A collaboration between Sequim schools and the Rotary Club of Sequim is keeping several local students pedaling their way to improved fitness.

Working with Molly Booth, Sequim School District’s physical therapist, Rotary members recently donated the club’s eighth and ninth adaptive bikes to local schools, the club announced in mid-May.

The eighth bike was donated to a student and customized for her needs to be extremely stable and durable. Bike riding helps each child work on strength, balance, coordination, and functional motor skills, Rotary members say.

The ninth bike, a Rifton Bike Company tricycle, was built using Booth’s specifications and will be used by several students at Helen Haller Elementary School now and in years to come.

The district sought a special needs tricycle that has features not provided on most tricycles, including a rear steering bar so adults can walk alongside the rider and help with steering, if necessary. It also has seat belts, a back support and foot straps to ensure the rider’s safety and pedals that rotate as the bike moves forward.

Though this tricycle program is just beginning, Booth has seen remarkable benefits including physical, social and communication growth directly related to riding, club members said.

The Rotary Club of Sequim adaptive bike program committee members Jim Jones, Doug Schwarz and Ted Shanks work with local health professionals and the Sequim school district to identify children who will benefit from the gift of an adaptive tricycle custom made for the student by the Rifton Company.

“We thank all these Sequim School professionals for their outstanding efforts and are happy to provide an attractive learning aid that helps students succeed,” Rotary Club of Sequim representatives said in mid-May.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Sequim, visit sequimrotary.org.