America's First "Cycling Without Age" Event Successfully Launches In Wisconsin
TEDxCopenhagen Co-Founder Ole Kassow Launches Cycling Without Age In Oshkosh, Wisconsin
OSHKOSH, Wis., Aug. 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Cycling Without Age (CWA) founder Ole Kassow and Copenhagen Civil Society Consultant Dorthe Pedersen stopped in Oshkosh, Wisc. on their first American tour, where they trained local volunteers to chauffeur elders in rickshaws at Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh (LHO).
At the ceremony, Oshkosh Mayor Steve Cummings' office proclaimed that Aug. 24 will now be Cycling Without Age Day in Oshkosh.
Kassow and Pedersen gave multiple presentations around Oshkosh to inspire the local community. Kassow said he believed LHO was the very center of a ripple effect that will continue to spread throughout the country.
"I'm really inspired by the people here in Oshkosh," he said. "The way they've embraced this event and so many stakeholders that have come to offer their help is beyond any expectation I had. The amount of people showing up and signing up just shows me their commitment and joy for this movement."
In his presentations, Kassow explained how important biking was to Denmark since the early 1900s.
"I was nervous because it's not that great of a cycling culture here," he said. "Elders haven't ridden bikes all their lives like in Denmark, but when [LHO elders] came back from their rides, they had tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces."
LHO purchased the three rickshaws from Christiania's Bikes for its residents.
Local retailers and organizations showed support by providing space for Kassow and Pedersen's inspirational CWA presentations.
Winnebago Bicycle Owner Ben Rennert said he got involved because CWA is a positive program, giving those who no longer have the ability to ride a bike the experience.
"I feel having a bike shop is only half of it," Rennert said. "Giving back to the community, not just the cycling community, but the community as a whole, is a very important piece of what our mission statement entails."
Mariana Abdalla, a Rotary Peace Fellow and journalism student at UNC Chapel Hill, created CWA documentaries that are expected to release in September.
About Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh
Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh (LHO), founded in 1966, is an elder care organization that has been providing health and residential services to more than 800 elders and others in need. Cycling Without Age will continue each year at LHO depending on weather and volunteer availability. Learn more about Cycling Without Age at Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150826/261264
SOURCE Lutheran Homes of Oshkosh
Related Links
WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?
Newsrooms &
Influencers
Digital Media
Outlets
Journalists
Opted In
Share this article