Preston Buenaga and his mom were welcomed as they donated adaptive bikes to Haine Elementary School on Thursday.

CRANBERRY TWP — People sometimes remember the first time they rode a bike.

For some students at Haine Elementary School, that time was Thursday morning.

Students with special needs were able to ride adaptive bikes donated by the Assessment Technologies Inc. Foundation in conjunction with Preston's March for Energy.

Three adaptive bikes designed for those with physical ailments and conditions were donated to the elementary school.

“These will help create independence for them,” said Kelly O'Leary, a special-education teacher at the school. “We're really excited about that. They (bikes) are beautiful.”

Students rode the bikes across the cafeteria. The elementary school's student body and teachers applauded as the students took the stage with the bikes.

“It's amazing,” said Deborah Buenaga, executive director of Preston's March. “Anytime we give kids bikes, it brings back memories of when Preston couldn't ride one.”

Preston's March, based in Wilmington, Del., is named after Buenaga's son. Preston had an adaptive bike donated to him in 2011 through a fundraiser that was developed by a family friend.

Preston, 18, was diagnosed with mitochondrial disease when he was 1 year old, leaving him with low muscle tone and developmental delays. Although he is able to use his legs, he cannot ride a regular bicycle.

Since he was given a bike, his mother has been working with the ATI Foundation to raise money and donate bikes to other children.

“Now he can ride freely,” Buenaga said. Each bike costs between $1,400 and $2,500.

“We have never not been able to get a child on a bike,” Buenaga said.

Since Preston's March began four years ago, 176 bikes have been donated to children with special physical needs.

Buenaga said bikes are usually donated to individuals, however the organization sometimes works with schools.

Foundation representative Terry Williams said working with the Buenagas aligns with the foundation's mission of helping children.

“It's great knowing anytime we make an impact,” Williams said. “We're making a difference.”

More information is available at www.prestonsmarch.org and www.atipt.com.