Butterfield’s two wheelchair-accessible trishaws will soon offer the joy of movement, fresh air and sunshine to a new group of residents.
Talk to anyone who grew up riding a bicycle, and the sensations described are common to everyone: breeze on your face, freedom to explore, a renewed outlook with adventures ahead. At Butterfield Trail Village, that exhilarating feeling is about to return for some – and this time they won’t even have to pedal.
In October, Butterfield welcomed two shiny new, wheelchair-accessible trishaws to campus. Residents got their first look at a special unveiling event that featured a Q & A session and a screening of the inspirational short film Cycling Without Age: The Movie. Days later, the trishaws made their grand open-air debut, rolling along in Butterfield’s “40 and More” parade as they carried smiling passengers to join the celebration of the Village’s four decades of active living.
A concept from Copenhagen
Inspiration came from a movement called Cycling Without Age, which began in 2013. Copenhagen resident Ole Kassow noticed how limited mobility and cognitive decline were shrinking the world for older adults living in a local nursing home, so he took a rented rickshaw to the facility and asked if anyone wanted to go for a ride. That one invitation ultimately spawned a worldwide movement that has encouraged trained volunteer “pilots” to take older adults outside on rides to soak up the sunshine, hear the birds and interact with the community around them.
The research behind what seems like a relatively simple concept is encouraging. Studies of trishaw programs have found their riders experience better mood, greater happiness and higher quality-of-life scores. Newer research suggests regular rides may even help ease loneliness. Riders themselves describe fresh air, conversation, social interaction and reminiscing as a welcome break from routine.
Built in Northwest Arkansas, funded by neighbors
Butterfield’s trishaws were custom-built by Gnargo Bike Co. in Bentonville, which designs electric cargo bikes and adaptive mobility platforms using American-made and locally sourced parts whenever possible. Each trishaw seats two passengers – or one passenger using a wheelchair – so residents will be able to ride alongside a spouse, friend, family member or caregiver. An electric-assist motor gives pilots a boost up Northwest Arkansas hills, while a quiet belt drive keeps the ride smooth.
“We designed the trishaw around a simple idea: The experience of riding a bike should not end because someone can no longer ride independently,” said Zach Springer, co-founder of Gnargo Bike Co.
Notably, the trishaws were funded entirely by resident donations, matched by a generous grant from Arkansas Moves, an organization that helps communities create safer, more connected ways to walk, bike and move.
“This partnership gives people with limited mobility an opportunity to feel the wind, reconnect with familiar memories, and experience their community in a new way,” said Jessica Pearson, community coalitions director at Arkansas Moves.
And there’s plenty of trail to explore. Butterfield’s verdant campus connects right into the Razorback Greenway, by way of nearby Mud Creek Trail.
Wellness for mind and body
For Director of Fitness and Wellness Jennifer Neill, the trishaws are a natural fit for Butterfield’s whole-person approach to wellness.
“Physical activity matters throughout every stage of life, but this is about more than exercise,” Neill said. “Being outdoors, moving through the community, and sharing an experience with another person all contribute to physical, mental and social well-being.”
CEO Kevin Spears sees the trishaws as part of a 40-year tradition. “Butterfield Trail Village has worked to create a community where people can continue discovering new experiences and participating fully in the world around them,” he said. “The trishaws will give us another meaningful way to support that commitment.”
Safety and dignity on every ride
Behind every joyful ride is careful planning. Butterfield’s Health Care Services team is working in coordination with an active resident and staff Trishaw Project Committee to develop detailed program guidelines and a manual for operation. It will define who may ride as a passenger, as well as who will be considered a suitable pilot. Careful attention to rider mobility and transfers on and off the trishaw, cognitive and behavioral considerations, and consent will all be thoughtfully addressed. The manual will spell out the rights of every passenger. Rides are always voluntary, and passengers may stop or head home at any time. Dignity and privacy are protected, and a family member or companion will be able to come along if the rider does not require added space for a wheelchair.
“This partnership gives people with limited mobility an opportunity to feel the wind, reconnect with familiar memories, and experience their community in a new way”
– Jessica Pearson, community coalitions director at Arkansas Moves
For pilots, the manual will cover training, safety, resident care, emergency response, loading and unloading, approved routes, ride scheduling, documentation, and when staff supervision is required. Neill will assume the role of pilot trainer, so all passengers will need to do is settle in, relax and simply enjoy the view.
