Grants Available to Launch Cycling Without Age in Care Centers

Posted on June 18, 2019 by Jodi Boyne

Perhaps you heard about the success Bethesda in Willmar had with its Cycling Without Age program, which was recognized by LeadingAge Minnesota with a Stars Among Us award at this year’s Institute. Or maybe you have been following PioneerCare in Fergus Falls as they launch a similar program. Now, thanks to grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), up to 30 care centers will have the opportunity to start their own program and bring joy to residents, inspire relationships and create community connections.  

What is Cycling Without Age

Cycling Without Age is all about helping older people participate, meet people and remain an active part of the local community. The program uses a trishaw, a special bike that allows a volunteer peddler to bring one to two other people for a ride in the front seat of the bike. Volunteers sign up for bike rides with the elderly and are guided to incorporate the program’s principles: generosity, storytelling, without age, slowness, relationships. At present more than 450 chapters around the world offer Cycling Without Age. There are already five chapters getting up and running in Minnesota. 

Application Deadline – July 1

MDH recently issued a grant to Cycling Without Age to subsidize about half the cost of purchasing the trishaws. The grant funds will support programs in as many as 30 care centers. Application deadline is July 1. Click here to apply. 

Cycling Without Age: Builds Bridges, Creates Connection and Joy

Bethesda in Willmar launched its Cycling Without Age program in cooperation with the City of Willmar. The innovative program has had tremendous success in bringing joy to residents and creating a strong community connection. To read more, see Cycling Without Age Willmar Receives Community Collaboration Award.