Olivia test drives a new Strider bike, donated to Northfield Hospital + Clinics by Downtown Bicycles. Owner Tom Bisel donated two Strider pediatric balance bicycles to benefit kids in physical therapy at NH+C’s Rehabilitation Services clinic.
“Bikes let kids practice balance and weight-shifting,” says pediatric physical therapist Heidi Richardson, PT. For kids with physical challenges, “they get to do something that’s a typical family outing activity, something other kids are doing at school or in the neighborhood – they get to do it, too.”
When Heidi brought a tricycle in for repairs at Downtown Bicycles, she told Tom that if he knew anyone who wanted to donate a bike they were done using, to consider Rehabilitation Services.
“Tom was really generous, and immediately offered to donate brand new bikes,” Heidi says.
The smaller bike fits kids age 1-3, who can practice balance just sitting on the bike before they progress to moving. The bigger bike fits kids age 4-9, who can practice balance and weight-shifting . . . and get the great feeling of riding a bike.
Learn more: https://www.northfieldhospital.org/pediatric-rehabilitation