Friendship Circle

The Great Bike Giveaway Is Back, with More Opportunities Than Ever

For a child with special needs, bike riding offers far more than a recreational experience. Bike riding provides a source of much-needed exercise, gives therapeutic value, and contributes to an inclusive environment where a child with special needs can ride a bike like everyone else. Due to balance and mobility challenges, many children and teens with special needs require the use of an adaptive bike. Sadly, most families cannot afford the high costs of adaptive bikes and their children remain on the sidelines watching their friends and family members ride by. For the 6th consecutive year, Friendship Circle is holding the Great Bike Giveaway, an annual campaign that strives to provide as many bikes as possible to children and teens with special needs. We partner with adaptive bike companies from around the world to offer these special adaptive bikes as well as a fundraising platform so friends and family members can give a child with special needs the experience, joy and independence of riding a special bike.

New Contest Rules

For the 6th annual Great Bike Giveaway, instead of voting for a child to win a bike, we're inviting people to actually chip in to make that dream come true. With a crowdfunding approach, we hope to put more kids on the bikes they've been wishing for than ever. We've worked with adaptive bike companies from around the world to secure discounted pricing to make the fundraising as easy as possible. Parents can pick an appropriate bike for their child and set up a crowdfunding page. Everyone who reaches the goal gets a bike. Learn how this year's contest works here.

Getting Started

Registration for the 6th annual Great Bike Giveaway opens today, February 1. Visit the bikes available in this year's giveaway and decide which one will be right for your child. This year there are twelve bikes to choose from, for a variety of needs. Next, assemble what you'll need for your fundraising page — a clear high-resolution image of your child and text on why your child needs an adaptive bike. Also be sure to read the rules for this year's contest and familiarize yourself with the timeline and process.

In Loving Memory of Michaela Noam Kaplan

Michaela Noam Kaplan loved riding her adaptive bicycle. After her untimely passing on May 23, 2009, her parents Adam and Gabi dedicated the Great Bike Giveaway to make sure other special needs kids have the opportunity to enjoy bike riding like she did. Learn more about Michaela and her love of bike riding.