Some of you remember a post I wrote a few weeks back about how we can best help older cyclists bike more.
After I wrote that, I got a call from the Community and School Traffic Safety office at the City of Portland. They told me more about their new Safe Routes to Senior Centers program, and invited BTA to be a partner.
Sharon White, who is working on the program, told me that the overall goals for this innovative pilot project are to:
- Introduce (or reintroduce) bicycling to older adults as a mode of transportation for pleasure and utilitarian purposes
- Encourage older adults to be more physically active by engaging in active lifestyle choices like bicycling, and
- Develop a system to measure the effectiveness of the pilot project and biking preferences for older adults.
To that end, they have purchased 7 recumbent three-wheel cycles using Federal Safe Communities Grant funds. “The bicycles, equipped with a rear basket, are lower to the ground, offer more stability than conventional two wheel bicycles, and provide safety, comfort, and convenience for recreation and practical purposes,” Sharon told me.
They are also partnering with an OHSU professor to evaluate the program and identify which types of bicycles and bicycling facilities are most comfortable and attractive for older adults.
I was excited to hear about this great project, and we are glad to join Elders in Action and the Community and School Traffic Safety Partnership in helping more people ride bikes more of the time.
For more information about this program, Sharon White, Office of Transportation, (503) 823-7100, or sharon.white@pdxtrans.org.
I desperately need to know where and what brand of adult trike to purchase.I live in Tillamook and intend to use that as my means of transport. I am an active 77 yr. old women.
please inform me as soon as posssible. I hav eno one to assist me in this purchase.
Have you heard of Rogers cycles in Woodburn? I saw a web site that mentioned they had several threee-wheelers in the store, and even custom built one for a large rider. I’m looking for the same type of thing for my mother in Portland . . .not as young as you!
http://rogerslowriderbicycles.com/door/
Coventry Cycle Works specializes in bikes like recumbents and could consult on the appropriate bike. SE 21st and Hawthorne.
Hello,
we rely on your opinion on electric assitance when cycling. Please visit http://www.hyperbike.cc/Vorlage.phtml?id=716&sprache=en and get some tips when answering.
many thanks
why dont bikes have electric assist that gets charged as you brake? you are going too fast down hill. instead of wearing out your brake pads, charge up an electric assist to propel you uphills.
I have two bikes in Sonoma, Ca., but my balance is terrible so they don’t get ridden. An adult trike would get me out and moving again. I would appreciate any information you could
send. Thanks, Don
I used to ride a bike in the 50′s and 60′s with a wider firmer tire and not a tenspeed. What is a similar bike today which I could us today?