Cycling Without Age celebrates over 100 rides this year

Cycling Without Age (CWA) is an organisation that aims to reduce social isolation and increase both mental and physical health for participants.

Using specialized electric pedal-assisted trishaws to carry up to two passengers, local volunteers, known as pilots, visit care homes, senior centres and community groups to offer rides.

According to CWA Canada, the program nurtures emotional well-being by allowing passengers to reconnect with nature, their community, and the world around them.

CWA Goderich celebrates another successful riding season with over 100 rides, with majority of the rides out of Southbridge, Harbour Hill or Goderich Place.

According to Gerry O’Brien who runs CWA Goderich, private rides are still promoted, where individuals are picked up from their homes, but the uptake has been limited.

Approaching its fifth season, CWA Goderich must start planning for the inevitability of the bike eventually needing serious maintenance.

O’Brien explained in a letter to Town Council that CWA Goderich has been approached by charitable organisation 100 People Who Care. CWA has been asked to do a presentation, which could result in a significant donation from 100 People Who Care.

“However, the organisation requires charitable receipts for its members, and we are not able to provide that,” said O’Brien.

“It is my understanding that the Town has non-profit organisations under its umbrella that could fill this role.”

O’Brien attended the November 10 Town Council meeting to request a possible solution that would establish a reserve fund and a vehicle for issuing charitable receipts to donors.

“I get so much joy from seeing that bike around town and the smiles on the faces in the carriage on the front. It’s an amazing initiative that you have going on here,” said Deputy Mayor Leah Noel following O'Brien’s presentation at council.

“I’d like to pursue it if we can.”

Council questioned to Town Staff on how to make this happen for Cycling Without Age, including the logistics on how to set up a reserve fund to issue charitable receipts.

A staff report will update Town Council on the arrangement to date, while identifying what needs to happen to initiate a reserve fund. The report will be presented to Council at a future meeting before a final decision is made.

For information on Cycling Without Age visit https://cyclingwithoutage.ca/goderich/