WHO: iCan Bike, University Area CDC (Community Development Corporation)
WHAT: iCan Bike camp, teaching individuals with disabilities to ride bikes
WHEN: The camp will be held Monday, June 14 through Friday, June 18. A news conference will be held Wednesday, June 16 at 8:30 to 9 a.m.
WHERE: University Area CDC, 14013 North 22nd Street, Tampa, FL 33613.
DETAILS: Individuals with disabilities who have never before ridden bicycles will be taught to ride during this five-day camp, in which they each will receive individual attention for 75 minutes per day from trained professionals and volunteers. iCan Shine uses customized adapted equipment, trained professionals and volunteers. This camp, which has been held in other cities nationwide, has been life changing for riders and their families.
The goal of iCanBike™ is toteachindividuals with disabilities toride conventional two-wheel bicycles and become lifelong independent riders. iCanBike™ uses a fleet of adapted bicycles, a specialized instructional program and a trained staff for instruction.
More than 50 local volunteers were recruited to act as spotters for the riders each day. This camp is being hosted by Bike/Walk Tampa Bay, University Area CDC, and USF’s Center for Urban Transportation Research.
Speakers at the news conference will include: Dave Andreychuk, Bike/Walk Tampa Bay board member and former Tampa Bay Lightning player; Richard Moss P.E. District Seven Transportation Development Director; Sarah Combs, executive director of University Area CDC; Luis Viera, Tampa City councilman; Jon Dengler, WellBuilt Bikes and University Area CDC board member, and Rob Zimprich, Bike/Walk Tampa Bay board member and University Area CDC chief financial officer.
In addition to the news conference, media will be allowed to attend on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday with prior approval. Due to the sensitivity of this event, media must contact Leslie Farrell at 813.493.1805, Leslie@FarrellCI.com in advance of attending.