Project R.I.D.E.
Housed out of the Kehillah (Special Needs) Department at the Springfield JCC, Project R.I.D.E. (recreation, independence, development, and equipment) loans modified tricycles to children and young adults with special needs, in addition to providing information about adaptive sports programs in Western Massachusetts. Our emphasis is on the importance of offering recreational adaptive tricycles to children with unique needs, offering them the opportunity to participate in bike riding with their friends and families.
Interested in this program?
In order to be considered for one of our modified tricycles, please complete the following steps:
- Download our application and complete them in their entirety, especially the accurate height and weight of your child.
- Acquire a signed note form your child’s doctor, physician, or physical/occupational therapist stating that this is an appropriate activity for them to participate in.
- Return completed forms and signed doctor’s note to the J (1160 Dickinson Street, Springfield, MA, 01108) or sending it via fax at (413) 739-4747.
- Book an appointment to pick up your tricycle! After all of your paperwork has been received, you will be contacted to confirm receipt of the paperwork and we’ll let you know when a tricycle becomes available.
Participants must be at least 44″ tall. Families must be able to transport the tricycle to and from the J once a year for an annual tune-up.
2023 Project R.I.D.E. Tune-Up Days
Sunday, March 12, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM and Monday, March 13, 3:00 – 6:00 PM
In-person at the J | Outdoor Program
Cruising around in one of our adaptive bikes? Join us for our annual Project R.I.D.E. Tune-Up Days! This year we’re offering two different dates to try and accommodate as many schedules as possible.
Reservations are required. To make a reservation, contact Dorothy Linder, Kehillah Director.
Thank you to the Beveridge Family Foundation, Inc. and many generous donors.
The generous donations from the Korn family, the Beveridge Family Foundation and other sponsors has enabled us to purchase many adaptive bikes for a new generation of special needs bikers. It is truly gratifying to experience the joy and confidence of the riders as they try a bike for the first time and learn a new skill, which we so often take for granted. The parents and caregivers are overjoyed as well! These generous donations have brought Project R.I.D.E.’s inventory to over 170 bikes for use by children with different abilities throughout New England all the way to Virginia.
“Thank you to your organization for what you do. Sarah would not be able to ride a bike without you!”
– Sarah’s mom
“We have to empty out our garage in the winter so Cooper can keep riding all year round! He has never been able to focus on any activity for long periods, but he love his trike! Thank you so much!”
– Cooper’s mom