Cycling Without Age Brings the Community Together
For the City Times
STEVENS POINT — Cycling Without Age Stevens Point recently celebrated its first season thanks to the work of dozens of volunteer pilots and generous support from community partners whose donations totaled $38,350.
Throughout the summer, Stevens Point residents and visitors have noticed the brightly colored red and tan ‘trishaws’ (a special bike built for three) riding through Pfiffner and Bukolt Parks, along neighborhood streets, and at special events. Since the first shipment of three trishaws arrived from Copenhagen early last spring, CWA Stevens Point pilots have pedaled over 1,450 miles and given rides to more than 700 passengers.
Cycling Without Age gives people with limited mobility the freedom and independence to be outdoors in nature, have new adventures, and socialize with pilots, fellow passengers and people they encounter during the ride. The program is an antidote to loneliness and provides an activity where older adults may reminisce, tell their stories, build friendships, and simply have fun being out in the fresh air.
The Stevens Point chapter of CWA launched May 30th at the Aging & Disability Resource Center and is the first program of its kind in Central Wisconsin. This summer, CWA Stevens Point served the Aging & Disability Resource Center and residents at Copperleaf Senior Living, Willow Brooke, Atrium Riverview Lodge, Brookdale, and the Portage County Health Care Center.
Next year a fourth trishaw will be added to their fleet, and thanks to a trailer donated by the Rotary Club of Greater Portage County, CWA Stevens Point will serve many more facilities throughout Portage County in the years to come.
Cycling Without Age is a volunteer-led nonprofit program that began in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2012. The Stevens Point chapter is funded entirely through donations.
If you or someone you know is interested in supporting Cycling Without Age Stevens Point or becoming a volunteer pilot, please contact the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin (715) 342-4454 or email: [email protected]. Visit their website at: https://portagecountycan.org/cycling-without-age/