By Reese Albany | Guest Contributor
Cycling Without Age is a nonprofit that gives people access to ride regardless of age or disability. The nonprofit offers trishaw rides, three-wheeled, volunteer-pedaled bikes with a front passenger seat for anyone of any age or disability.
The nonprofit’s goal is to allow older adults and people with disabilities to remain active in the community and meet new people.
The Lynchburg chapter of the nonprofit group was founded by Jimmy Roux, who saw a TED Talk about Cycling Without Age and was inspired to start the group in the Hill City.
“Old folks in this country are not as valued as they are in other places, and we put them away and they don’t get out much and when they go out for rides and put the wind in their hair, they say, they come alive, they get rejuvenated, and they feel better, and we’re making them part of the community or assisting them and being more of a part of the community,” said Roux.
Cycling Without Age Lynchburg officially launched in 2021 and has been beneficial for both volunteers and passengers, such as Mark Smith, one of the top “pilots” in Lynchburg.
“[The group has given me the] chance to meet many people from all over and different ages. I enjoy seeing their enjoyment. Especially when two people ride together and can talk and laugh together as we ride along,” said Smith.
From bringing people together to giving individuals their freedom again, it truly is an organization for everyone.
For more information, visit https://sharegreaterlynchburg.org/nonprofit/cycling-without-age-lynchburg
When i came here to lynchburg, locals told me to ride a bicycle, wear shorts and tshirt, as a form of therapy and a way of getting fresh air. my parents didn’t use airconditioning system too much even though they had an ac/heating system. I used indoor fan as a student, as a natural air. Walked to classes, drove myself to school, as a international foreign student.
Most of students didn’t talk to me, scared of me only few students who knew me communicated with me. Indian male student and a few American students. I was selected as the Student Ambassador of my school, school nominated me.