Smiles, laughter and the whir of bicycle wheels filled the air outside Springfield High School on Tuesday afternoon as students from Sherice Thomas’ multiple handicapped classroom experienced something, many for the very first time: the joy of riding a bike.
Thanks to a partnership between Maumee Valley Adventurers and the international program Cycling Without Age, adaptive trikes and trishaws were brought to campus, giving students with disabilities the chance to experience the freedom of cycling in a safe, supportive environment.
A Mission Born from a Promise
Bob Ewing, who manages the Cycling Without Age program locally and serves on its board of directors, personally knows the power of bikes. His son has a mild form of cerebral palsy, and years ago Ewing made a vow: if he ever found a way to help kids with disabilities experience the same thrill of movement, he’d do it.
“I worked with my son on these bikes, and while he can’t run, today he can ride a motorcycle,” Ewing said. “I made a promise to the man upstairs that if there was ever anything I could do to help kids with disabilities, I’d do it. And then one day it was like God said, ‘Remember that promise you made?’ And here we are.”
Teachers Join the Ride Springfield High School biology teacher Marty Perlaky joined Ewing this summer and quickly became an advocate for the program.
“The whole idea behind Cycling Without Age is to put someone on a bike no matter what their ability is,” Perlaky said. “It really is a bike for everybody.”
Special Education teacher Sherice Thomas said the event was about much more than cycling.
“I am so excited for them,” Thomas said. “This is just another opportunity for everyone to see our kids as kids. They’re out here, able to function just like everyone else—and that’s powerful.”
About the Program
Cycling Without Age began in Copenhagen, Denmark, when founder Ole Kassow started giving bike rides to a 90-year-old man he passed daily. What began as one ride has now grown into more than 300 chapters across six continents.
The Toledo-area chapter, formed through Maumee Valley Adventurers in partnership with We Are Traffic, now uses adaptive rickshaws and trikes to give rides to individuals of all abilities—from nursing home residents to children with disabilities—bringing the joy of cycling to those who may not otherwise experience it.
A Community Celebration As students took turns riding, piloted by Ewing and Perlaky, teachers and staff gathered to cheer them on. The event highlighted Springfield’s commitment to inclusive experiences while giving students a moment of pure fun.
“It’s about joy, freedom, and dignity,” Ewing said. “Every person deserves to feel the wind on their face on a bike ride.”
