Mystic Area

About The Mystic Area Chapter

Bike Stonington has launched an initiative to bring a Cycling Without Age chapter to the Southeast Connecticut shoreline communities of Stonington, Mystic, Groton and Pawcatuck. This is a program that is part of a global movement striving to improve mental health and change the system of social isolation and loneliness so prevalent in our older and less mobile population. The goals include creating social interaction and intergenerational connections by providing active outdoor experiences for people of all ages and abilities on bikes.

Jennifer Lacker and Alison Zack Darrell launched the initiative in the summer of 2021, with Kevin Burke serving as head pilot. After several successful demonstrations with our residents, we have purchased a Van Raam Chat Trishaw from BikeOn. We continue to raise funds to put the program in place through Patronicity with a full matching grant from Sustainable CT.

Operated entirely with volunteers, the program will offer bike riding outings to the elderly and those challenged with disabilities in specialized tricycles with electric assist and a relaxing, comfortable front seat. Local volunteers called “pilots” or drivers, will be trained and organized to ride up to two passengers per scheduled outing. MACWA will visit care homes and senior centers around the Mystic area community and offer residents an opportunity to be a passenger on the trishaw – to experience freedom and independence and create memories. Contact Jennifer Lacker or visit our fundraising page for more information.