After a long, uphill climb, a program to get some wind in the hair of local seniors is picking up momentum.
The North Shore chapter of Cycling Without Age has begun taking seniors and people with mobility challenges for rides on the Spirit Trail in specially designed pedal-powered “trishaws” with plans to ramp up for the summer months.
Founder Ian Rose-Innes said about 30 or 40 pairs of seniors have taken a spin so far and the reviews have been stellar.
“They're extremely positive,” he said. “People love it. It’s a great time. It’s a great experience, sitting on the front because there's nothing in front of you. You just roll along. It’s slow and you get a chance to chat to the lady walking her dog, and people are interested in what's going on.”
The non-profit has one trishaw now and is expecting delivery of two more by the end of June.
Eventually, they hope to start offering rides to residents of all the seniors living facilities on the North Shore, right from their door. Until then, they are working with seniors home staff to bring residents to designated pickup/drop-off areas that include the Shipyards, Ambleside Park and the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve.
Now Rose-Innes is hoping to recruit some volunteer trishaw pilots, managers and bus drivers who can help the organization grow.
Volunteer pilots can expect to put in three-hour shifts, including time for setting up and shutting down for the day, but Rose-Innes said it is a highly fulfilling experience, especially as they get to build a rapport with their passengers.
“The pilots find it rewarding,” he said. “It's about storytelling as well.”
Although they are powered by pedals, it is quite a different tactile experience from riding a bike, Rose-Innes added.
“It isn't like a bicycle when it behaves. And it's because it's got three people on board, it's very heavy,” he said. “So we have to train our pilots carefully to make sure they’re safe.”
Cycling Without Age is also looking for a place in Lower Lonsdale where they can either set up a permanent base for a trishaw or store one in a cargo trailer.
To inquire about bookings or joining as a volunteer, visit Cycling Without Age's North Shore webpage.
