Cycling Without Age [All Ages & Abilities]

Mystic Area Cycling Without Age (CWA Mystic) is a newly formed chapter and part of the 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. Operated entirely with volunteers, the program offers 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, are trained and organized to ride up to two passengers per scheduled outing. They schedule rides with care homes and senior centers around the community and offer residents an opportunity to be “riding partners” on the trishaw – the opportunity to get out on their own and experience freedom and independence they ordinarily would not be able to have.

CWA Mystic was founded in 2020 under Bike Stonington’s umbrella as a nonprofit organization fully operated by volunteers – there is no fee for service required. They currently own one trishaw, the Chat, that is human powered with pedal assist. They currently have 11 volunteers who are trained as pilots. For questions about the program, rides, or becoming a volunteer pilot, please contact Alison Zack Darrell at azdarrell580@gmail.com or 860-460-8901.