trails - with their friends and family.
Rob and his coordinating partner Deena Barrett have run the Cleveland iCAN BIKE program since 2012. Together they contract with the parent program iCAN SHINE to bring adaptive bikes and skilled mechanics to Cleveland. They organize community resources and raise funds to provide some 40 kids with an opportunity to learn to ride a bike.
You'll be inspired by my conversation with Rob. And I hope motivated to offer a little support to this worthwhile program.
The short list: awareness and volunteer energy and cash donations.
Here's how to connect:
Robfellinger@yahoo.com.
(216) 410-3007
Take a quick listen and thanks for FOLLOWING!
