The nonprofit Sequim Wheelers were invited to participate in the bike program at Salish Coast Elementary School in Port Townsend for students with mobility challenges on consecutive Mondays in April 2024.
Danielle Moyer, a physical education teacher at Salish Coast, said prior to the Sequim Wheelers’ visit, staff was worried about how students could access the bikes and ride.
“One of the students I work with is diagnosed with Autism and has many accommodations during his day to address sensory needs. He requires days or weeks to become familiar with and adjust to new things. He also does not like things touching his head (i.e. a helmet).”
The first time Sequim Wheelers came out, Moyer noted, the student sat on a side-by-side tandem without much fuss. They biked around the school grounds and he clapped and smiled as they biked.
Photos courtesy of Sequim Wheelers Volunteers from Sequim Wheelers offer rides and speak with students at Salish Coast Elementary School in Port Townsend in April.
The following week, upon the Sequim Wheelers return visit, the student could keep the helmet on without music and sit on the bike. They rode around the school grounds again for about 30 minutes.
After his ride, the student approached a Sequim Wheelers volunteer and gave his version of a hug, Moyer said, putting his head on the volunteer’s arm and holding it there for a moment. After walking around a bike and observing it, the student independently climbed up into the seat wanting to ride again. He put the helmet on and rode for another 30 minutes.
“For the staff and adults who know him, this was a monumental expression of love and excitement and we were so happy to see him share that with the Wheelers,” Moyer said.
Photos courtesy of Sequim Wheelers Volunteers from Sequim Wheelers offer rides and speak with students at Salish Coast Elementary School in Port Townsend in April.
This exchange seemed to epitomize exactly what the school was trying to accomplish with their bike program for students with mobility challenges and what the Sequim Wheelers are trying to accomplish with its nonprofit adaptive bike program, board president John Gagan said: “[to] make a positive impact in people’s lives.”
Sequim Wheelers had its open house recruiting session and orientation in April, but there is still time to receive training to participate in this year’s adaptive bike riding season, Gagan noted. For more information, visit sequimwheelers.com or email to volunteers@sequimwheelers.com.
Donations to the group can be sent to the website or through standard mail at: PO Box 1852, Sequim, WA 98382.
