Photo by Crystal Reed
Noah Smith (front center) with his Amtryke from the Sullivan AMBUCS is surrounded by his parents Kim Smith and Mike Smith and brother Ethan at the AMBUCS picnic held last week. In the background are Sullivan AMBUCS members. photo by Crystal Reed.

•August 12, 2020•
The Sullivan AMBUCS chapter held a picnic last Thursday and during it presented surprises to two local children. That evening Amtrykes were presented to Presley Wagner and Noah Smith.
According to a brochure, the Amtryke Tricycle Program is about ability, not disability. They make foot trykes, hand trykes and hand and foot trykes in a wide range of sizes at a low cost.     Login or Subscribe to read the rest of this story. 


Photo by Crystal Reed
Presley Wagner sits on her new Amtryke presented to her last week at the AMBUCS picnic. She is surrounded by family members: Andy Wagner, Shelbi Wagner, Larry Wagner, Kaye Wagner, Addison Darush, Savana Brewer, Gracie Kile, Amee Darush and David Brandt.

Jim Wandmacher, secretary of the Sullivan AMBUCS said that the group presents the tricycles whenever the need is there. The bikes cost anywhere from $800 to $1200 depending on the composition and size of the bikes. The group pays for the bikes through fundraisers including two golf outings and raffles throughout the year.
Besides giving away bikes, the organization also builds ramps around town for those in need of them and accept donations to help build those.
Any adult or child with special needs may request a tryke from AMBUCS. A physical therapist is then involved to measure the child or adult for the perfect fit, to help decide how the bike is best propelled (hand, foot or hand and foot). There are also further adaptations that can be made including seating options and accesssories.
The bikes were formerly made in China but are now made in the US and shipped to local chapters where members assemble the bikes.
In addition to building ramps and providing adaptive bikes, AMBUCS also provides two scholarships each year to two physical therapists in their junior year.