Experience the outdoors a new way

Program is helping get those with limited mobility outside

By Heather Ruenz

Staff Writer

A group of community volunteers in Walworth County is giving seniors the chance to feel the wind in their hair again through a program that’s rolling, literally.

“Individuals with limited mobility do not often have the opportunity to get out and experience the natural beauty of our community,” Eric Russow said.

He and his wife, Bernadette, have led the charge for the Cycling Without Age program as part of the Dementia Friendly Community Initiative, Inc. – Walworth County, which they also lead.

“It’s allowing people to experience the outdoors in a whole new way,” Bernadette said of the new program.

Cycling Without Age was founded in Copenhagen Denmark in 2012 as a way to provide older adults and adults with differing abilities free bicycle rides in a trishaw.  A trishaw is similar to a rickshaw/tricycle hybrid, and is pedaled by a volunteer pilot trained in safety, storytelling and listening. 

The Russows learned about the program in a neighboring county early in 2020, from a pilot and long-time family friend.

They said they knew they needed to bring the program to Walworth County as part of their ongoing efforts through the Dementia Friendly Community Initiative. 

“The idea behind Cycling Without Age is that you’re never too old to make friends, build relationships in your golden years or enjoy safe, yet exciting bike rides in good weather,” Eric said.

Bernadette said the program is said to help improve both mental and physical wellbeing, but it can also curb what many people who have limited mobility face: time alone.

“Susan Parker, a psychiatrist, shares on the Cycling Without Age website that it’s been reported loneliness can have worse effects than smoking or alcoholism,” Bernadette said.

To raise awareness and financial support for the program, the Russows said they knew local partnerships would be critical so they launched a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.  They also secured a partnership with Bader Philanthropies, which provided a trusted source for donor’s gifts that would make a lasting impact. 

“The support and direction we received through the partnership with Bader Philanthropies helped the DFCI–Walworth County purchase the first two bikes,” Eric said, adding that many others have also stepped up. 

With the backing of organizations such as the United Way of Walworth County, Associated Bank, Geneva Crossing Senior Center, Lake Geneva Restaurant Week (sponsor Tito’s), McCullough LTC Prescriptions, Advia Credit Union and the Lake Geneva Lions club, they were able to purchase a trailer for the bikes, along with other needed safety equipment and insurance, he said.

The purpose of the program is to provide opportunities for older adults and those with differing abilities to enhance their quality of life, according to the Russows.

“Cycling Without Age is an asset to our community and an example of what can be accomplished through strategic partnerships with donors, volunteers and service organizations – along with generous community members – to improve the quality of life in Walworth County for all residents,” Bernadette said.

“With continued generous support from many more individuals, businesses and organizations, the goal is to purchase a vehicle to pull the trailer and to continue to grow the program to six bikes,” Eric added.

The need for volunteers is ongoing for the DFCI, including the Cycling Without Age program. There are no long-term commitments and Eric said the ways in which people can help are endless.

Area they’re seeking volunteers include the following: social media design and upkeep (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter); web page design; bookkeeping; creation of posters for programs, events, etc.; program distribution; fundraising event ideas and leaders.

“And any other ideas people have,” Eric said.

Specifically related to the Cycling Without Age program, help is needed in a variety of ways including volunteering to become a “pilot” and operate a trishaw at event. The training, which costs $20 a person, is about three hours and includes practice time riding outdoors.

Additionally – directly related to the DFCI – the Russows are working to organize a train-the-trainer event, which will teach people how to lead a 30-minute session for businesses and organizations seeking to become dementia friendly and earn the Purple Angel recognition.

Currently, more than 5,500 people have gone through dementia friendly training in Walworth County and 70 Purple Angels have been presented.

For more information, contact Eric or Bernadette Russow via email at dfcwalworth@gmail.com, by calling 262-320-7325 or at www.dfcwalworth.org.