Age-friendly

Outdoor Spaces and Buildings

Jake, a 16-year-old high school student, never imagined that volunteering with Cycling Without Age would lead to such deep conversations. His passenger, Kay, always had a sparkle in her eyes when they started their rides. Kay, proud of her Native heritage, would often reminisce about her childhood as they glided through the parks and along the river paths. 

“When we went on our rides,” Jake recalls, “Kay told me stories about her father, who carved canoes by hand and took her deep into the bush. She talked about how the smell of the earth and the sound of the wind through the trees reminded her of those trips, of sitting at the front of the canoe, watching her father guide them through the water.”

For Kay, these rides were more than just an escape—they were a way to reconnect with a part of herself she felt was slipping away. She had been struggling to stay connected to her culture, feeling distant from the land and the traditions she grew up with but the trishaw rides helped her rediscover that bond with nature. 

“It’s not just about getting outside,” she told Jake one day. “It’s about feeling the sun on my face, smelling the trees, and remembering who I am. Out here, I feel close to my father again.”

The open spaces of their community became a lifeline for Kay, offering not just fresh air, but a reconnection to her heritage. Jake realized that for her, these rides were more than an afternoon outing—they were a return to the land, a rediscovery of the stories she’d carried her whole life. And for Jake, being part of that journey gave him a new appreciation for the power of simply being outside.

Civic Participation and Employment

David never expected that retirement would open the door to a whole new sense of purpose. After a 35-year career, he felt a little lost, unsure how to stay active and involved in his community. That’s when he found Cycling Without Age. “I wasn’t ready to just sit around,” David says with a laugh. “I wanted to contribute to something meaningful, and this program gave me that opportunity.”

As a trishaw pilot, David not only gets to enjoy time outdoors, but he’s also part of a growing movement that brings seniors and volunteers together. “I’m doing more than giving rides,” he explains. “I’m part of the community again, meeting new people, and making a real difference in people’s lives.” For David, volunteering with Cycling Without Age feels like a way to stay engaged in civic life, providing him with a new avenue for participation.

Beyond retirees like David, the program also offers a chance for younger people, especially students, to get involved. “We have high schoolers volunteering for their community service hours,” David says. “It’s amazing to see generations working together. It gives everyone young and old an opportunity to contribute.”

For many seniors, Cycling Without Age has even led to part-time employment opportunities within local chapters. “We’ve had seniors join our chapter as volunteers, but they end up taking on roles in organizing rides or managing logistics,” David notes. “It’s a way for them to stay involved and even earn a little income.”

In Cycling Without Age, civic participation and employment take many forms, offering meaningful ways for people of all ages to contribute. “For me, it’s more than volunteering,” David says. “It’s about being part of something bigger than myself, and that feels good.”

Housing

When Mary moved into her senior housing complex, she feared that life would become confined to the walls of her small apartment. “I used to live in a house with a big garden,” she says. “But now, it’s just me and a little balcony. I never thought I’d feel connected to the world outside again.” That’s where Cycling Without Age changed everything.

“The trishaw picks me up right from my building,” Mary explains. “I don’t even have to leave the front door—before I know it, I’m riding through the park, waving to people, and feeling like I’m part of the community again.” For seniors living in housing that doesn’t always offer easy access to outdoor spaces, the program creates new opportunities for connection.

“It’s easy to feel stuck in senior housing,” Mary admits. “But these rides help us break out of that feeling. I get to see the places I used to visit, and the trees I once walked by. It’s like getting a little piece of my old life back.”

Cycling Without Age helps bridge the gap for seniors living in housing that can feel isolating, offering a way to stay engaged with the broader community. “It makes you feel like you’re still part of the world outside,” Mary smiles. “And when I come back, I feel refreshed—like I’ve been somewhere special.”

For residents like Mary, it’s more than just a ride—it’s a lifeline that connects their housing community to the world beyond, helping them feel included and independent, no matter where they live.

Communication and Information                                                                                                        

For Ruth, a longtime participant in Cycling Without Age, the trishaw rides are more than just a way to get out and enjoy the day—they’re an opportunity to share her life with others. “Every time I ride, I end up telling a new story,” Ruth says with a grin. “Sometimes it’s about growing up on the farm, other times it’s about my time as a nurse.”

As the trishaw glides through the neighbourhood, Ruth finds herself opening up to her pilot, often sharing memories that spark deeper conversations. “It’s funny how just being out here brings the stories out of you,” she reflects. “And the best part is, people actually listen. I feel like I’m keeping my history alive, one ride at a time.”

For seniors like Ruth, Cycling Without Age offers more than transportation—it’s a platform for them to communicate their rich personal histories, strengthening their connections to both their community and the volunteers who accompany them. “We talk, we laugh, and by the end of the ride, it feels like I’ve passed a little piece of my life on.”

When it comes to technology, there’s no shortage of surprises. “You wouldn’t believe how many times I’ve seen my riding partner whip out their iPads,” Ruth chuckles. “I used to think they were only for young people, but now we’re all taking photos like pros. My grandkids can’t believe it!”

Cycling Without Age bridges generations not only through stories but through technology, showing that seniors are far from being left behind. Whether it’s sharing a memory or snapping a photo, the program keeps them connected to the world around them.

