mitoRide: Adapted Bikes for Children & Teens Living with Mitochondrial Disease
mitoRide is a supportive, fun-filled bike program created for children and teens living with mitochondrial disease (mito).
Delivered in partnership with CP Kids and Families of Calgary, mitoRide offers FREE access to adapted bikes and trikes, giving young riders the opportunity to experience the joy of cycling while building strength, confidence and a sense of independence, at their own pace.
As we launch the 2026 mitoRide season, we are excited to continue growing this program and supporting more mito families across areas south of Red Deer, AB.
Why mitoRide Matters
Living with mitochondrial disease can limit access to traditional physical activities. mitoRide removes barriers by providing safe, supportive cycling options that are tailored to each child and teen’s abilities.
Through mitoRide, children and teens can:
- Experience the joy and freedom of riding
- Build strength and stamina
- Support balance, coordination and motor skills
- Enjoy meaningful movement in a fun, social environment
- Participate in an activity many families find difficult to access due to cost
What are Adapted Bikes?
Adapted bikes and trikes are customized to support a wide range of mobility and neuromotor needs. Depending on your child’s abilities, bikes may include:
- Supportive or specialized seating
- Side-stabilizing wheels
- Raised or adjustable footplates
- Specialized handlebars
- Pedal assist or other adaptive features
These adaptations help children and teens propel, steer and control their bike safely and condfidently
How the Adapted Bike Program Works
As a mitoRide program participant, your mito child will enrolled in the adapted bike program at CP Kids and Families of Calgary.
Here’s what to expect:
- Your child’s neuromotor abilities are assessed during a bike clinic
- CP Kids and Families staff select 1-3 adapted bikes or trikes for your child to try
- You and your child choose the bike they feel most comfortable using
- Your child receives a one-year loan for the selected adapted bike
Adapted bikes and trikes can cost anywhere from $500-$5000, depending on a child’s needs, making them inaccessible for many families. mitoRide helps remove this financial barrier so children and teens with mito can access movement that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing.
What the mitoRide Program Covers
Participation in mitoRide includes:
- Annual CP Kids and Families membership, providing access to:
- Learn 2 Ride
- Adapted Dance and Tots & Tunes programming
- Adapted equipment lending
- One-on-one support from a social worker
- Professional bike fitting for your child
- One-year adapted bike or trike loan
- Maintenance on the loaned bike
- 20% discount on labour for family bikes at the CP Kids Bike Shop
Who Can Participate?
To be eligible, interested participants must:
- Live in areas south of Red Deer, AB
- Have a clinical diagnosis of primary mitochondrial disease
Adapted Bike Program Not a Fit for Your Child or Teen?
That’s okay, we’re happy to cover 2026 annual membership fees for mito families. That means free access to all the programs and services Calgary CP Kids membership offers!
Follow the “How to Apply” instructions below and select the Calgary CP Kids Membership – Proof of Diagnosis Form
How to Apply
Applying is simple:
- Select the Proof of Diagnosis form that corresponds to the coverage you’re interested in
- Complete the one-page Proof of Diagnosis form*
- Email the completed form/documentation to: support@MitoCanada.org
- Our team will review your submitted form and contact you with next steps.
* Healthcare Provider Section: If you do not have an upcoming clinic appointment to have this form signed by your child’s healthcare provider, we will accept other proof of diagnosis documentation (must be from your child’s mito specialist or family doctor). Please include alternative proof of diagnosis documentation with your partically completed (personal information section) mitoRide Proof of Diagnosis form.
