Health & Special Needs
My background is working with kids with special needs, autism and high-risk youth. I founded Fraser Valley Balance Bikes in 2010 when we were looking for the Strider Bike for my soon-to-be 2 year old son. Seeing his first hand success with the Strider, as well as his little brother’s success, I was a confirmed believer in this relatively newer method of teaching kids to ride bikes! As the Strider becomes increasingly popular for children with special needs, this has afforded me the opportunity to help kids achieve goals in biking. This has been truly rewarding.
Striders and Super Strider have been recognized with an AblePlay Rating. This system rates special needs toys & equipment so parents can make the best decision when purchasing a product for their child.
Too often people with cognitive or developmental disabilities have been unable to ride a bike or have been told by doctors and other health care providers that they will never be able to ride a bike. With the proper bike and a proven method to learn, this is changing!
For several years, parents of children with special needs all over the world have been approaching Strider® and letting us know how life changing our bikes have been for their children. STRIDER™ bikes are providing a means for inclusive social interaction and play. Suddenly, a child that had previously been sitting on the porch while the other children in the neighborhood rode their bikes is now riding right alongside their peers, grinning ear to ear.
So, why is a STRIDER balance bike the best option for a person with special needs? Our bikes break down the overwhelming task of learning how to ride into a safe and natural progression; it’s as easy as walking. With feet safely on the ground, a rider is easily able to maneuver and ride our lightweight bikes.
Strider bikes have turned individuals with Down syndrome, autism, low muscle tone, poor balance, arthrogryposis, and cerebral palsy into bike riding enthusiasts! We have received countless success stories from parents around the world.
STRIDER bikes are also proving to be FUN tools for therapists and teachers alike! What used to be boring exercise has turned into a great time riding a bike! Several therapists have told us they are skipping the special needs equipment and are using STRIDER bikes as a reward. Children aren’t even aware they are still performing important range of motion, flexibility, strengthening, endurance, balance, and many other body mechanic skills by simple riding a STRIDER!
Although the STRIDER was not originally designed as an adaptive needs bike, it has proven to be the perfect bike for people with special needs. The STRIDER is different in that it’s not a bike with clunky unstable training wheels, or a heavy tricycle you can’t take anywhere-it’s an awesome bike for kids, including children with disabilities.
At Strider Bikes, we want everyone to have an opportunity to experience life on two wheels. The number one toddler balance bike responsible for teaching over a million children how to ride will now be joined by two larger models, ensuring we have the bike to fit people of all ages, sizes, and abilities!
Strider’s trademark simplicity, lightweight design, durability, functionality, and easy adjustability remain featured in each of the two new sizes designed to cater to youth and adults with special needs.
A STRIDER balance bike is the perfect balance of safety, performance, and FUN, without the weight and complications of pedals. The use of a STRIDER bike promotes a natural, safe method to learn to balance and ride.