Respect and Social Inclusion

“I’ve never felt so seen,” Evelyn says, her face lighting up as the trishaw glides down the street. For many seniors like her, the world can sometimes feel like it’s moving too fast, leaving them behind. When she’s out riding in the trishaw, something remarkable happens. People stop. “They smile, wave, and even come over to chat. It’s not just a ride, it’s like being part of the heartbeat of the neighbourhood again,” she explains. “When someone takes a moment to ask how I’m enjoying the ride, or comments on the beautiful day, it makes me feel like I still matter.”

Cycling Without Age creates moments of respect, where seniors like Evelyn are celebrated by the people around them. The trishaw isn’t just a way to get around—it’s a vehicle for connection. “Once, a young family stopped us and their kids asked me about what it was like growing up. It’s these little moments that remind me I have stories worth sharing, and that people want to hear them.”

The program serves a range of vulnerable groups, encompassing residents of care facilities and seniors who live alone or are socially isolated. “I’ve ridden with people from all walks of life,” Evelyn shares. “One time, I rode with a young man who had just moved to Canada, and another time with someone from the gay community. We talked about their journeys and challenges, and I felt like I was learning just as much as they were.”

For Evelyn, every ride is a chance to be respected and included, to connect with her community and to bridge generational and cultural divides. “I’m not just sitting on the sidelines. I’m part of something bigger,” she says, as the trishaw gently rolls to a stop, where another conversation and another smile are waiting.

Social Participation

“I never thought I’d be cycling again at my age,” Margaret smiles as she’s helped into the trishaw. For her, and many like her, Cycling Without Age has opened a new world of participation and connection. “It’s not just the fresh air or the thrill of being in the community  again; it’s the people.” The program is free, meaning Margaret can enjoy these rides regularly, without worrying about cost. It’s not just about the ride—it’s about who she shares it with and who she meets along the way.

The volunteers, often in their 50s and 60s themselves, are much more than just pilots. “Paul, my pilot, is 63,” Margaret shares, “and we talk about everything—his grandkids, my memories, our shared love of gardening. It’s like finding a new friend, and he says the same thing.” This simple trishaw ride, which brings together people of similar ages and experiences, creates a bond that reaches beyond the ride itself. “It feels like we’re both gaining something, not just me as the passenger,” Margaret says with a laugh. “We lift each other’s spirits.”

For Margaret, Cycling Without Age isn’t just an activity—it’s a reminder that no matter your age, there’s always room for new connections, laughter, and the joy of shared experiences.

Community and Health Care
As the local chapter leader of Cycling Without Age, Jackie has seen firsthand how much of a difference the program makes for seniors in her community. “It’s not just about giving them a chance to ride again,” she often says. “It’s about giving them access to something they might not otherwise have—an opportunity to feel alive, connected, and cared for.”
For Jackie, ensuring that the program is both accessible and affordable has always been a top priority. “We don’t charge for the rides,” she explains. “We rely on donations and volunteers, which means that no one is ever turned away because they can’t afford it. Health and happiness shouldn’t come with a price tag.”

Many seniors in the community are on fixed incomes, and getting out to enjoy activities that support their mental and physical health can feel out of reach. That’s where Cycling Without Age steps in. “We’re not a fancy healthcare service,” Jackie smiles, “but the impact we have is very real. Our trishaw rides provide a simple but powerful way for people to stay active and engaged without worrying about the cost.”
The program also offers flexibility. “We schedule rides when it works best for the seniors,” Jackie says, “whether it’s a morning ride to enjoy the sunrise or an afternoon glide through the park. We want them to feel cared for on their own terms.”

In partnering with local health services, the chapter has become a part of the broader community care network. “We’ve had seniors who struggle with mobility, who otherwise wouldn’t get much time outside, find a new sense of freedom in these rides. It’s more than physical—it’s emotional health, too. And it’s all right here in their own community.”

Jackie’s passion for making the program accessible to all is what drives her. “Cycling Without Age fills a gap, making health and happiness accessible in ways that traditional care sometimes can’t,” she says with pride.

Transportation

For Jim, getting around had become increasingly difficult over the years. “It’s not like it used to be,” he admits. “The buses are crowded, and it’s hard to rely on others to drive me where I need to go.” That’s when he discovered Cycling Without Age, a program that offered him a whole new way to experience transportation.

“The first time I got on the trishaw, I thought, ‘Well, this is different!’” Jim laughs. “But it wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It was about the journey.” With the wind in his hair and the city rolling by, Jim felt a freedom he hadn’t experienced in years.

Cycling Without Age gives seniors like Jim access to reliable, comfortable transportation in a way that’s not only practical but also enjoyable. “I don’t have to worry about waiting for a bus or asking for a ride,” he says. “The volunteers come to me, and suddenly the whole city opens up again.”

For Jim and many others, the trishaw isn’t just about solving transportation challenges—it’s about restoring independence. “I can go places I never thought I’d see again,” he explains. “Whether it’s a ride along the river or a quick trip to the park, I’m moving again.”

The program also offers an eco-friendly solution that benefits the entire community. “We’re not clogging up the roads with cars, and we’re doing something good for the environment,” Jim says proudly. Cycling Without Age gives seniors a sustainable and dignified way to travel, turning what used to be a struggle into a joyful experience.