When Jeff Wilkerson discovered the beauty of Oregon, he knew it was where he wanted to put down roots. Although Wilkerson was born with cerebral palsy, it didn’t stop him from wanting to enjoy the outdoors. Having lived in seven other states before this, he found the area’s stunning landscapes and outdoor culture an ideal place to embrace life to its fullest.

“I wanted to be in a place where I could be free in finding my individual expression and potential,” he said.   

Once Wilkerson discovered Adaptive BIKETOWN, operated by Kerr Bikes, a social enterprise business benefiting nonprofit Albertina Kerr, a new world opened for him. Founded in 2009, Kerr Bikes provides public seasonal bike rental services, bike service, adaptive bike rentals through Adaptive BIKETOWN, surreys, e-bikes, tandems, road and mountain bikes, and more. All proceeds go towards supporting Albertina Kerr, a local nonprofit that provides programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and mental health challenges. In 2023, Kerr Bikes provided nearly 4,000 rentals.

“[Adaptive BIKETOWN] was a dream come true in a sense,” Wilkerson explained. “It was validation for me that it matters to support people with disabilities. Cerebral palsy can be very isolating. I reckon all disabilities are isolating. Adaptive BIKETOWN is an invitation to interface with the community on my terms.”

In partnership with the Portland Bureau of Transportation and Nike, Kerr Bikes proudly operates Adaptive BIKETOWN. With a goal of increasing biking access for people with disabilities and mobility challenges, the bike rental company provides stable trikes with calf straps, hand-powered bikes, and electric-assist trikes at free and significantly reduced rates for individuals with disabilities. Last year, Kerr Bikes saw an 80 percent increase in ridership compared to the previous year.

Kristin Miller, manager at Kerr Bikes, said, “If you are new to the city and want to see the sights, there is no better way than to make a loop over the Steel and modern Tillicum Bridge by bike, where you get a panoramic view of the city, Mount Hood, and the Willamette River. Coming to Kerr Bikes (and supporting the work of Albertina Kerr in the process) is something you can feel good about.”

“Kerr Bikes, along with their partners, gives me hope and excitement,” Wilkerson shared. “It motivates me to go out and exercise and shows that it’s okay if I exercise differently than others. I feel I have more control over how my neighbors see me. For me, I just want to be included, and activities like this are good examples of a community validating that need.”

To get out and explore with the whole family, visit Kerr Bikes at the Tom McCall Waterfront Park, 1020 SW Naito Parkway, in Portland, or Kerr Bikes/Adaptive BIKETOWN OMSI, at 1945 SE Water Ave., Building B.  To learn more about rates or hours, visit the Kerr Bikes website here.