Celebrating Life On Two Wheels At West Hartford's iCan Bike

Cathy O’Meara beamed as she watched her son Blaine ride a bicycle without training wheels at Conard High School on Thursday.

Blaine, a 15-year-old with autism, was a participant in the annual 5-day iCan Bike program offered in West Hartford that teaches children with special needs how to ride bicycles unassisted.

It was a seminal moment for Cathy O’Meara, a Winsted resident who said that she was told Blaine may never even tie his own shoes.

“It’s another step toward progress,” Cathy O’Meara said. “He started riding a two-wheeler on the third day in. We’re very proud of him.”

Riding a bicycle without training wheels is one of those rites of passage for children. The iCan Bike Program, which counted over 30 children this year, is designed to expand that rite to all kids.

More than 20 volunteers assisted in the program, as well as West Hartford bike officers.

Bike Officer Shane McAvoy, who was in his sixth year with the iCan Bike, said that the program does more than just teach special needs children how to ride bicycles. It also assists them in gaining self esteem and confidence.

“This is fantastic; to watch the kids at the start of the week on roller bikes and then see them by Day 4 smiling and riding on their own, it’s rewarding,” McAvoy said. “It’s neat to watch the progress not just [in my role] as a police officer, but also watching through a parents’ eyes.

“It helps translate into friendships. We don’t think about it, but they watch their friends do it and they can now jump on a bike, too.”

The volunteers also draw a lot from the experience.

Vernon resident Kelly Robichaud started volunteering six years ago for service hours at East Catholic High School. She’s now a sophomore at Ithaca College and keeps coming back every year.

“The accomplishment after a week is what we work for,” Robichaud said. “The smile on their faces puts a smile on your face. It’s the confidence they gain. On Monday, they are shy and by Friday, they are your best friend. Their self esteem skyrockets throughout the week. It’s super-fun. ...

“It’s my favorite week of the summer.”

Check out the video to see the kids in action.