Wheeling for independence: Children with disabilities receive adapted tricycles

LAKE WORTH, Fla. (CBS12) — Palm Beach Trykers, a nonprofit AMBUCS chapter based in Royal Palm Beach, hosted its first bike giveaway event over the weekend, according to a press release.

The organization gave 39 children with disabilities Amtryke bikes on Saturday that allows them to ride independently, the organization said. This was the first time many of the children were able to ride a bike and the first they could call their own.

Tristen Onofry, who has athetoid cerebral palsy, was one of the children who received a new bike.

The 15-year-old's bike not only allows him to freely ride with his friends and family, but is also therapeutic in that it lets him work out his muscles.

The children in attendance had a range of disabilities, including autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, and muscular dystrophy, according to the organization.

National Ambucs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities.

Palm Beach Trykers was founded by a group of parents and therapists of children with disabilities earlier this year, the organization said. They raised over $25,000 through private donors, fundraisers, and with help from the nonprofit Hope4Mobilty to give away the bikes to local families with children ranging from four to 24 years old.

Donations to Palm Beach Trykers can be made through Hope4Mobility or a check payable to Palm Beach Trykers at 108 Miramar Avenue, Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411.

For those who want to know how to get an Amtryke bike or become a Palm Beach Tryker volunteer, visit their Facebook page or e-mail PalmBeachTykers@gmail.com.