Imagine not riding a bicycle for over eleven years. Then picture yourself back on the Boise Greenbelt, pedaling past cottonwoods and flowing water, feeling the wind on your face again.
For one athlete who joined CAF-Idaho’s weekly Greenbelt Cycling series this past season, that moment became reality. “Because of CAF, I experienced something I had not thought possible,” they shared. “After more than eleven years, I was able to ride a bicycle again. To many people, riding a bike is an ordinary childhood memory. For me, it is the return of a freedom I believed I had lost.”
This is exactly what CAF-Idaho’s Greenbelt Cycling program is about. On Wednesdays from May through September, athletes with physical disabilities gather at the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse to ride together on one of Boise’s most beautiful trails.
From May 20 through September 2, 2026, CAF-Idaho hosted inclusive cycling sessions designed to welcome riders of all experience levels. The program ran every Wednesday from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM, with the Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse serving as home base.
Whether they’ve been cycling for years or haven’t been on a bike in decades, these sessions met athletes where they are. The program provides access to recumbent cycles and handcycles, eliminating the barrier of equipment access that often keeps people from participating in adaptive sports.
CAF-Idaho’s Greenbelt Cycling program welcomes adults (18+) with physical disabilities throughout the riding season. Sessions accommodate various fitness levels and cycling experience, with routes adjusted based on the group’s needs each week.
The Idaho Outdoor Fieldhouse provides accessible facilities and ample space for gathering before and after rides. Participants can try different types of adaptive bikes to find what works best for their body and abilities.
This past season brought together more than 35 athletes and volunteers who logged over 130 miles exploring the Greenbelt’s scenic routes. Riders traveled from Lucky Peak to Kathryn Albertson Park, discovering their own capabilities along miles of paved trail that winds through Boise’s riverside landscape.
The season welcomed 10 first-time participants who joined an established community of regular riders. For some, it meant trying adaptive cycling for the first time. For others, it offered the chance to rebuild fitness and confidence. And for many, it simply provided a consistent place to connect with others who understand the unique experience of navigating the world with a physical disability.
Cycling offers cardiovascular benefits, builds strength, and provides low-impact exercise that’s accessible for many types of physical disabilities. But the value of CAF-Idaho’s weekly rides extends beyond physical fitness.
These Wednesday morning sessions create space for athletes to support each other, share experiences, and build friendships. Volunteers ride alongside participants, offering encouragement and assistance when needed. The atmosphere balances structured activity with social connection, recognizing that both elements are essential to sustainable participation in sport.
The program also removes common obstacles to cycling. By providing adaptive bikes at no cost and helping to maintain equipment throughout the season, CAF-Idaho ensures that lack of specialized gear won’t keep anyone from participating. The consistent schedule and familiar meeting location make it easy to plan around work and other commitments.
As one athlete discovered after more than a decade away from cycling, sometimes the freedom you thought you’d lost is simply waiting for the right opportunity and support to return.
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