Mary Free Bed's Bikes for the Rest of Us

Riding a bike is often out of the question for those with special needs. With the help of Mary Free Bed therapists and adaptive bicycles and equipment, riders are introduced to the time-honored experience of peddling their way through the neighborhood.

Participants in Bikes for the Rest of Us receive instruction from therapists from Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. The bikes event is geared toward children and adults with disabilities to introduce them to adaptive biking. Participants are individually paired with a therapist and evaluated to determine the needed adaptations to participate in the sport of biking.

►Download Bikes for the Rest of Us brochure and registration form.

DATE
Saturday, April 20, 2013

TIME
9:00 am - 12:00 pm

LOCATION
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
Parking Ramp
360 Lafayette Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Directions

Information/Deadlines

You must pre-register for an evaluation by completing a registration form by April 12, 2013.
Pre-registration deadline is Friday, April 12, 2013. Registration forms will not be accepted after this date.
Evaluations for bikes are available between 9:00 am – 12:00 pm by pre-registration only.
The event and evaluation are free. Refreshments will be available.
Mary Free Bed Funding applications will be available following event participation (at check out area). However, participants are encouraged to pursue personal funding and fundraising for this equipment.

Cost Information

The cost of an adapted bike ranges between $300-$4,000. Be prepared to fund a significant portion of the cost.
Only the most cost effective bike option will be considered for funding assistance.
Families may choose to purchase directly from the vendor if they do not need assistance.
Recycled bikes are available. These items are labeled with a suggested donation amount.

Mary Free Bed Funding Eligibility Requirements

Priority is given to children under the age of 21.
Applicant must have a physical disability.
Applicant must reside in the western portion of Michigan's lower peninsula.
Applicant must be current or previous Mary Free Bed patient (inpatient, outpatient therapy, clinic, Orthotics or OrthoSEAT community peds).
Applicant must demonstrate financial need.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is by application only. Applications will be available at the conclusion of the evaluation, when equipment costs are determined.

Funding applications need to be postmarked by April 24, 2013.

Please mail to:
ATTN: Wheelchair & Adaptive Sports
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital
235 Weatlhy St. SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-5247

Mary Free Bed Funding is allocated based on the needs identified after the applications are returned.

Other Funding Options

Other funding options are limited to a local service organizations, such as Ambucs or Rotary. Participants are encouraged to pursue personal funding and fundraising for this equipment.