(Lebanon, OH) – An army of 3Wheel Therapy volunteers helped individuals with disabilities to try out accessible tricycles at the Countryside YMCA in Lebanon on Monday, August 10, 2026. 

This year, board members Pat and Ruth Bendel founded 3Wheel Therapy’s third-ever chapter in Lebanon, Ohio. The cornerstone of 3Wheel Therapy is its adaptive tandem tricycles, which are three-wheeled, electric-assisted bikes that allow a passenger to recline comfortably on the front of the bicycle while a ‘pilot’ pedals, steers, and provides support.

“Though it was hot with a threat of thunderstorms, the participants all had an exceptional outing. The team supported 6 riders for 17 miles,” Pat said. “Very humbling to watch how attentive the team was to the riders.”

After participants or their guardians signed a waiver, each rider started by getting fitted with a helmet and strapped into the tricycle’s seat with a typical lap belt around the waist, in addition to a shoulder and chest restraint. Volunteers adjusted the seat as necessary depending on each individual's size or physical requirements.

The tricycle has two wheels on the front and one wheel on the back, allowing for a stable ride for both participants and pilots. Some riders made it clear that their arms were unrestricted by raising their arms in the air, emulating a roller coaster ride. 

During each ride, several cyclists rode alongside the adaptive tricycle to provide extra support and assistance. For riders who needed additional support, another cyclist would ride directly next to the individual.

Sam Osborne, 13, of Springboro, has tried riding a bike before, but lacks the balance to ride a traditional bicycle. This event created an opportunity for him to try a different type of adaptive tricycle. He said he was especially excited about wearing the helmet at the event.

Sam sat on the seat at the front while volunteer Kevin Turain piloted the tricycle. During the 20-minute trip, Turain said, Sam raised his arms in the air and pointed in the direction they should go. 

“It’s fun to be out with people and see their faces smiling and enjoying the ride,’ Turain said.

Turain tried the accessible tricycle seat during training. He said it was fun to be in the front of the tricycle with the wind on his face and nothing to block his view. He said he felt secure and comfortable in the seat throughout his ride.

Since the equipment arrived in June, volunteer Vicki Fortman said 3Wheel Therapy has worked with nursing home residents and local families to allow individuals with physical disabilities to safely experience cycling and enjoy outdoor recreation.

The next collaboration between 3Wheel Therapy and the Warren County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at the North parking lot of the Countryside YMCA in Lebanon, Ohio. Please register by emailing daytonoh@3wheeltherapy.org.



For more information, contact Community Relations Coordinator Megan Becker Colburn at megan.becker@warrencountydd.org or (859) 653-7445.

Fundraising

3Wheel Therapy Board Member Pat Bendel said the local chapter of 3Wheel Therapy is actively collecting donations to fund the purchase of the tricycles, which are imported from the Netherlands and require specialized maintenance. 

Please consider donating:

• Via Venmo at @threewheel_therapy.
• Via PayPal at 3Wheel Therapy Inc.
• By mailing a check to 3Wheel Therapy, PO Box 587, in Carolina Beach, NC 28428.
• Via its Amazon Wishlist at 3Wheel Therapy, where the organization is requesting bicycle helmets, storage, and sanitation supplies.

Volunteering

3Wheel Therapy is seeking volunteers to "pilot" (pedal) the tricycle, provide support as a co-pilot alongside the pilot and our rider, and support 3Wheel Therapy on and off the trails. 

The organization is seeking volunteers who believe everyone deserves to ride, are passionate about providing inclusive experiences, and love the outdoors. Most rides are scheduled for weekday mornings and occasional Saturdays.

3Wheel Therapy volunteers must:

• be at least 21 years old and weigh no more than 225 pounds to serve as a pilot. Co-pilots must be at least 16 years old, with no weight restrictions.
• be able to safely ride a bicycle independently.
• wear a helmet for all rides and training.
• complete a 2-hour volunteer training.

For more information about 3Wheel Therapy, please email daytonoh@3wheeltherapy.org or visit www.3wheeltherapy.org.