FAQs
Have questions? You’re in the right place! Here you’ll find answers to our most common questions about rides, volunteering, and how to get involved.
General FAQs
I know a senior who is not in a care home but would like to go for a ride. How can they join?
We offer community rides at various locations across Vancouver for seniors living independently, along with their families and friends. Most rides take place on weekends, and we often partner with local organizations and the City of Vancouver for special events. All rides are by donation — anyone can sign up! Learn more or sign up here.
Can you pick me up from my house?
For safety and liability reasons, we do not offer home pick-ups. All rides begin and end at accessible, central meeting points around the city.
When do you give rides?
Our ride season runs from May 1 to October 31 each year.
What are the qualifications to be a Pilot?
All Pilots must be 17 or older (with parental permission if under the age of 19), pass a Criminal Record Check, be physically able and experienced riding a bicycle, and complete a 5-stage, 15-hour evaluative training course held each winter
Can I rent a trishaw for an event or outing?
Possibly! Volunteers operate our trishaws, so it depends on scheduling volunteer availability. We do our best to accommodate requests for events focused on seniors — contact us at info@cwavancouver.ca to discuss your idea.
Can I take a senior in my life on a ride by myself?
No. For safety and insurance reasons, only trained Pilots may operate our trishaws on approved routes. Each Pilot completes 15 hours of training, holds insurance coverage, and has passed a Criminal Record Check. You can, however, join a senior in your life on a ride! Each trishaw seats two people.
Do you ride in the rain?
Each trishaw has a canopy and insulated blankets to keep passengers warm and dry. However, if conditions become unsafe or unpleasant, we’ll cancel the ride and notify participants in advance. Our goal is to keep rides safe and fun.
Can you take me to an appointment or to do errands?
No. Our rides are recreational and all about getting outside to enjoy the surroundings and socialize. We stay on pre-approved routes, and all rides start and end at the exact accessible location.
Where do you get your bikes from?
Our bikes are purchased from and serviced by the incredible team at VeloLifestyle!
Where do you store your bikes?
Our trishaws are currently stored in two locations. Our office headquarters is based at Food Stash Foundation, and we also have trishaws stored at UBC thanks to a partnership with UBC Properties Trust and the University Neighbourhoods Association.
Are you insured?
Yes. We carry commercial general liability insurance and blanket accident insurance. All passengers must sign a waiver before their ride.
The senior in my life that I’d like to take on a ride has dementia. Can they still go for a ride?
ABSOLUTELY! Trishaw rides offer significant benefits to seniors living with dementia, prompting reminiscence during conversations and as they pass familiar places. Our Pilots receive specialized dementia training and are prepared to support you and the senior in your life
Are the trishaws accessible for someone with a physical disability?
Yes. The trishaws offer multiple modes of entry, making them accessible to all. Individuals in wheelchairs or using walkers can also participate and board the trishaws safely, as long as they have family or friends present to help. Pilots can help, but they are not trained care professionals.
Can we stop and get out during the ride?
No. For safety and equity amongst all passengers, we ask everyone to remain seated for the duration of the ride. We’ll stop for photos, but ask that all passengers remain in their seats for the duration of the ride.
Can we choose the route?
Please let your Pilot know if you’d like to see anything in particular, or stop to take a photo. Still, your Pilot will follow a pre-approved route that ensures safety, comfort, and joy, avoiding steep hills, traffic, and barriers that could get the trishaw stuck or make your ride uncomfortable!
How fast do you go? Is it safe?
We ride at a gentle pace of 8-10km/h for comfort and safety. At this speed, we are always in control and can stop for anything easily. We always ride in a group so that we are extra visible and can support each other.
Are your community rides free?
Our community rides for the public are by donation, but we never want cost to be a barrier to someone accessing our rides. Donations help us maintain the trishaws, train our Pilots and offer as many rides as possible to the seniors of Vancouver! Our minimum suggested donation is $20 per person per ride.
Is it required for passengers to wear helmets?
Passengers are not required by law to wear helmets based on the Bicycle Safety Helmet Exemption Regulation. Additionally, many of our passengers also have a form of dementia, and sensitivity to headwear is highly common. So, in consultation with the health professionals, we offer helmets, but make them optional. Seatbelts are required and our Pilots must wear helmets at all times. Two helmets for passengers are stored on every single trishaw.
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