Eva’s New Trike: Pretty Pink Pedal Power

On a sunny day in February, on a lovely tree-lined residential street in a quiet suburb in Canberra, a four-year-old girl rode her tricycle with her mum following behind.

It’s a typical summer sight played out all over Australia. But this was a special little girl. And the pink tricycle was no ordinary trike. Eva has physical and cognitive disabilities that make riding a standard tricycle difficult. She usually gets around in a specialised pram, pushed by her mum.

Thanks to the generosity of Canberra Region Lions Clubs and the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation, she’s now sitting pretty on her brand new custom pink Terrier Cycle tricycle.

Representatives of the Australian Lions Children’s Mobility Foundation as well as various Lions Clubs were present on the day to celebrate with Eva’s family and physiotherapist as she proudly pedaled up and down the street, smiling and waving as she passed her cheering fans.

Among them were Lion Lorraine Barker, Secretary, Lions Club of Canberra Brindabella (and support for ALCMF in Canberra), Lion Dale Wickham, 2nd Vice President, Lions Club of Canberra Brindabella, Lion David Tate, President, Lions Club of Canberra Valley, Lion Bob Brinckley, 2nd Vice President, Lions Club of Canberra Kambah, and Lion Keith Cox, President, Lions Club of Gungahlin.

Eva’s Theraplay Terrier tricycle is customised to her specific needs and will enable her to move around more freely. In addition to giving her more mobility and independence, riding the trike will help build her strength and endurance, and give her a boost in confidence. Plus, it’s her favourite colour: pink!

But most importantly, it will enable Eva to partake in the morning bike commute to school, like many other kids. “Eva attends the pre-school at the local school.” said Lion Lorrain Barker “Eva’s mum and Eva were both looking forward to her being able to ride along the pathway to the school with her brother.”

Eva doesn’t speak, but it was abundantly clear she really loves her new trike. “Eva looked right at me and gave me a wave to say, ‘Thank you!’” says David Tate, who was there with his camera to document the special day. “You can see the joy on her face in many of these photos.”