Bike Clinics – Community, Corporate, & Bike Partnerships
A Bike Clinic is an exciting, one-day event where volunteers build custom bikes for children with disabilities, ages 9-16. No bike building skills needed – our experienced Bike Team will show you the way! We custom build bikes via three forums:
–Community Bike Clinics
Typically held twice a year (on Saturdays) in different counties throughout Maryland at partner organizations or schools. One dozen bikes will be built at one time. The bikes are built in the AM and the children arrive in the early afternoon to get fitted and take their bikes home. The smiles are incredible! Bikes are funded by private and corporate donations. Family pays a small project fee that can also be offset by LISS funding or other community options.
Community Bike Videos:
- The Big Bike Build (25 bikes) &
- Morgan State University Bike Clinic
-Corporate Bike Clinics
This 1/2 day event serves as a Community Service Day for busy employees who want to volunteer, but unable to attend a Saturday Community Bike Clinic (as listed above). The corporation will sponsor the entire event as an exciting Team Building Day that inspires/re-energizes employees. VME provides the parts, tools, and bike kits; our Bike Team leads the way. The event can be held in a large conference room, gym, or an outdoor area. Up to 50 employees can participate – organized in teams of 5. Contact us to learn more: vmeprojects@imagemd.org. Corporate Bike Video: Constellation
– Bike Partnerships, such as our partnership with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (2nd District) – Bikes for children across the nation
In 2017, a partnership was formed with the Fraternity during their Regional Conference in Baltimore. Since then, children with disabilities in urban communities beyond Maryland have received custom bikes. How it works: A local fraternity member identifies a child (see qualifications below), VME evaluates and builds the bikes and the bikes are shipped to the recipient where the Fraternity hosts a delivery celebration. A local bike tech and/or physical therapist are arranged to properly fit the child for the bike. The smiles continue!
In the News
Child Qualifications
- Must be 9-16 years old
- Physical and/or cognitive disability
- Must weigh at least 65 lbs. — and not more than 175lbs.
- Must be able to do at least a 1/2 pedal rotation
- Must be able to grip a handlebar
- Must be able to get on and off the bike with some assistance
- Must be able to sit upright
- Be able to make “stop & go” decisions on their own (even if accompanied)
Sample Bike Configurations
Each bike or trike is customized for safety, size/potential growth, cognitive abilities as well as fine and gross motor skills. Our volunteer OTs, PTs and engineers work together to design the best configuration for a child to get the most enjoyment with family and friends. And…a little exercise, too!
Bike Build Process
Families and/or medical professionals (OTs/PTs) submit requests. Information is gathered on the child’s medical history, abilities and disabilties, along with measurements are taken. Once the project is approved, VME orders the parts according to the child’s need. We also supply a helmet – to match the cool, new bike!
Volunteer
Bike Clinics are special opportunities for volunteers with limited time and for children and adults with disabilities who are unable to ride a standard bicycle. Many smiles and tears of joy! Experienced Engineers, Bike Techs, PTs, OTs & Novices: If you have 2-4 hours to help build or custom fit bikes, we’d love to see you there. Sign-up by calling: 443.355.4212 or vmeprojects@imagemd.org
