The William Floyd School District has expanded its adaptive cycling program with the purchase of two additional AmTrykes, providing even more opportunities for students with disabilities to experience the joy, independence and therapeutic benefits of riding a bicycle.

The newest adaptive tricycles have been customized for two William Floyd students — Justice, a student at Moriches Elementary School, and Willow, a student at Nathaniel Woodhull Elementary School. The AmTrykes will be used during physical therapy sessions, recess and other school activities, helping students build confidence while improving mobility, coordination and independence.

These additions build on the district’s continued investment in adaptive recreational opportunities for students with disabilities. In 2024, the district acquired 10 AmTrykes for use in its Special Education Extended School Year program, providing students the opportunity to ride the specialized tricycles during occupational and physical therapy sessions. Following the summer program, the AmTrykes were distributed throughout district schools for use throughout the school year.

Debbie Metz, president of Long Island AMBUCS and founder of the Mastic Sports Club’s Kyle Sports for Special Needs program, has long advocated for expanding adaptive recreational opportunities for children with disabilities throughout the community. She also hosts a weekly Saturday program throughout the course of the school year.

Adaptive therapeutic tricycles are designed for individuals who are unable to ride traditional two-wheeled bicycles safely. Each AmTryke can be customized to meet a rider’s unique needs through specialized seating, support systems, pedal adaptations and other modifications.

In addition to promoting physical activity, adaptive cycling has been shown to improve strength, balance, coordination, motor skills and self-esteem while encouraging greater participation in school and recreational activities.

Justice, 10, was born with spina bifida, and is a full-time wheelchair user. Despite all he has been through with many shunt malfunctions and surgeries as a young child, has shown such resilience, said Justice’s mother, Erica Mendez. “Justice loves being active and wants to fit in and play with other kids his age, this includes bike riding and the AmTryke helps him to do this. He has been so lucky to be able to use the AmTryke at school and his face instantly lit up as he was able to ride around independently. It not only helps Justice to play right beside his friends, but also helps him gain upper body and core strength as well as independence in a fun way where he does not feel any different when he rides. The AmTryke helps Justice remain active while giving him joy at the same time. 

The William Floyd School District encourages families interested in adaptive recreation to mark their calendars for the AMBUCS Long Island/Kyle Sports for Special Needs “Festival of Inclusion” scheduled for Saturday, September 19, from 12 pm to 3 pm at William Floyd Middle School, 630 Moriches-Middle Island Road, Moriches. Attendees will have the opportunity to see and try adaptive AmTrykes, participate in intake evaluations, learn about adaptive cycling opportunities, and meet representatives from the Mastic Sports Club’s Kyle Sports for Special Needs program. Parents and siblings are encouraged to bring their bicycles and helmets to ride alongside participants.

“Long Island AMBUCS is proud to share in the addition of two more adaptive AmTrykes for William Floyd students that can be used during school physical therapy and during recess,” said Mrs. Metz. “Creating mobility and independence enables inclusion, which every student deserves. Watching the smiles on the students’ faces when they can ride the AmTrykes is priceless.”

To learn more about the Kyle Sports for Special Needs and AMBUCS Long Island programs, please click the links below.

Kyle Sports for Special Needs - September 19 - Festival of Inclusion & Vendor Registration Form
Kyle Sports for Special Needs
Kyle Sports for Special Needs Saturday Program & Registration Information