We have exciting news! SHIFT NWT, through the support of multi-year funding from the GNWT Healthy Choices Fund, will be opening a Cycling Without Age chapter in Yellowknife, NT! The amount funded is $20,000 per year between fiscal years 2026/27 and 2028/2029 up to a combined total of $60,000. The funding will not only provide equipment for Cycling Without Age, but also allow SHIFT NWT to expand its free bike lending program to include more accessible three-wheeled e-trikes for individuals unable to ride a conventional bike.
Cycling Without Age is a world-wide movement that offers free rides to seniors using specialized “Trishaw” e-bikes that can accommodate up to 2 passengers. Local volunteers called ‘pilots’ visit care homes, senior centres and community groups to offer rides on the trishaws. Being outdoors, reconnecting in the community and with the ‘pilots’ nurtures emotional well-being, reducing social isolation and increasing both mental and physical health. Cycling Without Age began in Denmark in 2012, and now has roughly 3500 chapters in 41 countries, including every province of Canada, and now 2 territories!
SHIFT NWT is a nonprofit organization in the Northwest Territories who has been promoting active mobility and liveable streets in Yellowknife since 2024. We offer free, 2-week loans of bikes, e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, and e-trikes to allow participants to see how practical a bike can be for their daily transport needs. We also engage in a host of other activities aimed at changing how we move through and interact with our streets. Goals of our core program are to increase health, reduce dependency on private motor-vehicles, and connect with the community.
Recognizing that there are people with limited mobility that are unable to use our program, we looked for ways we could expand our reach.
After discovering Cycling Without Age, Becca Denley - Co-Founder of SHIFT NWT - tested out the program in September 2024 by participating in a ride with her elderly mom along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa. Becca and her mom enjoyed a comfortable and exciting journey filled with candid conversations with the volunteer pilot whilst enjoying the sights and sounds of the trail, greeting other trail users along the way.
The aim of Cycling Without Age Yellowknife will be to create meaningful connections, reduce loneliness, foster social inclusion, and promote active living. As we age, our ability to access the civic events and amenities we value becomes more challenging.
Cycling Without Age will allow elders direct access to destinations like the Frame Lake trail, the farmers market, cafés, parades and celebrations.
SHIFT NWT has the support of Avens, who will set up a location for the Trishaw Storage Shed, providing convenient access for their residents. Cycling Without Age will create another method that helps to build a stronger, more connected community.
If you’re interested in joining this initiative as a volunteer, please reach out to us using this form: Volunteer for Cycling Without Age Yellowknife
SHIFT NWT is entirely volunteer run and supported by grants and donations. We are grateful to the GNWT for providing the funding necessary to keep this meaningful program rolling. If there is anyone interested in providing corporate sponsorship for this program, please reach out or use our Donation Page.
Timeline:
Winter 2026/2027 - Purchase trishaw, storage shed, and ancillary equipment. Train volunteers.
May 2027 - Trishaw will be featured at the YK Chamber of Commerce Spring Trade Show and bookings will open bookings for free journeys along multi-use trails and to special events/festivals for Summer 2027. The service will be available to elders and residents in Yellowknife who experience restricted mobility.
NOTE: Some of our city streets will not be able to safely accommodate a trishaw due to its size and low speed. Certain areas where traffic volume is too high or fast may not be accessible if there is no bike path or multi-use path. This is another reminder to the City of Yellowknife to consider the design and update of its streets to better accommodate all users.
Summer 2027 - New 3-wheeled accessible trike model will be brought into the SHIFT NWT fleet as part of the regular 2-week bike lending program.
Summer 2028 - Subject to collaboration with health groups/Avens, there is a plan to add a wheelchair pilot bike that would provide specialized rides to people who are restricted to a wheelchair.
More information about Cycling Without Age can be found on their websites:
For Cycling Without Age Canada: https://cyclingwithoutage.ca/
For Cycling WIthout Age (International): https://cyclingwithoutage.org/
