Streetfilms/Clarence Eckerson)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has recognized the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation for their work in encouraging seniors to adopt a healthy lifestyle. A key component of that effort is the PBOT’s Senior Cyclist Program.
The Building Healthy Communities for Active Aging Achievement Award was given at the recent national Smart Growth Conference. According to a report on the EPA’s website, Michelle Pirzadeh from the EPA said, “The City’s action merits national recognition because it improves the health and well-being of the community and its older citizens.”
Donna Green from PBOT’s Transportation Options Division accepted the award. After receiving the award, she said, “Of the 300 people who have participated in the Senior Strolls program since 2005, a majority say they walk more and have replaced at least one driving trip with a walking trip. The biking classes are consistently full!”
For more information about the program, read our report, New program gets seniors cycling (and smiling) published in 2006 and see PBOT’s official program page .
Streetfilms also made a short film about the program in January of 2007. Watch it below:
Excellent choice of vehicle, the Sun EZ 3 is a cheap, reliable and not too heavy trike, and darn comfy to boot. There are lighter trikes out there, but nothing comes close at the price.
Where can we see the video? The link in your article doesn’t appear to be working.
Hi Coco — Not sure why the video isn’t working, but I’m looking into it. In the meantime, you can watch it at here at the StreetFilms web site.
I am such a fan of this program, and I’m glad to see it’s getting some well-earned recognition.
Does anyone know of any dealers in Portland that sell or rent this recumbent trike model? It may be a way to introduce my wife to cycling – she has some phobias about traditional bikes.
Scott, i think they were purchased from Coventry (se hawthorne & 20th)- not sure if he still sells them, but Sherman is the main recumbent dealer in PDX.
Hats off to Donna Green, Transportation Options’ staffer and leader of Senior Strolls (we love pedestrians too!). You can see more about her program here:
http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?c=41541
(note – we’re just about to update the webpages for our 2009 SmartTrips programs, so pardon the 2008 references.)
I should point out that since we’re the City that Works -Together – the senior biking program has been adopted by the Portland Parks Bureau and rechristened “Biking is Back!”
As the BTA used to say, if you ride a bike every day from now until you’re 80, you’ll live to be 80 – and still riding a bike!
I’m 65 years old and never ridden a bike, so this was a good option for me. I just signed up for several sessions through Portland Parks, and I’m looking forward to the experience!