Quick Start

The 44-minute Miracle

In the mid 1980’s, Dr. Richard Klein, a mechanical engineering Professor from the University of Illinois, and his students began studying how children learn bicycling.

After careful observation, they arrived at a surprising conclusion: Children learn to ride in a very predictable way, that follows well defined rules.

Knowing that they couldn’t change gravity, they committed their engineering skills to make a bicycle trainer that would operate in slow motion mode as well as being relatively stable. By replacing the bicycle’s rear wheel with a series of increasingly tapered rollers, the Lose the Training Wheels™ system enables youngsters to acquire the balance and control necessary to get past training wheels. Dr. Klein’s data demonstrates that in 44 minutes a child, who does not have a disability, can learn to ride a bike.

Using the specialized equipment and expertise of “Lose the Training Wheels,” Bike First! is conducting a one-day program for children at least 6 years of age and adults who need some extra help learning to ride independently. Each rider will work with two trained spotters for a one-hour and thirty minute session using specialized equipment and teaching techniques. Parents are brought in and trained how to help when the child is at a specific skill level.

Each rider’s progress is tracked and monitored by the same professionally trained and highly experienced Floor Supervisors who manages our intensive camps for kids with disabilities.

Quick Start is a fundraiser intended to generate money to help offset the costs associated with our intensive, five-day camps for children with disabilities. The date is undetermined at this time.

Clinics are held at Concordia University gymnasium. Riders should plan to bring their helmet, their bicycle, and a water bottle. Helmet fittings and bike safety services are included. Cost for this clinic is $150. SCHOLARSHIPS are available through Safe Routes to Schools for Portland Public Schools, Parkrose, and David Douglas School Districts. Contact Ann for information @ annbikefirst@gmail.com

SESSIONS ARE NOT OPEN FOR REGISTRATION AT THIS TIME.

Click here to register for Quick Start.