A unique approach that enables individuals with disabilities to become independent bicycle riders.
Bike First! is a magical experience for everyone
Bike First! is a camp in Portland, Oregon, where we teach people with disabilities, primarily children and youth, the skills to ride typical two-wheel bikes independently. Riders with limited or no experience join us for the five-day camp, attending for 1.25 hours each day. Within a few days, most are riding thanks to our sophisticated and highly-successful approach. Riders with some skills join the three-day camp and attend 1.25 hours a day.
Riders blossom and beam with pride over their new-found skill, volunteers cheer, and parents tear up to see their child take flight, alone, for the first time. Bike First! works with children eight years or older, youths, and adults who experience difficulty getting past training wheels and onto conventional two-wheelers.
People who experience a variety of disabilities have had success at the camps—including Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, visual impairments, extreme fear of falling, fine motor challenges, and developmental delays.
Typically-developing children learn to ride a bicycle with help from their family and friends. Unfortunately, most individuals with disabilities who try this route are unsuccessful. Through careful research into the elemental physics of bicycle riding, Dennis Blong and his team designed and built a unique type of adapted bike that enables the rider and bike to function together as a system. This design uses air cylinders to gently cushion the rider while keeping the rider safely upright. As the rider’s skill develops over the camp, we gradually reduce the air pressure until the rider is on their own. Our bike mechanics and floor directors make the necessary adjustments and guide the riders as they progress.
Bike First! is project of Northwest Disability Support. It was founded in Portland, Oregon in 2005. We have proudly served over 1000 children and adults in our programs. We are privileged to bring to Portland a program that systematically teaches individuals the skills to ride typical bicycles.
Bike First! 2024 was fabulous!
Registration for summer 2025 will begin in January.
Mission
The mission of Bike First! is to empower people with disabilities to be independent, confident, healthy, and social by teaching them the skills needed to ride traditional two-wheel bicycles. We strive to spread the significance of Inclusion for All, break down barriers, and increase belonging in our communities.
Videos to watch with your child
“Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride.” - John F. Kennedy
Biking is more than just exercise and transportation: it’s a social activity of connection, a childhood rite of passage, and a first taste of independence. This unique approach has enabled thousands of people with a myriad of disabilities to become independent bicycle riders.
Bike First! is proud to extend the opportunity for individuals to connect with their community through biking and share in the "simple pleasure of a bike ride."
What people are saying about Bike First!
"As a cyclist, seeing the look on someone's face as they ride a two-wheeler for the first time defies words. We all know what a positive addition biking can be to all of our lives, and watching it happen is magical." Dave Guettler, Owner, River City Bicycles
"Bike First! is the most positive activity my child has experienced in many years. He had 3-5 focused volunteer "cheerleaders" ALL TO HIMSELF for over an hour, five days in a row, while learning a new skill that was previously beyond his reach. To see the progress throughout the week was amazing. On the third day, he was peddling a bike with no assistance. To see him for the first time riding a bike with no help brought tears to my eyes, tears of joy, of course. My son was smiling from ear to ear. He was so proud of himself." Parent
“This clinic is truly more than about learning to ride a bike, as I quickly discovered. My daughter feels accomplished and proud. She started getting stronger from the exercise. She pushed past her fears and became successful. She learned to do something we thought impossible. She learned to trust others who would run beside her for whatever it took to get her to her goal. She has acquired a new degree of freedom. She may not ever get to drive a car, but she can now ride a bicycle in her community and she will have that for all her life.” Parent
“For the past 12 years, I have been a spotter at Bike First! and it has honestly changed my life in so many ways. It has made me more accepting as a person and more open-minded as well. Seeing the pure delight and joy that lights up a riders face once they have an “Aha! I did it!” moment reminds me why I keep coming back year after year. Many times, I have seen parents tearing up upon seeing their newly minted rider whizzing around on two wheels, and it makes me smile. Bike First! impacts every rider, parent, and volunteer who comes through the clinic, and I am proud to be a part of it.” Volunteer
“Bike First has taught me everything valuable I know about leadership, inclusion, and advocacy of those experiencing disabilities.” Volunteer