Bike camp teaches people with disabilities to ride bikes

The Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect organization is hosting a camp this week to teach people with special needs how to ride bikes.

Jason Creager suffered a stroke before he was born that paralyzed his left side, so riding a bike as a kid was challenging.

“I’ve tried to ride a bike when I was younger. I was unsuccessful,” Creager said.

That’s why he’s attending the iCan Bike camp this week hosted by the Eastern Idaho Down Syndrome Family Connect organization.

“This activity is actually giving me a chance to actually learn,” Creager said.

The bikes have adaptable equipment to help people balance on the bikes. Those who attend the camp are helped by volunteers.

“Volunteers, they will run alongside the individuals on the bikes, helping them and to encourage them to keep going and to make sure they don’t fall over as they go.” Andrew Blaser, a board member who helped put the event together.

About 80 percent of people who participate in the camp will successfully learn to ride a bike. Andrew says the biggest challenge is often confidence.

“Little by little they gain that confidence and ability to be able to balance and keep moving forward,” Blaser said.

And Jason is ready to start moving forward.

“I’m excited to ride on a bike for once,” Creager said.

There are still a few spots left to sign up for the camp, and they are always looking for more volunteers.