In the latest round of AARP Community Challenge Grants, MassDOT was awarded funding to provide education and training to connect older adults to bikeshare opportunities across the state. The program is called “Golden Gears,” and staff from MassDOT will host three events with MassBike taking place across the state.
MassDOT aims to support 20 older adults each in Everett, Worcester, and Springfield to participate in a bikeshare confidence clinic to familiarize themselves with their local bikeshare program and bicycle infrastructure. The clinics — which include hands-on riding instruction, classroom learning, guided group rides, peer conversations, plus free cycling equipment and bikeshare passes — are designed to support older adults in feeling confident to continue using bikeshare after the program. The program design intentionally links gentle physical activity with a social environment, intending to address two public health challenges in the process.
Interested in participating in one of these programs in the fall? Please complete the registration form, email thelab@dot.state.ma.us, or leave us a voicemail at 857-278-4563.
Details on the date, time and location of each ride are below:
- Worcester: Sunday 09/20 from 9:30-12:30 at the Blackstone River Greenway Visitor Center, the group ride will be along the Blackstone Valley Bike Path
- Everett: Sunday, 09/27 from 9:30-12:30 at the Gazebo at Rivergreen Park, the group ride will be along the Northern Strand Trail
- Springfield: Sunday, 09/27 from 9:30-12:30 at the UMass Amherst Henry M. Thomas III Center, the group ride will be along the Connecticut River Walk and Bikeway
More information is available on the Golden Gears program webpage via MassDOT website.