At Westmont of Santa Barbara, we believe life’s joys don’t stop with age, and one of the most beautiful examples of that belief in action is our Cycling Without Age program. Every week, residents from both our Assisted Living and Memory Care neighborhoods participate in this remarkable experience. With the beach in view and the wind in their hair, they ride in specially designed trishaws—three-wheeled bikes piloted by trained volunteers. These rides allow residents to reconnect with the outdoors, their community, and a deep sense of freedom.
“The scenic paths near the beach provide a peaceful, uplifting backdrop,” says volunteer Sue Sadler.
“We meander through the neighborhoods admiring people’s gardens, through parks, stop for the view at our nearby golf course, and even go out to our local slough to birdwatch!”
Residents return from their rides refreshed, smiling, and with stories to tell.
What Is Cycling Without Age?
Cycling Without Age is a global movement that began in Denmark in 2012, founded by Ole Kassow. Inspired by his wheelchair-bound father and a desire to combat the loneliness and isolation often experienced in elder care, Ole began offering free bike rides to residents at a local nursing home using a trishaw.
His vision was simple but powerful: give people the right to feel the wind in their hair and the freedom to experience the world around them.
Today, the movement spans over:
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3,050 chapters
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50+ countries
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39,000 trained volunteer pilots
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4,900+ trishaws
And now, it’s part of daily life here at Westmont of Santa Barbara.
Learn more about the international movement here →
Why It Matters
Cycling Without Age is about more than just bike rides. It’s about dignity, joy, and connection. The program aligns beautifully with our Live Your Way® mission of fostering a vibrant and fulfilling lifestyle for our residents.
As we continue offering Cycling Without Age at Westmont of Santa Barbara, we’re excited to see its positive impact grow—not just in smiles, but in the quality of life, sense of purpose, and social connection it brings to both residents and volunteers alike.
Gratitude for Our Volunteers
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers who make Cycling Without Age possible here at Westmont of Santa Barbara:
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Sue Sadler – Over one year of compassionate service
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David Nelson – Three years of dedication
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Dagmar Brewer – Five-plus years of commitment
Each of them goes beyond simply piloting the trishaws—they bring joy, friendship, and a renewed sense of freedom to every ride. We are truly grateful for their unwavering devotion and the profound impact they make in the lives of our residents every week.
Join the Movement
To learn more about the international movement, visit Cycling Without Age’s website and discover how this inspiring program is transforming lives around the world—one ride at a time.
