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Bicycle program helps children with disabilities

By WEEK Reporter

Bicycle program helps children with disabilities

July 9, 2012 Updated Jul 9, 2012 at 10:49 AM CDT

NORMAL, Ill -- Starting Monday, a bike training program for children with disabilities is taking place at Heartland Community College in Normal.

The Lose the Training Wheels program teaches individuals with disabilities to independently ride a conventional two wheel bicycle.  Sessions start Monday through July 13 in Normal, with another session starting next week in Peoria.

Dr. Richard E. Klein, a retired professor of mechanical engineering from the University of Illinois, developed the program using his research. 

According to a Monday release from Easter Seals, the goal of the program is to provide children with special needs a lifetime of independent, low cost transportation and the opportunity to be included by their friends.

"Lose the Training Wheels, Inc. is a national non-profit that works with local organizations to host camps in their neighborhoods," said Erin Rogers, Executive Vice President Programs and Services, Easter Seals.  "Easter Seals and Lose the Training Wheels, Inc. partner together to provide this wonderful opportunity to children in our communities."

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