On September 3, 2024, John S. Hobart Elementary School featured an event showcasing AmTrykes adaptive tricycles. Attendees included Ravi Seeram, assistant director of special education at William Floyd School District; Dr. Stacey Scalise, assistant superintendent for elementary instruction; Debbie Metz, president of AMBUCS LI and the Kyle Sports for Special Needs inclusion program; Kyle Meier, vice president of Kyle Sports for Special Needs; and James Westcott, principal of John S. Hobart Elementary School.
The initiative aims to provide children with disabilities the opportunity to experience riding a bicycle. This effort is a collaboration between Debbie Metz's organizations—AMBUCS LI and the Mastic Sports Club’s Kyle Sports for Special Needs inclusion program—and the William Floyd School District.
Recently, the district acquired ten AmTrykes, adaptive therapeutic tricycles designed for those unable to ride traditional bicycles. These tricycles are now part of the district’s Special Education Extended School Year program.
“During our summer program, students had the opportunity to try the various bike models as well as use them during occupational and physical therapy,” said Ravi Seeram. “The smiles and laughter from our children were electric. Our goal is to explore more opportunities for participation and fun for all of our students.”
Adaptive bikes have been shown to improve coordination, motor skills, strength, and self-esteem while enhancing student participation and engagement. They can be customized based on individual needs.
Following the conclusion of the Extended School Year program, the AmTrykes have been distributed across various school buildings for use in occupational and physical therapy sessions as well as physical education classes during the academic year.
Debbie Metz has played a significant role in advocating for students with disabilities within and beyond the William Floyd School District. Alongside her grandson Kyle Meier, she created an inclusive sports program that serves children with special needs aged three to 21. Additionally, AMBUCS LI periodically hosts bike-a-thon fundraisers allowing children to test out AmTrykes.
AMBUCS is a non-profit organization focused on creating mobility and independence for people with disabilities through projects like fitting and donating AmTryke therapeutic tricycles. The Long Island Chapter provides these bikes across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
The AmTryke Project enhances quality of life by enabling safe bike riding through customized adaptations such as frame size adjustments, seat selection, headrests, lateral support, foot cups, handgrip placement, and pedal size.
AMBUCS partners with local businesses to host Bike Days where individuals can be evaluated and fitted for their bikes.
MSC Kyle Sports for Special Needs is an inclusive sports program that supports children with disabilities aged three to 21 by offering opportunities in socialization and sports training tailored to each child’s level of participation.
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