In the last few weeks, Molly has taken a great interest in her big sister bike. She loves watching her sister ride around – cheering and clapping for her while she rides. Molly loves sitting on the bike and tries so hard to get it moving, but there’s not much action.

Learning to ride a bike is a pretty tough for any child, but for a child with Down syndrome (or any type of disability)  -it takes even more skill and coordination – something that could take years to learn. We’ve made it as far as getting her to put feet on the pedals and she’ll let us push the bike while she sits, but that’s about it.

It’s not that riding a bike is impossible, because it’s certainly possible – it’s just the notion of hand/eye coordination and having the hands and feet work together as a team, makes it that much more of a motor skills nightmare!  Suddenly, riding a bike is a very complicated task.

A few months ago, I learned about a great program for children with special needs that teaches them bike riding skills.  Formerly known as the “Lose The Training Wheels” program, it is now nationally known as the I Can Shine Program.

Last year, the Florida Times-Union featured the Lose The Training Wheels summer camp and made this fantastic video. (Might want to grab a tissue.)

This video gives me such great hope for our little Molly.  I just love that the children featured in that story feel like a “typical” kid again just because they can now ride bikes – just like their peers.  No child should feel left out – and especially when it comes to something positive and simple as riding a bike.

I’m excited for Molly to figure out bike riding so we can cruise the neighborhood together!  I don’t think it will be too much longer and she’ll be speeding all over the place!

 What tips do you have for learning to ride a bike?

** I received no compensation for this post.  We have not participated in this program yet, but I hope we have the opportunity to in the coming years. **