Children with special needs will be learning how to ride conventional two-wheeled bicycles at "Sidekicks Cycle" Summer Bike/Swim Camp at Sonoma State University from June 13-17.
These children often have a history of difficulty learning how to ride a bike using traditional methods.
A series of specially-modified bikes allow the children to learn the dynamics of riding a two-wheeler while providing extra stability during the learning process. Most campers learn to ride a two-wheeler in less than one week's time. Lose the Training Wheels, Inc. provides the bicycles and supports similar camps throughout the US.
Campers also participate in swimming and outdoor play.
Children from Sonoma County and other Bay Area locations attend this week long camp, in its 11th year at SSU. Professor of kinesiology Elaine McHugh directs the camp.
Instructors include Adapted Physical Education teachers, along with Americorps volunteers, students from SSU, and high school students from St. Vincent de Paul High School in Petaluma and other local high schools.