Coshocton launches E-bike program for recovery

The Coshocton County Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting April 13 at The Peer Center on 15 Walnut St. to launch the E-motion, E-bike program, thanks to Lori and Larry Monroy partnering with the Ohio State Extension Office. With support from Jenny Strickler from 4-H Youth Development, they were able to get grants for the E-bikes.

"We're here to do our ribbon cutting, and we're super excited that you have taken this building that has kind of set empty for a while and put your own touches on it to create The Peer Center," said Amy Crown, executive director of the Coshocton Chamber of Commerce. "On behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, we are glad you are chamber members and for all of the things you are doing here in Coshocton. Congratulations on this new endeavor. We look forward to partnering with you and helping you with volunteers and anything else that we can do from the chamber standpoint."

Coshocton Mayor Mark Mills said, "I want to say thank you Lori and Larry for your work in the community in trying to help people. It is much needed with societal issues that people have. I want to say that we appreciate the things you're doing. Coming from a person of recovery and understanding what individuals go through, it's a blessing you are here."

"Lori and I are very humbled to be a part of this," Larry Monroy said. "We talked about this when I got out of rehab after surgery due to cirrhosis of the liver. If I can do it, anybody can do it. I want to keep it where you don't have to be on the operating table having a liver transplant to make that decision and you won't be in recovery for the rest of your life. Lori was with me the whole time during the 2 1/2 months in the hospital in surgery and post-op."

The E-motion, E-bike program will help people with recovery and even social issues.

"What it boils down to is you feel so much better when you are outside," Larry Monroy said. "Endorphins are natural hormones and neurotransmitters produced in your brain that act as the body’s own painkillers and mood boosters. They are often called happy chemicals because they can reduce pain, lower stress and improve your sense of well-being. "

The new E‑Motion E‑bikes are powered by rechargeable batteries and equipped with electric motors that provide pedal‑assist, making cycling easier and more efficient. This allows riders to travel longer distances, up hills and maintain higher speeds without exhausting themselves.

"We think the bike program is pretty cool because we engineered it to where it is just going to be on the bike path. Children won't be alone because they will have at least one peer, one supervisor, a troop leader or 4-H counselor with them. We are starting with age group 3-12, but we will eventually grow that. We are hoping to get as many people out during the day as we can. We received a foundation grant which provided 12 bikes, and we have one trike. We also have motorized bikes for kids or for those who can't keep up," Larry Monroy said.

They also will provide helmets.

"Anyone from the community can come in here and rent a bike for the bike path," Larry Monroy said. "Any group like a church or 4-H group must have supervision to take a group out. They will be learning about nature along with the benefit of an enjoyable ride, and the bikes are motorized."

The Peer Center also offers a wellness room called Serenitas.

"The room has an infrared sauna, red light therapy, a zero gravity massage chair and a vibration plate to stand on that helps with lymphatic drainage," Lori Monroy said. "This helps blood circulation, decreases swelling and pain. Everything in here works to help similar areas. You can relax but also take care of your health at the same time. And we are going to test the bikes first; they have so many settings."

"I think The Peer Center is a benefit to what Larry has been through in life," Mills said. "His own life experiences have guided him to help others. We need more of that, not only in the world, but here as well. This is a good opportunity with his organization working along with 4-H programs as well. If you can stop mental health and substance abuse and other issues early, it will help later on in life. It takes a village, and Larry has started something with other providers in our community to help people. My hat's off to Larry and this program because I think it will do a lot of good for our community."

Lori Monroy also is president of Lemonade LLC and The Peer Center, their nonprofit. Partnering with Jenny Strickler from 4-H Youth Development is how they got the grants for E-bikes.