iCan Bike Program Returns to West Hartford

The iCan Bike Program is back at Conard High School this week.

Now in its 11th year, the iCan Bike Program teaches children with special needs - ages 8 and up - how to ride two-wheel bicycles and become independent riders.
Some 32 kids and one adult have signed up for the program this year, said Camp Director Sara Tamborello.

Each camper attends five 75-minute sessions during the week; over 40 volunteers, including bicycle police officers, firefighters and high school students, assist the campers with riding a bike.

The program is being run with the assistance of Bike West Hartford, Conard High School's "Kids Helping Kids" Club, Miracle League of Connecticut, West Hartford Bicycle Advisory Committee and West Hartford Human & Leisure Services.

Tamborello said that the progress that campers make is nothing short of amazing.

"It's incredibly exciting and rewarding," said Tamborello, adding that many kids start out not believing that they can ride a two-wheel bicycle. "This gives them confidence that carries over to other aspects of their lives."

Check out the photos to see some of the action from a Monday session. West Hartford Patch will return on Thursday to show the progress that's been made.

To learn more about the program, read this story from last year by Ronni Newton.