All rides depart from Graco Park, 810 Sibley St. NE, Minneapolis MN 55413.
Cycling Without Age Trishaw Outings for Seniors
Cycling Without Age helps older folks or those with limited mobility enjoy time and connect with others in Minneapolis parks. This program offers free, 20- to 45-minute rides in a trishaw: a three-wheeled bike that is safe, comfortable and accessible.
This Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board program is part of the Cycling Without Age movement, a worldwide network with more than 2,500 chapters that is building intergenerational relationships through a shared activity and shared stories.
How does a trishaw work?
Trishaws are stable, three-wheeled vehicles with electric assistance. One or two passengers seated in front enjoy a bike ride free of physical demands, thanks to a friendly, trained, experienced “pilot” in back who pedals and steers.
Trishaws are equipment for a unique type of inclusive recreation, based around leisure, pleasure and social connection.
Who can go on a ride?
Each trishaw can take two passengers. At least one passenger must live in Minneapolis and be 55+ or have limited mobility and no longer able to ride a bike on their own. Passengers may ride with an adult companion, if desired.
Learn more and sign up for a ride!
- Review the current ride schedule below
- For more info, see the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) below
- Questions? Contact trishawbikerides@minneapolisparks.org | 612-590-8788
What is Cycling Without Age (CWA)?
This international movement engages older people or those with limited mobility in free trishaw rides, for improved health and emotional well-being for both the riders and the volunteers who pilot the trishaws. CWA started in Denmark in 2012 and as of 2023, included more than 3,000 chapters. cyclingwithoutage.org
What is a Trishaw?
A trishaw is safe, comfortable, three-wheeled bike for two passengers, powered by a friendly, experienced “pilot” and electric assistance. The trishaw pilot, or driver, sits behind the passengers, who enjoy a full view from the forward-facing seat.
Who can ride a trishaw?
Trishaws rides offered through the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) are for Minneapolis residents 55+ or those with mobility issues. The trishaw is designed for older adults with mobility issues, but passengers must be able to physically get in and out of the seat. A caregiver or adult companion should accompany any passenger who requires any type of physical or cognitive support.
Who can ride as a companion?
Anyone 18 years or older may accompany a passenger.
Can I volunteer to pilot a trishaw?
Yes! MPRB is currently accepting applications to volunteer as a trishaw pilot.
Email trishawbikerides@minneapolisparks.org and note your interest to receive more information.
Where do trishaw rides go and how long are they?
Passengers and companions enjoy scenic, slow-paced rides through Minneapolis parks and around the lakes. Routes are planned on MPRB’s renowned trail system and take 20 to 40 minutes. Along the way, pilots share stories and sights about park features and history, special habitats or other park topics, and listen to stories from riders. Rides depart from local recreation centers or other park facilities and when necessary, may include short stretches on city streets.
What about safety?
Trishaws are specially designed to be very stable, and the pilots are experienced cyclists who complete a training course before operating them. As noted above, rides are slow-paced, seat belts are required and helmets are optional and provided by the MPRB.
Is there a fee?
Rides are free! If you wish, you can make a donation when you sign up.
How to I sign up?
See the Trishaw Rides – 2025 Schedule & Locations section on this page, choose a time that works for you and click through to register.
Are there other opportunities to participate?
MPRB is working with assisted living facilities, businesses and organizations who serve older adults who can no longer ride a bicycle on their own. For information, contact us at trishawbikerides@minneapolisparks.org.
How do I prepare for a ride?
Passengers and companions are responsible for getting to the recreation center/departure location and should arrive 10 minutes before the begins. The trishaw and pilot will be outside the park facility, or you can check in with park staff inside.
Check the weather forecast and be prepared. A hat, sweater or jacket, water bottle, sunglasses, and sunscreen may make your ride more comfortable (please don’t bring valuables). Trishaws are equipped with warm blankets, if needed.
What happens if it’s raining?
Yes, we can ride in the rain. If it’s raining, you’ll receive a call from MPRB confirming whether or not you still want to ride.
What if the program is full?
Like other MPRB programs, you can join a waitlist; in case of cancellations, staff call people on the wait list in the order in which they joined.
Since this is a pilot program, MPRB may consider adding Cycling Without Age events. If that occurs, people on a waitlist will be the first to receive notice of added events.
Adapted from the principles at Cycling Without Age
Generosity
Start with the act of taking one or two older or less-abled people out on a bike ride
Slowness
Sense the environment, be present in the moment and allow people we meet to be curious and learn about Cycling Without Age
Storytelling
Listen, tell and share the stories of older adults and Minneapolis parks during and after the bike ride
Relationships
Create new relationships between generations, among older adults, between pilots and passengers, care home employees and family members
Without Age
Let people age in a positive context, fully aware of the opportunities that lie ahead when interacting in their local community
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