Our Mission

Meet the Committee

Nancy Klepetka

Alice Schmitz

Craig Andrews

​

With a passion for cycling, healthy lifestyles, involvement with youth, seniors and those with disabilities, we have been meeting for over a year to get our own chapter of Cycling Without Age started in our community of Alexandria.

We are now at a point to share the great news and seek support for this amazing project!

CWA Story

Watch - Amazing Humans

​

About Cycling Without Age Globally

• A non-profit international volunteer organization that takes elderly & less abled citizens out for free bike rides in specialized bikes called trishaws.

• Established in 2012 in Copenhagen Denmark and now represented worldwide.

• Provides an opportunity to experience life beyond the confines of a home, residence or facility.

• Bringing everyone, across ages and abilities, together – connecting with nature and with the opportunity to share their stories.

• Now spanning 39 countries world wide, 3,050+ chapters, 4,900+ trishaws, 39,000+ trained volunteer cycle ‘pilots’ (Oldest pilot 90).

• Over 650,000  people have been on 3 million rides -  breaking free of social isolation and  loneliness – depression (Oldest rider 110).

• Gives everyone the ‘right to wind in their hair’!

Our Journey

• 100% Volunteer run

• Cycling Without Age Alexandria reaches official Affiliate status, November 2022

• Big Ole Bike Club generously supports CWAA and becomes non-profit fiscal agent, November 2022.

• Ongoing relationship building with Grand Arbor, Alexandria YMCA, Alexandria Senior Center, Jakes Bikes, Alex Bike Shop and actively engaging additional community organizations and individuals

• Invited onto the International CWA IT Strategy Team to enhance the future technology platform for all Cycling Without Age Affiliates worldwide

• Secured grant-writing support from Age-Friendly Minnesota and Dancing Sky Area Agency on Aging, January 2023

• Pursuing funding through National and Community organizations to purchase initial 2 trishaw bicycles and provide free rides to seniors and those challenged with disabilities. 

Trishaws

• The trishaws are customized bikes with specific safety features built  in Copenhagen by TrioBike.  There are no such bikes in North America.

• They are electric assist and hold two passengers + pilot.

• Options include seat belts, fold up rain hood, additional batteries and fitted insulated blankets.

• The cost per bike with delivery and accessories is estimated at $14,000 and are purchased through Cycling Without Age.

• Our immediate 2023 goal is to raise enough to purchase at least three bikes with plans to add more trishaws to the fleet.

Benefits

Passengers - 

• A new sense of purpose and freedom.

• Opportunities otherwise not available.

• Positive physical, psychological, social impact.

• New stories, friendships, hope…

• Feeling valued, part of society with less social isolation = social change!

Pilots - 

• Pilot volunteers from all walks of life bringing their own experiences and stories.

• Fulfillment and satisfaction giving back to their community and in serving the senior & disabled population.

• Relationship building - strengthening community bonds, happiness and improving quality of life!​

The Community -

• Enriches the community as a whole.

• Promotes volunteerism, healthy opportunities and intergenerational relationships.

• Encourages a ‘bike friendly’ environment.