A pilot project that began in Collingwood is gaining momentum as another three-wheeled bicycle is added to the fleet for the Simcoe Cycle Without Age initiative.
In July, Simcoe County unveiled two electric-assist tri-bikes with three wheels, and a two-person bench mounted to the front. One of the bikes was for Sunset Manor in Collingwood.
The bike has since been used to take residents of Sunset Manor for scenic rides along Collingwood’s trails. The bike is pedalled by volunteers, and according to Jenn Baulke, the program and support services supervisor for Sunset Manor, there were 28 residents participating in 50 rides on the trike between mid-August and October 2019.
“The trio bike has been a wonderful addition to Sunset Manor’s list of programs for both the residents it serves as well as the volunteers,” said Baulke in an email to CollingwoodToday. “At this stage in their life many of our residents no longer have the ability to ride a bicycle. The trio bike has allowed these residents to re-connect with their youth and bring back memories from their past by riding around Collingwood and getting to see sites that they may not often experience, such as the waterfront and park at Sunset Point.”
On occasion, Baulke said a family member will join the residents as they enjoy a bike ride.
A second bike was purchased for Georgian Manor in Penetanguishene at the same time as the one for Sunset Manor.
The County of Simcoe announced last week there will be a third bike added to the fleet, thanks to a $5,000 donation by the Cowan Home Town Program grant. This bike will be for residents of Simcoe Manor Long Term Care Home and Supportive Housing Complex in Beeton.
The Collingwood and Penetanguishene bikes were purchased with funds provided by the Government of Canada’s New Horizons for Senior’s program.
The Simcoe Cycle Without Age program relies on volunteers, and according to Baulke, it’s rewarding volunteer work. In Collingwood, seven volunteers helped with the program at Sunset Manor in 2019.
“Not only do they reap the physical benefits of manipulating the bike, they get to share their joy of the outdoors with the residents, bringing them immense happiness as well,” said Baulke. “We even have volunteers who sit with the resident in the bucket seat as a companion passenger, just to share the moment and provide support to the resident if needed.”
Volunteers can register to take part in this program at simcoe.ca/dpt/ltc/volunteer, or by calling 1-800-263-3199 to be connected to the Program and Support Services Supervisor or Community Programs Supervisor at a local County owned and operated long-term care facility.
