The Seacoast Wheelers are dedicated bicyclists who are commited to providing that experience to those who otherwise be unable to enjoy the pleasure of a beautiful ride around their community. In their own words ''...mobility should never be a barrier to enjoying the beauty of the world around us". On Tuesday ,August 13th, they brought one of their new specially adapted bikes to the Kittery Rotary Meeting at the Kittery Community Center to demonstrate .
Jim White, among many other capabilities is a dedicated cyclist. He noted in a magazine article the development in the Netherlands of specially built trikes which enable cyclists to safely take others with mobility issues out on biking excursions. Gathering a group of other local seacoast bike riders and following the experience and lead of a Portland group, they formed the nonprofit charity Seacoast Wheelers as a registered 501 (c)(3) and set out to raise the funds to purchase bikes and develop a cadre of trained volunteers to offer free ride experiences.
Rick Leonard and Pam Rick briefed us as the rest of the Wheelers arrived
Three new bikes were acquired, the Wheelers have had a chance to train on them and develop their ride protocols for safety, and are now in a phase of acquainting facilities and organizations who may work with individuals who would benefit and enjoy a biking experience , what they can provide , the experience, and the safety protocols in place. The goal is to start doing rides regularly next spring.
Jim White riding in One of the three new "trikes"
On Tuesday August 13th Jim White, Rick Leonard, and fellow Wheelers brought a bike to the Rotary Club of Kittery meeting at the Kittery Community Center. During the course of the morning four of our Rotarians took a ride, including co-Presidents Pauli Rines and Brad Hirst. The rides around the Community center were conducted with fore and aft safety riders in the same manner as a normal "ride" would be conducted (considering the traffic in the parking lot, a very reasonable precaution).
co- President Pauli being taken out for a ride around the KCC
The front section of the bike can be disconnected and used as a self supporting wheel chair to aide in moving a rider to and from the bike. The bikes can support up to a 225 lb "driver' and 225 lb rider and themselves weigh about 150 lb, making the electric assist very helpful. The bikes can also back up when needed.
Co-President Brad takes a spin Shea gave it a try and declared it "very comfortable"
Besides the cost of the bikes themselves, their overhead includes storage, maintenance, and insurance, Their kick-off campaign to cover their first three years is to raise $100,000 and then they believe their operating budget will be about $20,000 a year.
PDGx2 Marie heading out Safety formation for the rides, fore and aft escorts