About Us
Every ride reflects true collaboration — between passengers, volunteers, partners and the surrounding community — keeping the wheels turning and the smiles coming.
Our Story
Inspired by the global CWA movement, we were founded in the spring of 2018 by Jen Reid, Jen Chen and Elliott Smart. We purchased our first trishaw in the spring of 2019. In the fall of 2020, we became an official Society and now operate as Vancouver Cycling Without Age Society, with registered charitable status.
In the summer of 2023, we hired its first-ever seasonal staff member to help run the operations during the busy ride season. In July 2024, the organization hired its first full-time staff member, the Executive Director, to oversee the organization’s growth as it continued to experience increased demand for its service.
Our Passengers
Most of our passengers are seniors aged 70 to 100, with an average age in their 80s — our oldest is 108. Many live in care homes where limited mobility and time indoors can lead to isolation and declining physical and mental health.
Our rides offer a simple remedy: fresh air, movement, and human connection that help seniors feel engaged and part of their community again.
Our Role in Vancouver’s Age-Friendly Vision
We’re proud to support the city’s goal of becoming a truly age-friendly place. Through our outdoor trishaw rides for seniors, we help deliver on key elements of the Older Persons Strategic Framework — especially the aim that older persons “are supported by programs and services that promote health and well-being.”
We also align with the Age‑Friendly Action Plan, which seeks to make Vancouver safe, inclusive and engaging for older adults by improving mobility, access and social participation.
By giving seniors the chance to ride through Vancouver’s parks and neighbourhoods, we’re creating real opportunities for connection, outdoor activity and belonging—right in the heart of the city’s age‐friendly work.
When our city is accessible for everyone, the whole community thrives.
Vision
Seniors and their caregivers are seen, supported and celebrated - one trishaw ride at a time.
Mission
Vancouver Cycling Without Age Society (VCWAS) is a leader in addressing ageism and senior social isolation. Our shared trishaw rides foster a renewed sense of adventure, create positive connections between seniors and their community, and promote health and well-being. We are recognized by seniors, caregivers, facilities and government across Vancouver as the preferred recreational and social activity for seniors.
Values
Our work will always be centred around the well-being and needs of seniors. The trishaw is our tool, the Pilots are our heart, and enriching the lives of seniors is our goal.
Our Values
Generosity
Every ride is a gift of time, kindness, and presence.
Slowness
We ride at a pace that allows us to notice, connect, and enjoy.
Storytelling
Every passenger has a story worth sharing — and hearing.
Relationships
We build bonds across generations and communities
Without Age
Life unfolds fully at every age, with opportunities to connect and thrive.
In the News
Our work has been featured in local and national media, showcasing the joy, dignity, and connection our trishaw rides bring to seniors and the community.
View AllThe Tyee Weekender, June 2025
The Boomers Are Zooming!
A lively feature on how Cycling Without Age Vancouver is redefining what aging looks like — with seniors cruising the city and rediscovering adventure on three wheels.
Vancouver Sun (Front Page) · 2025
How a Group of Volunteers Is Helping Older Adults Reconnect with the Outdoors — One Ride at a Time
A front-page story spotlighting the heart of our mission — creating meaningful moments of connection through simple, joyful rides.
Mornings with Simi, 730 CKNW – Global News · 2025
Cycling Is Keeping Seniors Mobile and Having Fun
Executive Director Jake Winn shares how volunteer Pilots and trishaw rides are helping seniors stay active, social, and full of joy.
Join Us
Everyone has a role to play in bringing the joy of Cycling Without Age to life. Whether you’re a volunteer Pilot eager to share the ride, a community partner looking to offer trishaw experiences to your residents, or a senior wanting to feel the wind in your hair — we’d love to have you join us.
Get InvolvedJoin our newsletter to stay updated on our rides and community impact.
By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy