Wheeling forward

Tucked away on Canyon Road behind Publix in Vestavia sits a house with tricycles in the windows. 

What many may not know is that the home is specifically zoned for nonprofit organizations, including one called Birmingham AMBUCS.

“People don’t even realize we are here,” said Executive Director Katie Troncale. “I’m really trying to get the word out and raise awareness of what awesome things we do.”

Birmingham AMBUCS donates custom-made bicycles and tricycles to children with disabilities. It is part of a national organization that was founded in 1922 by William L. White, who envisioned a service organization for young businessmen. AmTryke therapeutic tricycles, a company owned by AMBUCS, was established in 1994. 

Today, the organization has around 120 chapters across the nation. More than 15,000 AmTrykes have been distributed around the world, with the majority donated free of charge to financially needy children.

In October of 2007, local businessman and Birmingham AMBUCS chapter President Dave Upton reestablished the Birmingham Chapter of AMBUCS in Homewood. Dave Upton is a longtime Vestavia Hills resident whose grandson was born with Down syndrome. The organization moved to Vestavia Hills in 2010 and currently shares the space with several other nonprofit organizations.

The tricycles, which can be hand and/or foot operated, are designed to accommodate riders of all ages, sizes and varying degrees of physical limitations. Troncale said that occupational and physical therapists refer children in need of bikes to AMBUCS. The bikes are custom-made for 18-month-old children all the way to adults. Troncale said that volunteers from UAB’s engineering department come over to the house and help assemble the bikes.

“They get here Friday afternoon and stay, and I will cook them dinner,” she said. “We are lucky for their support.”

Both physical and occupational therapists have acknowledged the AmTryke tricycle’s benefits, citing improved motor skills, strength development and self-esteem. Troncale explains that these children are unable to operate a traditional bike, with simple functions like braking and pedaling causing difficulty. 

“It’s unbelievable what we do and the way we help people,” she said. 

 The organization conducts regular bike fairs around the area to train therapists to help children use the bikes. In November, Birmingham AMBUCS held a sports-themed fundraiser with a live auction and special guests from the Auburn and University of Alabama football teams. The event recognized Dave Upton and his family’s seven years of dedication to the organization. 

As a nonprofit, the organization is dependent on donations to continue to give bikes to children in need. For more information or to donate to the cause, visit birminghamambucs.org.