Hudson Group Wins Grant to Make Cycling Safer

A proposal to equip a fleet of piloted adaptive bicycles with an automated external defibrillator (AED) has been selected to receive this month’s AARP Wisconsin “Small Dollar, Big Impact” grant. The $1,000 grant will help River Valley Trails, Inc. fund the cost of purchasing an AED to make bicycling trips safer for those of all ages.

“In 2022, we answered the call of inclusivity by creating one of the most diverse fleets of piloted adaptive bicycles in the region for our senior communities,” said Matthew Stepaniak, a board member for River Valley Trails, Inc., which offers the service through a program called Limitless Cycling, which he co-founded with his friend Darren Dobier.

“In 2023, we look to not only increase ridership, but to create an even safer environment for all of our riders and pilots,” Stepaniak said. “With the generosity of this Wisconsin AARP “Small Dollar, Big Impact” grant, we will be able to provide an extra layer of safety for everyone involved. It will allow us to purchase an Automated External Defibrillator to have with us during our rides. If anyone experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, this will be critical life saving device and increases the chance of saving the life of an SCA victim by 75%.”

Limitless Cycling is a free mobile service that brings piloted adaptive bicycles to individuals, senior living facilities, and community centers that cannot afford adaptive bicycles. Adaptive bicycles average $15,000 each and require trained volunteers to pilot them. In most cases, the pilot does most of the work, including steering, braking, pedaling, while the passenger is along for the ride. In some of the models, however, the rider can help pedal.

The group currently has four bicycles as part of its fleet, but it will be adding two more soon. Each bike is custom designed to cater to the varying limitations and physical needs of each type of passenger. One of the models even provides the equipment necessary to transport a rider directly from their bedside into a wheelchair that connects to the adaptive bicycle.

“All of the bicycles are designed for those who cannot or have not ever operated a bicycle independently,” Stepaniak said. “Our project will help those living in a senior living facility or on a fixed income to have the chance to experience biking without incurring any cost, worrying about storage, or finding volunteers/staff.”

AARP Wisconsin is awarding grants each month throughout 2023 to projects across the state that are designed to improve communities and make them better places for everyone to live, work and play as they age. Judges selected this project after reviewing dozens of proposals submitted from all over the state.

“We are pleased that River Valley Trails, Inc. found AARP’s Rural Livability Report valuable in planning their project and that we are able to participate to make this much needed service to combat social isolation, even safer,” said Darrin Wasniewski, Associate State Director of Community Outreach for AARP Wisconsin.

River Valley’s volunteers range in age from 16-89, with various roles in this program, such as pilots, hosts/hostesses, presenters, etc. “We are all active in the bike community and with each adaptive bicycle having motor assist modes, almost anyone who is willing and able can be a trained pilot regardless of how old they are,” Stepaniak said.

River Valley Trails Inc. has been partnering with other local groups since 2003 to support the development of interconnected bicycle/pedestrian trails and routes throughout the St. Croix River Valley while working together to expand and support non-motorized access to roads and trails; advance and advocate for safe bicycling education; promote bicycling events and activities for all ages and abilities; and work with other like-minded groups and initiatives.

AARP Wisconsin’s launched its “Small Dollar, Big Impact” grant program in 2020 and is now in its fourth year of helping proposed projects move forward in rural and urban parts of the state.

The Small Dollar, Big Impact grant program is open to some nonprofits and government entities. For more information on the program, visit www.aarp.org/WIsdbi