The "Cycling Without Age" project, led by Gerry O’Brien and his wife, Lorraine Croft, is making a significant impact in Goderich by offering seniors delightful trishaw rides around town. The Maitland Trail Association is thrilled to partner with this inspiring initiative, which fosters community connection and provides our seniors with the opportunity to reconnect with nature. Together, we are excited to offer trishaw rides on the scenic G2G Rail Trail in Goderich, enhancing the well-being and joy of our senior residents.
What is Cycling Without Age?
Cycling Without Age is a global movement that started in Denmark in 2012 and has since spread worldwide. The initiative aims to reduce social isolation among seniors by offering them free trishaw rides, allowing them to experience the joy of cycling and the beauty of the outdoors. The trishaws are three-wheeled bikes with seat belts, specially designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride.
In Goderich, the service runs from May through October, with rides now being offered on the G2G Rail Trail once a month. Gerry O’Brien, the head of the local chapter, reports that the trail is remarkably smooth, making it an ideal route for these rides.
The Impact on Our Community
Gerry and Lorraine started the local chapter of Cycling Without Age in 2021. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with eight trained pilots now volunteering to operate the trishaws. These local volunteers, known as ‘pilots,’ visit homes, care facilities, and senior centers around the community to offer rides. The experience of being out in nature, coupled with the companionship of the pilots, nurtures emotional well-being and fosters a sense of belonging.
Passengers often find that the rides evoke cherished memories and bring immense joy. The initiative is based on the belief that life can and should be beautiful at any age! The trishaw rides not only provide a recreational activity but also help to renew the participants' appetite for life, connecting them with the world around them.
Accessibility on the G2G Rail Trail
The G2G Rail Trail in Goderich is a fantastic venue for these rides, offering a smooth and accessible path that is suitable for the trishaws. The trail's accessibility ensures that seniors can enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride, enhancing their overall experience. The Maitland Trail Association is proud to support this initiative and encourage the use of the G2G Trail for these meaningful journeys.
Get Involved
If you have someone in mind who would enjoy a ride on the G2G Trail, please contact the Maitland Trail Association at mta@maitlandtrail.ca. Participants are required to sign the MTA online waiver to ensure safety and compliance. Gerry O’Brien is committed to making this experience available to as many seniors as possible, which means hauling the bike out on a trailer and being present to pilot it himself. He is able to do three one-hour rides on a single charge.
To set a date or for more information, you can reach out to MTA. The simple act of taking a senior for a bike ride can have a profound impact, rekindling their connection to nature, community, and life itself.
Join Us on This Journey
Cycling Without Age Canada (CWACA) is dedicated to reducing social isolation and enhancing both mental and physical health for all Canadians. Using specialized electric pedal-assisted trishaws, each bicycle can carry up to two passengers, offering them an adventure that rekindles youthful memories of exploration and discovery.
Thank you for your continued support of the Maitland Trail Association and the Cycling Without Age project.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of our senior residents, one ride at a time!
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