We have all experienced the joy of a good ride, the camaraderie of the group and the exertion of the ride. Whether it is riding county roads or gravel trails we enjoy seeing the sights as well as smelling the flowers and the trees. At Bluewater Cycling Organization, we are committed to creating an Active, Healthy and Connected Community which includes increasing the range of our offerings to include initiatives for ALL of our community members. Vulnerable populations are an important part of our community but they face many challenges in staying active and connected. To help address this Bluewater Cycling is launching a Cycling Without Age (CWA) program. The CWA program enables seniors and differently abled individuals to:
We do this by providing “bicycle rides” to seniors and differently abled individuals in our community. This creates the platform for storytelling, social connections and social stimulation. It has been demonstrated that participants in CWA programs have experienced significantly increased levels of happiness and improved quality of life. While you may initially think this applies to the riders (and it does) it is equally applicable to the volunteer pilots!
The plan is to deliver rides five days per week beginning during the period between Victoria Day and Thanksgiving. We will be partnering with the Strangway Centre, various Steeves & Rozema residences (Landmark Village, Rosewood Village, Village on the St. Clair. Afton Park Place, Twin Lakes Terrace and Village, Trillium Villa), Fairwinds Lodge (assuming rebuild after their fire) and potentially Marshall Gowland Manor, Pineview Apartments and Community Living. As new pick-up locations become available they will be added below. We are looking to develop a roster of 50 to 60 pilots to deliver rides to seniors by peddling an (electrically assisted) tri-shaw for a couple of hours a couple of times a month. We will provide training, insurance, a cool jersey as well as heaps of karmic joy!
The Steeves & Rozema Group create communities that are good for life. Developing, owning and managing retirement communities, long term care homes, and commercial and multi-residential properties – their success is based on the creation of communities where residents, tenants and employees flourish. Please connect with the appropriate Life Enrichment or FUN Coordinator for the home that applies to you or your loved one to schedule a ride:
Vision 74′ is a Christian, charitable, non-profit organization providing a diverse range of residential and health care services in a compassionate manner to benefit the greater community. As a forward-thinking organization; they believe in treating people with integrity, dignity and respect. They are a good fit for our program because they believe good leaders encourage innovation and life-long learning. To schedule a ride for you or a loved one, a physical sign-up sheet will be provided on location. Contact coming soon.
An age-friendly community supports healthy active living for people through all stages of life and abilities. It is a community that fosters civic, economic, and social participation throughout the life course and makes it easy for older people to stay connected to people who are important to them. It is a place where people can stay healthy and active even at the oldest ages and where appropriate supports are available for those who can no longer look after themselves. Age-Friendly Sarnia-Lambton launched in 2015 with the Age-Friendly Action Plan through a grant opportunity offered by the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility, and has developed and evolved over several more grant opportunities. On their website you will find information and services to help you:
Please watch for our Cycling Without Age logo on their events board.
The Strangway Centre is a recreation centre for adults aged 20 and older operated by the City of Sarnia. They are located at 260 East St N near beautiful Germain Park. They offer a variety of programs including exercise classes; art; music and language courses; how to classes; recreational sports; and daily activities such as cards, carpet bowling and shuffleboard. They also operate a woodworking shop and now they will also be a Cycling Without Age pick-up point! Programming is available for members and non-members of the Centre
Please refer to their Recreation Programming page for more information on when our scheduled pick-ups will be.
Community Living Sarnia-Lambton has grown to support more than 400 children and adults with developmental and intellectual challenges. Their vision is to create a community where everyone is valued and can participate. This was such a wonderful fit for our Cycling Without Age Program. Please check their events calendar for regular pick-up times and locations.
CWA leads positive social change in partnership with local chapters to enhance the quality of life for all Canadians one bicycle ride at a time. Through active citizenship, they increase awareness, advance philanthropy, and align key partnerships. Their vision is for every Canadian to have the opportunity to feel the wind in their hair. Please check out their website to learn more.