Strider Bikes {HolidayGiftGuide}
December 08, 2014
Strider Sports International, Inc. designs efficient, no-pedal balance bikes that encourage toddlers to ride, learn, and explore the world on two wheels. Founded by Ryan McFarland in January 2007, Strider Sports is a company full of passionate riders of dirt, mountain, street, and road bikes. The goal of Strider Sports is to simplify a bike to its essence, so that proper size, lightweight and simplicity combine to eliminate any fear of riding and instill confidence in young new riders. The original bike built for the inventor’s son evolved through numerous prototypes and was ultimately issued a U.S. Patent. The company then proceeded to brand the product by consistent worldwide use of unique logos and slogans protected by U.S Trademarks. The branding efforts continued with a push to develop a "lifestyle" of Strider riding events and competitions, which has evolved to include a Strider World Championship Racing event with toddler participants from around the world competing each year. The patented STRIDER™ No-Pedal Bike is now distributed worldwide.
Ryan McFarland is an entrepreneur with a passion for mountain biking and motor sports. Ryan grew up with a grandfather who was a race car engineer and a father who owned a motorcycle dealership. This early exposure to cars, motorcycles, and racing influenced Ryan to ride dirt bikes and mountain bikes, as well as race go-karts and stock cars. His mechanical inclination and his competitive spirit led him to invent the U.S. Patented Thudbuster suspension seat-post for bicycles and a U.S. Patented suspension system for wheel chairs.
His passion for spending time with his family, riding on two wheels and teaching other children how to ride using the STRIDER™ bike was the genesis for what is now known as Strider Sports International, Inc., formed January 9, 2007, in Rapid City, South Dakota of which Ryan McFarland is still the Founder, President, CEO and Chief Enthusiast.
STRIDER balance bikes are industry-leading training bikes that help toddlers and children of all abilities and as young as 18 months learn to ride on two wheels. STRIDER balance bikes focus on the fundamentals of balancing, leaning, and steering without the distractions and complications of pedals or training wheels. The STRIDER’s simple, no-pedal design builds confidence and eliminates fear by allowing kids to have their feet on the ground and progress at their own pace. This unique design teaches young children balance on two wheels right from the start, avoiding developmental delays typical with tricycles and training-wheel bikes.
Too often people with cognitive or developmental disabilities have been unable to ride a bike or have been told by doctors and other health care providers that they will never be able to ride a bike. With the proper bike and a proven method to learn, this is changing!
Special Needs Bike
For several years, parents of children with special needs all over the world have been approaching Strider® and letting us know how life changing our bikes have been for their children. STRIDER™ bikes are providing a means for inclusive social interaction and play. Suddenly, a child that had previously been sitting on the porch while the other children in the neighborhood rode their bikes is now riding right alongside their peers, grinning ear to ear.
So, why is a STRIDER balance bike the best option for a person with special needs? Our bikes break down the overwhelming task of learning how to ride into a safe and natural progression; it's as easy as walking. With feet safely on the ground, a rider is easily able to maneuver and ride our lightweight bikes.
Strider bikes have turned individuals with Down syndrome, autism, low muscle tone, poor balance, arthrogryposis, and cerebral palsy into bike riding enthusiasts! We have received countless success stories from parents around the world.
More Than Just a Bike
STRIDER bikes are also proving to be FUN tools for therapists and teachers alike! What used to be boring exercise has turned into a great time riding a bike! Several therapists have told us they are skipping the special needs equipment and are using STRIDER bikes as a reward. Children aren't even aware they are still performing important range of motion, flexibility, strengthening, endurance, balance, and many other body mechanic skills by simple riding a STRIDER!
Although the STRIDER was not originally designed as an adaptive needs bike, it has proven to be the perfect bike for people with special needs. The STRIDER is different in that it's not a bike with clunky unstable training wheels, or a heavy tricycle you can't take anywhere-it's an awesome bike for kids, including children with disabilities.
It's Never Too Late to Start
At Strider Bikes, we want everyone to have an opportunity to experience life on two wheels. The number one toddler balance bike responsible for teaching over a million children how to ride will now be joined by two larger models, ensuring we have the bike to fit people of all ages, sizes, and abilities!
Strider's trademark simplicity, lightweight design, durability, functionality, and easy adjustability remain featured in each of the two new sizes designed to cater to youth and adults with special needs.
A STRIDER balance bike is the perfect balance of safety, performance, and FUN, without the weight and complications of pedals. The use of a STRIDER bike promotes a natural, safe method to learn to balance and ride.
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