By Joe Bachman
Editor

STEVENS POINT — A special presentation was given to council members last night regarding the Cycling Without Age program.

Cindy Piotrowski, Director at ADRC, presented an update on the new program, which has been yielding overwhelmingly positive feedback from community members.

Cycling Without Age Stevens Point is a local non-profit organization dedicated to providing the elderly, and those with differing abilities and means, to enjoy the outdoors on a bicycle in a social setting. Known as “trishaws”, these tricycle-rickshaw hybrids help those who want to experience activities outdoors, and do so with electric pedal assists than can seat up to two passengers.

“When the idea was first brought to me, about bringing trishaws into Stevens Point and Portage County, my head hurt — when would we ever come up with the time to provide rides?” said Piotrowski, who explains that Alder Tori Jennings had arranged to have a trishaw brought to the area to preview. “When I saw the seniors get back after taking one of those bike rides, I went from ‘how would we ever have time to do this’ to ‘we absolutely have to find more time to do this’.”

The facility now has three trishaws, which are utilized throughout Portage County, and the hopes that money can be raised for at least two more bikes, according to Piotrowski. Money donated will be taken through the Community Foundation.

However, Piotrowski also wanted to stress that this program isn’t just for one demographic, as local and national reports indicate that isolation is just as statistically bad as smoking cigarettes.

“This is a not a program just for people with disabilities,” said Piotrowski. “This program is about socialization.”

With over 50 volunteers signed onto the program, the future looks quite bright for this new venture. For more information, check out their Facebook page.