Cycling Without Age (CWA) is a global movement that started in Denmark in 2012 with the aim of providing elderly people and those with mobility issues the opportunity to remain active and socially connected through cycling. Cycling Without Age Canada, started in 2019, has been operating to further establish these goals within Canada.
Passengers ride on a bench seat in the front of the trishaw, allowing passengers to take in their surroundings unobstructed. We find that this leads to passengers often reaching out to feel the flowers or waving to others on the sidewalk, encouraging more interaction between them and their community.
Each local CWA chapter operates independently but follows the core principles of the movement. The program currently runs in over 150 communities across Canada from coast to coast. Where 50% of our programs are run by care homes, where family members, volunteers, and recreational therapists take residents out for rides. 38% are run by caring individuals who bring together people in the community who want to connect and make aging in Canada better. 12% are led by First Nations and municipalities, who value the multigenerational relationships a community brings.
This August, Covenant Care rolled out the Cycling Without Age program across all its Alberta care homes, adding eight new communities to the initiative. With more than 300 potential riders per care home, seniors now have the chance not only to enjoy the simple joy of a bike ride, but also to reconnect with the wider community around them. As one resident reflected after a laugh-filled outing, “Giving someone the freedom of riding a bike is like a spiritual lift for the passenger and the pilot.”
It has been found that consistent rides on the trishaw can bring with it a variety of social and physical benefits. Being able to see and interact with new people more often or even people that they may have never otherwise talked to within the care home allows them to stretch their social muscles more frequently, allowing passengers increased opportunities to create connections with those around them.
The gentle motion of the ride also provides physical stimulus for passengers, improving their overall health as it encourages passengers to get outside. We oftentimes find that this also leads to increased sleep quality and a more stable mood.
Most importantly, the program fosters stronger community ties as people come together to support the elderly and mobility-impaired members of their community.
Cycling Without Age leads positive social change in partnership with local chapters to enhance the quality of life for all Canadians, one bicycle ride at a time, and we are happy that Covenant Care is also aligned with our vision for Canadians. Ensuring that all Canadians, regardless of age or ability, are able to connect with their community will always be our priority. If you share this vision and would like to help bring more moments of joy, connection, and freedom to seniors and those with mobility challenges, there are many ways to get involved. Whether through volunteering your time, supporting a local chapter, or contributing financially, your involvement helps us keep this movement rolling forward.
If you would like to contribute through volunteering, you can find a chapter near you here.
If you would like to donate to our program, you can do so here.