Schuylkill IU, children’s charity give adaptive bikes, strollers to kids in need

KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - IU Physical Therapy Assistant Emilee Barkus, left, and mom Elaine Chupick help Kaylonie Chupick, both of Minersville, test out her new adaptive bicycle.

MAR LIN – Some local children with special needs received adaptive bicycles and strollers, thanks to the charitable efforts of the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit and a western Pennsylvania-based children’s charity.

Monday was the second day bikes were distributed to families at the IU’s Maple Avenue campus in Norwegian Township, the first being last Thursday.

KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL – Mom Amanda Martinez, left, pushes her daughter, Anayamarie Martinez Ramos, both of Pottsville, along in her new adaptive bicycle.

The IU teamed up with the Variety Children’s Charity of Pittsburgh to give away 34 adaptive bicycles and 10 strollers to children with special needs.

The bicycles are designed differently from other bicycles, and can adapt to the needs of each user and situation. The bikes are powered by a pulley system instead of the usual chain system, and can be used as a stationary bike or with assisted steering with one minor adjustment.

Some children who picked up their bikes Monday tested them out in the parking lot, learning their ins-and-outs before taking it home, just in time for the 4th of July weekend.

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