It’s official. The Cycling Without Age Lanark County (CWALC) fleet has grown to two trishaws. At its regular meeting on October 28, Lanark County Council approved the purchase of a trishaw for Lanark Lodge to be part of the CWALC program. Funds will come from the Lanark Lodge donation account.
At the community services committee meeting in October, Lanark Lodge Director Jennie Bingley explained the home is eager to purchase its own trishaw to be used by staff and future volunteers to take residents out on county property. “Our location is ideal for safe travel and will be a safe outing between residents and staff.” Bingley said staff and volunteers will be trained on using the trishaw, and appropriate permissions from residents and staff will be secured before use.
The home is agreeable to sharing the trishaw with other community members on a pre-scheduled basis. The trishaw will be purchased in late 2020 or early 2021 to ensure it is ready for use in the spring and will be stored at the Lodge. Bingley noted the CWALC organization is striving to give all seniors in Lanark County access to trishaw rides, and the Lodge will work with CWALC to promote the program.
Lanark County has previously shown its support for the CWALC program by providing liability insurance for its volunteers. “This has been a significant factor in the success CWALC has had in recruiting volunteers,” said CWALC Chapter Affiliate, Treff Peters.