Does your child want to try an adapted bike? CTN families can now borrow adapted bikes at two of our sites.  

When Brody got bigger he outgrew his tricycle and was unable to pedal a two-wheeled bike independently. Niki, Brody’s mom, says riding an adapted bike has been a game changer for him and their family.

It’s given Brody a way to participate in an everyday activity that so many of us enjoy. It’s allowed him to do it independently and connect with his friends at school and connect us as a family.

Brody’s sister, Mason, gets in on the fun too! Mason loves to help her big brother steer the bike and even likes to ride it to show him how fast she can go.

Watch this video to see Brody show off his wheels and how it’s made an impact on his and his family’s life.
 

 
Do you want to try an adapted bike with your child? Families can now borrow bikes for two weeks through CTN’s Recreational Loan Program. Speak to your child’s team about the program and to determine which bike is best to reach your child’s goals.  Alternatively, you can contact Bethany Brewin, Local Team Facilitator (Simcoe County) at bbrewin@ctnsy.ca or Christian Marquez, Rehabilitation Assistant (York Region) at cmarquez@ctnsy.ca for assistance.

Before you borrow an adapted bike, here’s what you need to know about contactless pick up and drop off:

1. Once request for equipment has been received, CTN will notify the family or therapist regarding availability via email.
2. A liability form will be sent to the therapist/family for completion and acknowledgement of the liability agreement.
3. CTN will arrange pick up and drop off time with families at a specific location outside the site to ensure families do not have contact with others accessing the building.
4. CTN will follow equipment cleaning procedures prior to pick up and after drop off.    
5. Large equipment can only be loaned to families who do not require physical adaptations to the gear or where therapists are comfortable advising families on the fitting via virtual methods. We cannot complete in-person bike adjustments at this time.
6. Families must be able to load and transport the bike independently.

Types of Bikes for Loan:

Freedom Concept Adaptive Bike DCP 12, small
This model allows children (4-8 years old) to join their friends and learn to cycle together. This bike provides excellent stability and fits through standard door openings, making it a popular choice in schools and therapy settings.


Freedom Concept Adaptive Bike DCP 16, medium
The DCP 16 is our original model! Today, it’s the bike kids want for its awesome design, fun colors and smooth ride. It is small enough for an average 7yearold, but adaptable to fit most kids in their early teens, making it an ideal choice for children expecting a growth spurt.


Freedom Concept Adaptive Bike Odyssey, semi-recumbent (partly reclined), large
The ASR 2011 is a semi-recumbent bike featuring a low-to-the ground seat, extended frame and pull-away handlebar system, making it easy to transfer on and off in a natural sitting position, even for those with limited range of motion.


CTN supports children, youth and families by focusing on CanChild's framework of the F-words for Child Development. Every child with varying abilities has the right to have fun, enjoy friends, function as they are, access fitness, plan for their future and join in family activities like bike riding!

If you have questions or need more information, please contact Bethany Brewin (Simcoe County) at bbrewin@ctnsy.ca or Christian Marquez (York Region) at cmarquez@ctnsy.ca.

2020-10-06