A unique approach that enables individuals with disabilities to become independent bicycle riders.
Bike First! is a magical experience for everyone
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! is open to people eight years and up; meaning there is no cap on the end age.
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! works with children eight years or older, youths, and adults who experience difficulty getting past training wheels and onto conventional two-wheelers.
Bike First! is an annual event for which NW Disability Support is the fiscal agent and partner. It was founded in Portland, Oregon in 2005. We are proud to have served over 650 children and adults in our programs. We are privileged to bring to Portland a program that systematically teaches individuals the skills needed to ride typical bicycles.
Bike First! registration is full. We are taking a wait list.
Dates
Full week: Saturday, June 29-Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Quick Start!/Refresher: Monday-Wednesday, July 1-3, 2024
Location: Parkrose Middle School Gym, 11800 NE Shaver St, Portland, OR 97220
Videos to watch with your child
BIKE FIRST! 2024 SPONSORS
International Pros ($5000)
Hoffman Construction Company (2019)
Parkrose School District (2023)
Oregon Department of Transportation (2024)
Svelt Racers ($3000+)
Boomers Bar-B-Que (2005)
Bank of America (2023)
Newhouse Sheridan Wealth Management Group (2023)
JTMF Foundation (2023)
29ers ($1000+)
Safe Routes to School (2013)
Amalfi’s Italian Restaurant (2013)
McMenamins Kennedy School (2017)
Anderson Painting (2022)
Multnomah Learning Academy (2022)
Lime Scooter (2023)
Leaps & Bounds, Inc (2024)
Cruisers ($500+)
River City Bicycles (2007)
Northwest Disability Support (2006)
Little Rebels with a Cause (2023)
Dennis & Nancy Kailey (2024)
Jane Mangers (2024)
Family Riders ($250+)
Khao San (2023)
Original Thai BBQ (2024)
Donors (up to $250)
David & Norma Piper (2024)
Sarah Hall (2024)
“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."
Contact Us
Bike First! Administration
Ann Donaca • Director & Founder • annbikefirst@gmail.com
Contact Ann for sponsorship, scheduling changes for riders and volunteers, and hardship scholarship information.
Angela Vossenkuhl • Business Manager • angelabikefirst@gmail.com
Contact Angela for participant prizes, sponsor gifts, and in-kind donations.
Bobbi Sullivan • Volunteer & Participant Coordinator, Floor Director• bobbibikefirst@gmail.com
Contact Bobbi for questions about volunteering and participating.
Heather Hunt • Volunteer & Participant Coordinator, Leader • heatherbikefirst@gmail.com
Contact Heather for information about volunteering and participating.
Beth Madison • Finance Manager • bikefirstfunding@gmail.com
Contact Beth for grants and fundraising.
Dave Stewart • Safety Director, Behavior Coordinator • davebikefirst@gmail.com
Contact Dave about safety training for staff and participants.
Owen McLafferty • Assistant Safety Director, Leader • owenbikefirst@gmail.com
Contact Owen about safety training for staff and participants.
Sammy Carey • Assistant Safety Director, Leader • sammybikefirst@gmail.com
Contact Owen about safety training for staff and participants.
Emma Flynn • Floor Director • emmabikefirst@gmail.com
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, to watch 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 have I seen parents tearing up upon seeing their newly minted rider whizzing around on two wheels and it makes me smile. Bike First! has an impact on every rider, parent and volunteer that 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