Dec 20, 2013 2 min read

Variety the Children’s Charity, in conjunction with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union 66, on Monday will unveil a number of adaptive bikes available for eligible children with disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism and down syndrome and other disabilities.

The My Bike program gives adaptive bikes to children in 14 Southwestern Pennsylvania counties, including Greene, Fayette and Washington.

Variety CEO Charlie LaVallee expects funding for more than 100 adaptive bikes to be announced at the unveiling on Monday.

Hospitals and health centers throughout the region, along with professional sports teams, businesses, youth groups and other organizations, have raised funds for the bikes.

Variety hopes more eligible children who would benefit from these adaptive bikes can be identified in order to distribute the extra bikes.

In order to be eligible for a bike, children must live in one of the 14 counties; have a physical, mental or sensory disability; be 21 years old or younger; submit a My Bike application available on Variety’s website; provide a letter from a physical or occupational therapist and meet the program income guidelines.

For all the children, it is the first time riding a bike by themselves.

“It’s changed my life,” LaVallee said. “All the things I’ve taken for granted, like the simple pleasure of riding a bike, to see the pure joy on these kids’ faces, it’s changed my life.”

A company in New York customizes each bike to the child’s specific needs, whether they need more neck support, core support, or even a handlebar on the back for parents to help steer. Bikes also range in sizes.

“It’s not just a bike, it’s a doorway to freedom,” LaVallee said. “It’s a doorway to participation and feeling included and belonging. It’s not just a handle bar and a set of wheels.”

For more information, visit Variety’s website at http://www.varietypittsburgh.org.