A funding infusion from the federal government will see a popular County of Simcoe program expanded to Orillia and Beeton.
The Simcoe Cycling Without Age program, which saw trio bikes purchased for seniors at county-run long-term care homes, will be expanding to Trillium Manor and Simcoe Village due to a one-time $25,000 grant from the federal government, county councillors heard this week during their meeting.
In 2019, the County of Simcoe received notification approving one-time funding for the purchase of two trio bikes to start up a new Simcoe Cycling Without Age (SCWA) program. The program was started at Sunset Village in Collingwood and Georgian Village in Penetanguishene.
In February, the county received notification that the federal government would be sending $25,000 to expand the program to its two remaining long-term care homes due to the program’s success.
“It is an innovative program designed to enhance the lives of frail, vulnerable seniors by providing them with a great opportunity to remain connected to society and actively participate in their community through cycling,” wrote Christy Tosh, project co-ordinator with the county in her staff report. “The main objective is to reintroduce those who have lost aspects of their strength and mobility to an active and inclusive lifestyle program in their community.”
The program will include one specialized trio bike per site which will be used to take residents for rides. An additional bike was purchased for Simcoe Village through a donation from Frank Cowan Company Home Town Program.
Each bike carries two passengers with one volunteer pilot. The county has partnered with a Cycle Simcoe professional cyclist who will help with bicycle upkeep, route development, and opportunities for an enhanced volunteer base.
The Cycling Without Age program originated in Copenhagen and has since been implemented in Ontario, New Brunswick, Quebec, British Columbia and the U.S. The Bruyere Continuing Care in Ottawa is one of the first healthcare organizations to launch Cycling Without Age.
Public information sessions will be scheduled as soon as the trio bikes are received.
For more information on the program, click here.
