Trishaw Rides for Seniors Facing Isolation
Cycling Without Age (CWA) is a one-of-a-kind program that provides reach into the senior community by offering slow-paced, volunteer-piloted trishaw rides for home or senior-facility bound older adults. It is an international phenomenon that started in 2012 and is in 40 countries, with over 250 chapters in the US, and now in SLO County. CWA simultaneously reduces social isolation and improves quality of life for seniors, encouraging community engagement, sharing stories and getting outside.
If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer for the Cycling Without Age program, fill out our volunteer interest form here or contact our program coordinators listed below!
Rides
During trishaw rides, pilots bike passengers on protected lanes, paths and quiet streets to desirable locations around town, focusing on parks, downtown SLO and the Cal Poly campus. These magical rides last 20-60 minutes, providing ample time for volunteers and seniors to relate with one another and the outside world. While the bikes go nice and slow, passengers usually say how amazing it feels to have wind in their hair!
CWA serves SLO County, starting with SLO City residents living at home and in residential care and nursing facilities (also welcoming referrals to assist younger disabled individuals, school age and up). Community organizations and CWA partners to identify people who are isolated or unable to leave their residence, and take folks for relaxed-pace trishaw rides. There are future plans to acquire wheelchair-accessible bikes, called wheel chariots.
Impact
CWA has a profound effect on seniors and this new program is an exciting addition to the SLO community. Older adult participants from neighboring counties (Santa Barbara has a thriving CWA chapter), speak gleefully about how they feel exhilarated and connected, just by being out and about on a bike. Participants all over the world talk about the positive effects that these rides have on their mood and wellbeing, helping to lessen mental and physical health risk factors associated with social isolation.
While passengers get the joy of riding in a bike – perhaps for the first time in many years – volunteers are simultaneously fulfilled by being outside, riding and talking with seniors who want to feel energized and valued. All participants will be sharing movement, setting the stage for stories, jokes, and the simple pleasure of being heard by someone who cares.
Contact
Program coordinator, Rose Levinson-Woertz, is a geriatric social worker who is excited to be working with Bike SLO County. For information about the program or to request a ride, email Rose at cyclingwithoutage@
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does this cost? Rides are FREE. Bike SLO County welcomes donations to keep the program running, maintain bikes and to help purchase additional trishaws
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Can this program take passengers to run errands or go to appointments? No – due to scheduling and limited volunteers, CWA is unable to serve as a pedi-cab.
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Can the program serve older adults who have dementia? Yes – working with facility staff and family or home caregivers, we can tailor rides to meet individual needs (short test rides are also possible!), and our volunteers are trained on dementia behaviors. The trishaws have seat belts, and if a family member or caregiver wants or needs to ride along for additional safety, we can accommodate up to two passengers at a time.
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Do passengers get out of the bikes during rides? No – once passengers are settled and buckled in, they will stay in the trishaw until returning home. If a bathroom stop is requested, volunteers will try and get back to the facility/home as quickly as possible.
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Can my grandchild or friend ride with me? Yes! Grandchildren, family and friends are invited to ride along, in the trishaw or on their own bikes. We want this to be fun and engaging, and welcome people joining in!
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Can my pet come along? The trishaw is not the best place for an animal, but if you have a small service animal, we can discuss safety concerns and make a plan.
Global CWA Movement
Cycling Without Age started in Denmark in 2012 by Ole Kassow. He began by offering free trishaw rides to the local nursing home residents to help older adults in Copenhagen get back on bicycles. Learn more about Ole and the CWA movement – check out his TED talk!
Loneliness often leads to depression and physical decline. CWA gets individuals outside and socially connected with their communities while cycling. Passengers and volunteer pilots get to share stories, take in scenery, feel wind in their hair, and be immersed in the SLO community. These rides are to create joy and foster connection, as such, CWA is unable to serve as a pedi-cab.
Thank You to Know How to Go, a Program of SLO Rideshare, for their support of this program!
