Cycling group takes seniors on scenic rides
ZIONSVILLE, Ind. (WISH) — Seniors in central Indiana are getting some of the best views of the state’s fall colors from the seat of a bicycle– but they’re not the ones pedaling.
Cycling Without Age is an international effort to get senior citizens outside and on a bicycle again. It began in Denmark in 2012 and made it to central Indiana in the last few months. A group in Zionsville and greater Indianapolis already have one of the group’s licensed trishaws and are giving rides this year.
“Once you hit maybe 75 or so, your vision starts to go. You’re not as coordinated, and just can’t go and do this on your own,” said Terri Bertrang, a volunteer with the Zionsville-based group, “and for someone to give you a little bit of help, I think they appreciate it.”
The process is simple enough. With a little help, seniors sit down on a forward-facing bench with wheels. They’re given a helmet, buckled in and this time of year, provided a blanket. The volunteer driver sits behind the bench on the bicycle and starts pedaling, giving the senior a front-row, unobstructed view of the trail they follow.
Rides typically last 30 minutes and follow neighborhood streets, hike and bike trails, or community parks. Bertrang says since the cyclist is so close to the rider, the two often get a chance to talk and share stories during the ride. She says she’s heard firsthand how much of a delight the ride is for some of the state’s oldest residents.
“‘Oh this is so much better than watching TV’ or “I haven’t been outside, haven’t seen anything outside these walls for a while,’” Bertrang quoted. “I think it makes them feel like a kid again to get the wind in their hair and just something they just all seem to enjoy.”
Tuesday, Bertrang gave rides to Betty Mikels, 93, who says she rode her bike often when she was younger. Now that she lives in the Zionsville Meadows Community, she’s happy to get back three wheels.
“It was nice. I enjoyed it,” smiles Mikels, looking at Bertrang. “And she’s a good driver. That’s what’s important.”
Bertrang also pedaled Marilyn Ratcliff around downtown Zionsville.
“Well I always look forward to it. It’s a chance to get out in the air and the sunshine and everything. Just wonderful,” said Ratcliff. “I’ll go anytime they take me.”
Brad Bolling, organizer of the Greater Indianapolis branch of Cycling Without Age, says he has purchased his own trishaw from the organization in July and can now travel to different senior living facilities in the area. He said he’s had riders as old as 101 years old.
“You think it’s a great idea, but once you start doing it, it’s amazing,” said Bolling. “And our volunteers get that same feeling.”
Bolling hosts Open Ride Days where any senior can sign up for a trip around a local park. His next event is Sunday, Nov. 4 and he says all spots are already filled. He says a second trishaw is already on order.
Learn more about the Cycling Without Age program here, as well as the Zionsville group and Greater Indianapolis Group.
Bolling and Bertrang says if you’re interested in volunteering, they’d love to have extra helpers and drivers. The trishaws have an electric boost to help the driver pedal and move smoothly.