For a child with special needs, bike riding offers far more than a recreational experience. Bike riding provides a source of much-needed exercise, gives therapeutic value, and contributes to an inclusive environment where a child with special needs can ride a bike like everyone else.
Due to balance and mobility challenges, many children and teens with special needs require the use of an adaptive bike. Sadly, most families cannot afford the high costs of adaptive bikes and their children remain on the sidelines watching their friends and family members ride by.
For this reason Friendship Circle hosts the annual Great Bike Giveaway. The Great Bike Giveaway provides a platform where you can fundraise for an adaptive bike at a discounted price. In six years the Great Bike Giveaway has raised over one million dollars and provided over 1,000 adaptive bikes for children and teens with special needs.
Friendship Circle of Michigan is a non-profit organization that provides programs and support to the families of individuals with special needs. In addition to assisting individuals with special needs, Friendship Circle brings together teenage volunteers and children with special needs for hours of fun and friendship. These shared experiences empower the children, our special friends while enriching the lives of everyone involved. Learn more at friendshipcircle.org
The Great Bike Giveaway is dedicated to the memory of Michaela Noam Kaplan of blessed memory. Despite her physical limitations due to cerebral palsy, Michaela adored life, traveled the world, went to school —
and loved her adaptive bicycle.