Happy Spokes brings Cycling Without Age movement to Knox County

The CA&C Visitor Center in Mount Vernon was filled with smiles, laughter, and the hum of bicycle wheels as community members gathered Oct. 21 for the introductory event of Happy Spokes, a new trishaw program being launched in Knox County.

The event, held to showcase the program’s progress, featured two trishaws on site for guests to experience firsthand. Attendees could try their hand at being a pilot or enjoy a leisurely ride as a passenger, feeling the fresh autumn air as conversations flowed during the smooth, peaceful outings. One of the trishaws was wheelchair accessible, offering additional opportunities for riders with limited mobility.

Walt Lewis, resource navigator with United Way of Knox County, demonstrated the accessible trishaw, showing how easily the cart transforms to allow the ramp to lower and for the seat to be removed. This feature provides individuals with limited ability the chance to enjoy the simple joy of riding a bike, either for the first time or once again after many years. 

“The service is for people who do not have the ability to ride anymore,” Lewis explained.

Happy Spokes will be designed to highlight and utilize the trail system throughout Knox County. The program is supported by a partnership of organizations and individuals, including United Way of Knox County, Knox County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Knox Public Health and Community Health Center, and local supporter Jack Bargahiser.

“We have strong community partners,” Lewis added, noting that combined resources and strong partnerships have made the program possible.

The idea began when Joe Porter with Mobility Management at Knox Public Health learned about the international Cycling Without Age movement, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. He introduced the concept to colleagues, and with Lewis on the task force, they joined forces to bring the initiative to Mount Vernon and Knox County. On April 4, 2025, Lewis applied for affiliate status with Cycling Without Age and began acquiring trishaws. To date, three trishaws have been purchased locally, with each costing approximately $15,000. Future plans also include acquiring a $10,000 trailer to transport the trishaws to riders who cannot access the trail system directly.

Program Coordinator Tammy Ruhl, of Knox Public Health’s Creating Healthy Communities initiative, explained that grant funding has supported the effort. The CHC program promotes healthier lifestyles through access to food, exercise opportunities, and infrastructure like bike racks on Knox County shuttles. Knox Public Health is one of 22 departments in Ohio to receive a five-year Creating Healthy Communities grant.

Olivia Toth, executive director of the Knox County Convention & Visitors Bureau, highlighted how inclusive Happy Spokes could become. 

“This is your trail; this is your experience,” she said. “We are about community development. We try to make sure it is empowering for people to access the trail. They are on their own journeys. It is their entry point.” Toth added that she envisions individuals with mobility challenges — including those with multiple sclerosis, wounded veterans, and school-age children in wheelchairs — benefiting from the rides as part of their healing journey.

Nationally, Cycling Without Age is a growing grassroots movement founded in 2012. It now operates in 41 countries with more than 3,500 chapters and 6,000 trishaws. Over 43,000 trained cycle pilots have provided more than five million rides to 1.5 million people, giving countless individuals “the right to wind in their hair.”

Locally, the next steps for Happy Spokes include recruiting volunteer pilots who will be trained to operate the trishaws safely. These volunteers will form the backbone of the program, ensuring free rides are available for seniors and others who can no longer ride a bike independently.

Tom Bilcze, president of the Ohio Erie Trail, also attended the event, celebrating the connection between trail access and community well-being. He noted that the Ohio Erie Trail runs 326 miles from Cincinnati to Cleveland, with Centerburg at the midpoint, and emphasized his passion for making trails accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Though still in its early stages, Happy Spokes is already creating joy in Knox County. Its long-term vision is to ensure that anyone — regardless of age or mobility — can once again experience the freedom of a bike ride.

Those interested in becoming volunteer pilots or learning more about the program can contact Walt Lewis at United Way of Knox County at walt@uwayknox.org. Additional information about the international movement can be found at cyclingwithoutage.org.