Cycling Without Age sets up Sault chapter

A new service for seniors with mobility challenges is getting the attention of community organizations in Sault Ste. Marie.

The newly established local chapter of Cycling Without Age hosted a demonstration Tuesday at the Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District – much to the delight to the agency’s clients.

Cycling Without Age uses ‘trishaws’ to transport seniors around the city. Amanda Stortini, vice-chair of the local chapter, said the group is dedicated to ensuring people of all ages and physical abilities can enjoy the simple pleasure of feeling the wind in their hair.

“It’s definitely focusing on that limited mobility portion of it and giving them that opportunity to have that accessibility to a bike again,” Stortini said.

“It’s also focussing on socialization and getting people outside the confines of their home or their care facility and the opportunity to access their community again.”

Stortini said her group is working to form partnerships with agencies that help people with mobility challenges and has reached out to a number of long-term care homes, retirement homes, and programs geared toward seniors.

Terry Caporossi, executive director of the Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District, said the program can be especially beneficial to their clients.

“I think looking back at people who have had cycling in their past, and bringing back some of that joy for cycling,” Caporossi said.

As a non-profit, Cycling Without Age relies on volunteers to pilot the trishaws, and the group has so far managed to train 30 volunteers.

The charity also relies on donations to keep it afloat.