“Freedom!” an elderly woman cries out loud, as we’re all sitting in a circle at an assisted-living facility. We’re sharing memories of cycling, and what cycling means to each of us. Everyone nods and we all agree: cycling is about freedom, joy, and adventure – which can be hard to come by if you’re elderly.
Cycling Without Age (CWA) is a movement started in 2012 by Ole Kassow. Ole wanted to help elders get back on their bicycles and explore their world, but he had to find a solution to their limited mobility. The answer was a trishaw, and he started offering free bike rides to local senior residents.
To date, there are more than 2700 chapter locations around the world offering bike rides on over 3,700 bikes (trishaws). Closer to home here in Bracebridge, there are chapters in North Bay, Sudbury, Penetanguishene, and Collingwood. Globally, more than 35,000 trained pilots (ride volunteers) ensure that seniors get out of their residences on bikes to enjoy fresh air and the community around them. CWA gives them the right to the wind in their hair, to see nature up close, and provides the opportunity for them to tell their story. This program is the first of its kind in Muskoka – a meaningful and exciting program for our Bracebridge community!
Together with the CWA movement, we dream of a town that empowers all citizens to remain an active part of the local community and experience joy. It sounds simple: we take elderly citizens out for a bicycle ride on a trishaw that allows them to sit up front and experience the wind and the view. We break them free from social isolation, make them smile, and bring back memories. We laugh as we build bridges between generations, share stories, and reinforce trust, respect, and the social glue in our society.
Bracebridge CWA is volunteer driven, it's about active citizenship and lots of good pedal force. Our volunteers desire to get involved, make a real difference for someone, and build relationships. Volunteers sign up for bike rides with seniors as often or rarely as they want, and Bracebridge CWA coordinates rides with recreation programmers for residents at Castle Peak, The Pines, and via The Alzheimer Society of Muskoka. All funds raised go toward the purchase, maintenance, and insuring of trishaws that provide free rides to Bracebridge seniors. Any amount will help us reach our goal of insuring and purchasing a trishaw for the 2023 season. For inspiration and ideas on how to contribute please browse our perks, products, and wish items!
Interested in learning more about how you can help?
Cycling Without Age Bracebridge would love to hear from you, and would greatly appreciate your help to share our campaign!
