Media Release
Release Contact:
Buddy Bike
Shelley L. Patterson
786.489.2453
shelley@buddybike.com
Release Date:
March 3, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Buddy Bike for Special Needs Child Stuck in Canadian Customs – No Answers from UPS or Customs
FLORIDA, USA & ALBERTA, CANADA - A Buddy Bike, a tandem bicycle designed to provide mobility and independence for children with special needs, has been stuck in Canadian customs since it was shipped via UPS in January. Despite repeated inquiries, no clear answers have been provided regarding its status.
This Buddy Bike was funded by the Military Police Fund for Blind Children in Canada and was intended for a Canadian child who has autism and visual impairment caused by bilateral microphthalmia. However, more than a month later, the family is still waiting, and the shipment remains in limbo.
Shelley Patterson, Owner of Bikes For Every Body and the U.S. distributor of The Buddy Bike, expressed her frustration over the lack of information provided by both UPS and Canadian customs. “I can't get answers from UPS or customs regarding exactly where this Buddy Bike is and what they need for it to be delivered,” said Patterson. “Spring is coming, and the family in Canada has been patiently waiting for this special equipment that will provide freedom, mobility, therapeutic recreation, and empowerment for their child who has special needs.”
Mrs. Jackson, the customer in Canada says, "our family has been looking forward to the addition of a Buddy Bike for my son who is visually impaired and autistic. The bike is not just a piece of equipment, but a vital tool for mobility and independence and shared experiences for our family. Despite repeated attempts to resolve this issue, UPS has yet to release the bike. I urge UPS to take immediate action to ensure our family receives the bike that is essential for my son's well-being and quality of life".
The delay raises concerns about whether ongoing trade disputes or tariff issues between the U.S. and Canada could be affecting the shipment. However, without clear communication from the authorities involved, the exact reason for the holdup remains unknown. Patterson says "I have been frantic to get this Buddy Bike to the family before increased tariffs put this bike beyond their ability to pay the import fees."
Bikes For Every Body and the recipient family are urgently calling for UPS and Canadian customs to resolve this matter and ensure the Buddy Bike reaches its intended destination as soon as possible.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Shelley Patterson
Owner, Bikes For Every Body - Home of The Buddy Bike
shelley@buddybike.com
786.489.2453
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About Buddy Bike
The Buddy Bike is an alternative tandem bicycle with rear seat steering. It is a bicycle for riders with special needs providing adaptive and therapeutic cycling for riders with autism, down syndrome, sight impairment, balance issues, low muscle tone and other disabilities that would prevent them from riding a bike safely on their own. Learn more at buddybike.com.
