Cycling Without Age Non-profit
Seniors in Dryden may soon benefit from a volunteer campaign.
The local chapter of Cycling Without Age is in the process of securing various grants to purchase a new three-wheeled trishaw bike.
Spokesperson Carol Gardam talks about the importance of the initiative.
“It will help out seniors with any mobility challenges or who may be socially isolated in their homes to get outside in the fresh air and enjoy the sights and sounds of our community. It will also help build bridges between different generations.”
The group is out to raise roughly 10-thousand dollars and has already received a 4-thousand grant from The Retired Teachers of Ontario.
Gardam talks about the bike.
“It has a two seater passenger bench in the front and volunteer drivers, known as the pilot, will sit on the seat of the bike to peddle it. It has a battery pack to assist with any up hill rides. Plus it comes with a retractable hood to protect from the sun or if the weather turns poor.”
There are also removable foot rests, allowing for easy transit to and from the bike.
Gardam adds they’ve applied for additional grants and hope to hear some good news by the end of the year.
“It’s a no cost bike ride for the seniors. So once we have the bike purchased, a shed and some helmets, the security of it, everything else is volunteer run.”
The group also plans to launch a campaign in the New Year to seek volunteers.
Community Services Manager Steve Belanger has also agreed to partner with the volunteer group.
