Announcing Cycling Without Age at the Bike Library
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Cycling Without Age at the Bike Library (CWABL) offers e-assisted bike rides through our neighborhoods and nature trails, and the opportunity for passengers to tell their story and build relationships.
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Mission statement:
Cycling Without Age at the Bike Library (CWABL) is part of a global movement which aims to reduce social isolation and promote physical and mental health by bringing the joy of cycling to seniors, adults, and youth who are unable to bike independently. Utilizing uniquely designed e-trishaw bikes, trained volunteers are paired with one or two passengers for safe outdoor adventures, conversations, and new relationships. Our riders become active and visible in their neighborhoods while experiencing the simple pleasure of feeling the wind blow through their hair.
Cycling Without Age at the Bike Library (CWABL) is part of a global movement which aims to reduce social isolation and promote physical and mental health by bringing the joy of cycling to seniors, adults, and youth who are unable to bike independently. Utilizing uniquely designed e-trishaw bikes, trained volunteers are paired with one or two passengers for safe outdoor adventures, conversations, and new relationships. Our riders become active and visible in their neighborhoods while experiencing the simple pleasure of feeling the wind blow through their hair.
Watch this 3 minute video featuring the program founder Ole Kassow, and see the impact this program can have on our community:
CWABL as an affiliate of CWA international has agreed to abide by the following principles:
Generosity and kindness in a socially oriented, safe, and inclusive context.
Slowness to allow time for curiosity and chance encounters.
Storytelling: We listen, tell, and document our stories.
Relationships: Intergenerational, with peers, caregivers, and family; striving to increase ties amongst diverse social and cultural groups.
Without Age: Life unfolds at all ages. We look for opportunities to dismantle barriers and increase access to our neighbors and to the natural environment.
Who goes for a ride:
● Older adults – from care facilities and those who choose to age in place
● Adults, youth, and children with developmental differences
● Injured veterans
● Family, friends, and caregivers
The Trishaw
● The trishaws are customized bikes with specific safety features built in Copenhagen by TrioBike.
● There are no comparable bikes made in North America.
● They are electric assist and hold two passengers + pilot.
● Options include seat belts, fold up rain hood, additional batteries and fitted insulated blankets.
● The trishaws are customized bikes with specific safety features built in Copenhagen by TrioBike.
● There are no comparable bikes made in North America.
● They are electric assist and hold two passengers + pilot.
● Options include seat belts, fold up rain hood, additional batteries and fitted insulated blankets.
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Where will we ride? Check out a preview of routes in development:
● Riverfront Crossings Terry Trueblood Loop (Map)
● South District Market Wetherby Park loop (TBD)
Roadmap of goals:
2023
● September: Application to become a CWA Affiliate submitted and approved
● October: Bike Library, Inc. endorses CWA/JC mission and agrees to become non-profit fiscal agent
● November/December: Outreach and relationship building with community organizations and individuals
2024 Goals:
● Purchase our first e-trishaw bike
● Recruit and train pilots
● Establish protocols for passenger safety and bike maintenance
● Develop a ride booking system
● Map and test-ride cycling routes
● Build alliances and collaborate with other service providers
2025-2030 Goals:
● Increase our fleet of trishaws, including wheelchair compatible
● Establish more hubs (sites where trishaws are stored, and rides start and finish)
● Expand outreach throughout the county
● Purchase a van to transport trishaws
● Purchase a “spinner” to bring trishaw to fairs and events
● Integrate our service with public transportation (SEATS)
Left to right: Nancy, Jim (pilot), Michelle
Our team
Nancy Footner (Director, Friendship Yoga)
Michelle Voss (Director of Health, Brain & Cognition Lab (UI), Bike Library volunteer)
Jim Cochran (Math professor (retired), author)
Daniela Perret (DPT, Licensed Physical Therapist)
Doug Edel (Executive Director, Jones County Community Foundation)