Ability Cycling has offered the Charlotte’s Tandems US program for the last four years. Our Board or Directors voted to add Cycling Without Age as a second program. We are seeking donations and grants to start this program in 2025 in Howard County Maryland.
Cycling Without Age (CWA) is a global initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for seniors by offering them the chance to experience the joy of cycling. The program connects volunteers with elderly individuals, veterans, and residents with limited mobility, enabling them to enjoy bike rides in specially designed trishaws. These electric-assisted bikes are operated by trained volunteers who ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. The primary goal of CWA Howard County is to combat social isolation among older adults and promote well-being and belonging through an intergenerational connection model. By creating a viable social space and encouraging outdoor enjoyment, CWA helps residents reconnect with their communities and nature, fostering a sense of freedom, belonging, and adventure that may have been lost due to mobility challenges. For Howard County residents, the benefits include:
- Physical Health : While participants may not be pedaling themselves, being outdoors and engaging in gentle movement can improve circulation and overall well-being.
- Mental Well-Being : The fresh air, scenic views, and social interaction can significantly boost mood and reduce feelings of loneliness or depression.
- Social Connections : The program encourages relationships between volunteers (often younger community members) and seniors, promoting meaningful conversations and friendships.
- Sense of Purpose : For many seniors, participating in such activities restores a sense of agency and purpose as they engage with their surroundings actively.
- Community Engagement : Cycling Without Age fosters a sense of belonging within the community by bringing together people from different generations around a shared activity. Overall, CWA enriches the lives of our HoCo residents, participants, and volunteers by fostering memorable experiences that promote inclusivity, belonging, health activities, and happiness within communities.
Further information on Cycling Without Age can be found at https://cyclingwithoutage.org/
WHEN DONATING, use the add a note option provided when using the link above to state your donation is for Cycling Without Age or CWA, so we will designate it to that program. If you can’t, or are unsure you posted the note, email AbilityCycling@gmail.com right after you donate so we can direct the funds properly.
The link below has a PowerPoint presentation on our plans.