Emily tests out an adaptive bike. Project Mobility, a St. Charles nonprofit, customizes adaptive bikes to keep people of all ages riding, regardless of disability. Courtesy of Project Mobility
Project Mobility in St. Charles works every day to help people with disabilities feel the wind on their faces and their hearts beat faster on adaptive bikes made just for them.
And it’s making a big difference for suburban families.
“Thank you again to Project Mobility for the amazing bike my son Matthew received last year. We are so grateful for this bike and what it has given Matthew. Matthew loves to ride his bike. Words can’t describe it, his face says it all. … We are so blessed that Project Mobility is changing the lives of people in the Chicagoland area!,” Christina Stanila said in a testimonial. Her son Matthew received his bike in 2022.
Little Matthew is thrilled to have his own adaptive bike thanks to Project Mobility. Courtesy of Project Mobility
In another certificate, Karen Townsend, whose niece, Maya, received a bike in 2017, said, “Project Mobility’s bike has not only changed Maya’s life by giving her the freedom and ability to get around faster, it has also changed the life of her family. … I want to thank you again for all your work and for giving my niece such a special gift.”
Project Mobility’s mission is to get people moving with custom builds for all ages. The group hosts Adaptive Bike Days, where people test ride bikes and experts evaluate the best build for riders, and they give away bikes several times a year. The average price for an adaptive bike is about $6,000, according to Katherine Reda, events director for Project Mobility. Prices can be higher or lower, depending on the client’s needs.
Many kids use Freedom Concept bikes, which have three wheels, rear steering for a parent to operate from behind, footplates with straps and high-backed seats.
Reda said that as children grow, they can trade in their bikes and buy bigger ones, and the old ones are recycled as good as new and given to another child.
To help with expenses, the nonprofit will host fundraisers like a long table dinner on Aug. 18, where visitors can join for a six-course dinner on the waterfront.
Proceeds from the event will specifically help provide custom bikes to two children: Brady, a 14-year-old from Batavia, who was struck by a car while cycling across Highway 31 in May 2023. Brady suffered life-threatening injuries and spent the next few months in hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, according to his mother, Laura O’Neill.
Brady, 14, of Batavia, was recently fitted for an adaptive bike thanks to Project Mobility of St. Charles. Courtesy of Project Mobility
“Fourteen months into this journey, Brady continues to demonstrate to himself and those around him an incredible fighting spirit and tenacity to overcome the challenges he continues to face,” Laura said in an email.
“The Tri-Cities community area has been amazing to Brady. From the immediate support for our family with meals and gift cards, to our amazing Wiffle Ball tournament fundraisers, to the generosity of groups like Project Mobility, the kindness shown to friends and strangers has been unmatched.”
The nonprofit is also raising funds for 3-year-old Connor of Tinley Park, who suffered a non-accidental traumatic brain injury in March 2023, damaging his brain and his ability to walk and talk. Geneva State Bank, a sponsor of Project Mobility, is helping realize Connor’s dream of owning an adaptive bike; other sponsors and Long Table Dinner attendees can do the same.
Reda talks about the organization, the upcoming Long Table Dinner, and how they help people with disabilities gain independence.
Q: What is Project Mobility? Can you briefly explain what the organization does and who it serves?
A: Project Mobility is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has been “changing lives one bike at a time” for over 22 years. It all started with our family’s bike shop and the birth of my triplet nephew, Jacob, who was born with cerebral palsy. After my brother Hal, Jacob’s father, found a specialized bike for Jacob so he could ride with his sisters, we expanded our store’s offerings to include adaptive bikes for other kids with disabilities, which led to the founding of our nonprofit organization, Project Mobility: Cycles for Life.
Lucy high-fives as she straddles her adaptive bike. Project Mobility customizes bikes for people of all ages and with disabilities. Courtesy of Project Mobility
Our programs bring specialized bicycles to schools serving children with disabilities, rehabilitation hospitals and facilities, veterans programs and other locations where people with disabilities can see and try them. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of children, adults and injured veterans with disabilities by providing the services, resources and equipment needed to promote health, independence and freedom of movement through adaptive cycling.
Q: Where does the majority of the funding come from to support this program?
A: Funding for Project Mobility comes from donations, sponsorships, and our signature fundraising events that are an integral part of the St. Charles community. These are:
• Everybody Rides — The 12th annual Everybody Rides event was held on June 9. The event will feature a 1.6-mile ride perfect for those with training wheels, adaptive bikes or pulled by a Burley, a 10-mile trail ride, and 29-, 46- and 62-mile road rides for more experienced riders. The event will also feature adaptive bike giveaways, as well as a party in the park with food, beer, live music and a raffle.
• Hops for Hope 5K and St. Charles Brewfest will be held on October 5. This will be the eighth year for Hops for Hope. It is a timed 5K event on a certified course and was named one of the top 100 races in America by BibRave. There will be six beer stops along the course where local craft breweries will hand out 3-ounce samples of beer to runners. Runners will also receive samples of 18 different beers while listening to live music and enjoying a variety of food provided by sponsors. The event will also feature raffles, games, children’s activities and adaptive bike giveaways. Last year’s event donated approximately $20,000 worth of adaptive bikes.
Sarah had the opportunity to meet the benefactor who helped her receive a disability bike through Project Mobility. The St. Charles nonprofit holds bike giveaways several times a year. Courtesy of Project Mobility
Q: Tell us about your upcoming Long Table Dinners.
A: The Long Table Dinner is a multi-course dinner enjoyed outdoors on the waterfront that will showcase local St. Charles restaurants and benefit Project Mobility. It will be held on Sunday, Aug. 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. and will include a one-hour “Bubbles & Brews Reception” at Pollyanna Brewing, 106 S. Riverside Ave. in St. Charles, followed by dinner at 20 S. Riverside Ave.
Guests are asked to wear summer white clothing to show their support for Project Mobility. Enjoy a curated six-course dinner paired with craft cocktails along the Fox River. There will also be live music, a silent auction and a giveaway of an attractive adaptive bike from Project Mobility. Tickets are $150 and funds will go towards supporting Project Mobility’s programs.
Q: How can our readers contribute to your organization?
A: Readers who want to support us can do so by attending our events or by making a donation through our website at projectmobility.org. Volunteers and sponsors are also welcome.
What: A multi-course dinner showcasing local St. Charles restaurants and benefiting Project Mobility.
Date and Time: Sunday, August 18th, 4pm to 8pm
WHERE: The hour-long “Bubbles & Brews Reception” kicks off at Pollyanna Brewing, 106 South Riverside Avenue, St. Charles, followed by dinner at 20 South Riverside Avenue.
Cost: $150
More info: projectmobility.org/