Adaptive Biking
What is Adaptive Biking?
Have you always wanted to go biking but couldn’t use a standard bike? Have you not known what type of adaptive bike would work best for you? Do you have challenges that require a special adaptation to allow you to bike? The STAR Center and the North American Squirrel Association (n.a.s.a.) have teamed up to bring an adaptive bike program. We have pooled our resources to have a fleet of bikes that will serve most anyone.
The right bike, fit to you
The program is staffed with trained facilitators who can assess which type bike is best for you. Each participant goes through an assessment individually where the best bike for you is determined. You will trial the bike before your first scheduled ride. We will make sure the bike is appropriately adjusted to fit you well. We have a variety of tandems, trikes and hand cycles available.
Enjoy our city bike trails
We take weekly bike rides along the La Crosse bike trails. Family members are welcome to ride along with us. We take routes that offer different distances and levels of difficulty. Getting the right bike is important, but so is being taught how to ride it safely. We will make sure you know how to shift and brake on your adaptive bike. We are here to teach you how to bike safely. Rides are supervised with staff to assure you have a safe ride.
Who can participate in Biking?
- Anyone, youth and adult, who has a mobility or cognitive challenge that makes participation in traditional programming difficult.
- This program is co-ed.
- Examples of types challenges, in addition to others, that might enjoy this program
- Spina bifida
- Spinal cord injury
- Cerebral palsy
- Congenital limb issues
- Amputations
- Leg length discrepancy
- Short stature
- Muscular dystrophy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Motor dyspraxia
- Limited range of motion
- Balance issues
- Post stroke
- Blind and visual impairment
- Down syndrome
- Autism spectrum
- Learning disabilities
- Cognitive impairments
- Low muscle tone
- Other congenital syndromes
- Individuals may ambulate independently, or use assistive devices, or wheelchairs.
When is this program offered?
- This program is offered during the summer months
- Designed for individuals of all ages and abilities
- All participants must have a bike assessment prior to first ride
- If younger than 18 years old, you must have a guardian present and participating with you on the trail
- Individuals in this program must be able to participate independently with direction from the lead facilitator.
- If individuals need 1:1 assistance, a mentor or care partner must attend and assist the individual at the program.
- If you need assistance finding support, please contact STAR. We may have 1:1 mentors available.
- Participants will be held to the STAR Center Code of Conduct.
Thank You to our Sponsors and Supporters of our Biking Program!
- North American Squirrel Association (n.a.s.a.)
- Move United Sport and Warfighters
- La Crosse Area Community Foundation
- Boeing Invictus
- Borton Construction, Inc.