Welcome to CWA in McHenry County
What a fantastic 2023 season we had! Our volunteers provided free rides to 416 elders, for a total of 1146 rides. Cycling Without Age is an amazing experience. Nothing beats an elder’s joy, interacting with their pilots and the smiles of passengers returning from their first Trishaw ride with the wind in their hair, rosy cheeks, and ready to share their stories.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS
Vision: Imagine living in one room where no one comes to visit, or being without the physical and/or mental capability to get out for a simple walk to feel the sunshine. Now envision gliding along a path, unencumbered by physical limitations, hearing the birds, feeling the wind in your hair, and sharing your stories. That’s what Cycling Without Age is all about.
Mission: Our mission is to reduce the social isolation and loneliness of older adults in McHenry County. Cycling Without Age McHenry County (CWAMC) provides free recreational rides on three-wheeled cycles called Trishaws, allowing isolated seniors to get outside, share stories and reconnect with their community. Our mission is all about helping older adults reconnect with the wonder of nature and joy of storytelling, and thereby reclaim their potential for growth even with the physical and/or mental challenges of aging.
History and Goals: CWAMC started in early 2019 by representatives of various community groups with a common interest in helping older adults. “First Ride” occurred in August 2020 and the program continues to grow, with the long-term goal of providing a Trishaw ride to every isolated older adult in McHenry County who wants one. In addition to reducing social isolation, the program also helps to build bridges between generations, and encourage age-friendly communities, which all serve to strengthen the “social glue” between McHenry county residents.
Values: CWAMC values the visible and invisible qualities that make people who they are and is committed to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion into all of its policies, practices, and programs.
WHAT WE DO & WHO WE SERVE
A trishaw is a three-wheeled non-motorized vehicle designed to carry one or two passengers in front. It is pedaled like a bicycle by a “pilot” sitting behind and slightly above the passengers. The Trishaw also has a rechargeable battery for additional power when needed.
Trishaw rides are conducted on multi-use trails, side streets, parks, or other safe routes. Rides are intentionally slow and gentle, encouraging easy conservation or just quiet contemplation. An optional volunteer navigator on their own bicycle may also accompany the ride for additional safety, security and shared conversation.
Our community outreach has established regularly scheduled rides at an ever growing number of Senior Living and Residential Care Centers around McHenry County. If you, or your loved one is a resident of one these 2024 locations, please contact their program director to schedule rides.
Bickford Senior Living, Crystal Lake
Clarendale, Algonquin
Three Oaks Assisted Living and Memory Care, Cary
Valley Hi Nursing Home, Woodstock
Do you have a question for Cycling Without Age McHenry County?
Please contact us: mchenrycounty@cyclingwithoutage.com
PUBLIC RIDES
Feel the wind in your hair! Bring an elder out for a pleasant ride at select locations around McHenry County. Rides are generally held on Saturday mornings from May through October . These 45-minute rides are conducted trained CWAMC volunteers. All rides are free of charge but pre-registration on our partner websites is required – just search for Cycling Without Age (you will be asked to create a log in to register on our partner websites). Each ride can accommodate one or two people, (one passenger must be 55+). Friends and family are encouraged to ride along on their own bicycles! Please register at least 3 days in advance of the ride.
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
We could use your help in management, fundraising, scheduling, piloting, navigating, and transporting equipment to dozens of locations throughout McHenry County.
Please complete our Volunteer Application to see how your talents can be used to support our mission: CWA MC Volunteer Application
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Cycling Without Age McHenry County is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
CWAMC is able to provide rides at no charge because of the generosity of individuals, foundations, and businesses.
Donations can be made via PayPal or by check.
Checks should be made out to:
Cycling Without Age McHenry County
166 W. Crystal Lake Ave
Crystal Lake, IL 60014