What started as a simple conversation at the Gibsonburg Senior Center has grown into a new opportunity for older adults to stay active, independent, and connected to their communities.

While visiting the Gibsonburg Senior Center, GLCAP Mobility Management Coordinator Mindy Birkholz was speaking with seniors about transportation and mobility challenges they face every day. During the conversation, one man shared something that stuck with her. 

He explained that he wished he had a bicycle so he could ride across town to Dollar General to pick up essential items. The store was too far to walk comfortably, but close enough that a bike ride would make the trip easy.

Rather than letting the conversation end there, Mindy made it her mission to help make that goal a reality—not just for one resident, but for seniors throughout Gibsonburg and Clyde.

That conversation became the inspiration behind an initiative to provide accessible bicycles at the Gibsonburg and Clyde Senior Centers, giving older adults another option for transportation, recreation, and exercise. To help bring the project to life, the Sandusky County Communities Foundation awarded funding to Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP) to purchase a manual trike, an electric trike, helmets, and locks. The manual trike is available at the Gibsonburg Senior Center, while the electric trike is housed at the Clyde Senior Center. 

At the Village of Gibsonburg, the Senior Center is located next to Luther Meadow Senior Community, a 45-unit apartment complex for older adults. While many residents are still able to drive, transportation costs can make frequent trips difficult. Having access to a bicycle or tricycle provides an affordable way to reach nearby destinations, including Dollar General, while also encouraging healthy physical activity.

Residents also expressed interest in riding to White Star Quarry, where they can enjoy the Sandusky County Park District's walking and biking trails. The addition of trikes opens new opportunities for recreation and helps seniors remain engaged in their community.

In Clyde, the Senior Center shares a campus with Laurelhurst Senior Living, where residents have convenient access to nearby businesses such as a pharmacy and grocery store. Accessible bicycles provide another way for seniors to complete errands independently while staying active.

The trikes are available for residents to borrow during senior center business hours, providing a convenient and flexible transportation option for errands, appointments, or recreational rides.

"This project began with listening," said Birkholz. "Sometimes a simple conversation reveals a barrier we hadn't thought about. When one senior shared how much a bicycle would improve his daily life, it became clear that many others could benefit as well. We're excited to help make independence a little easier and a lot more fun for older adults in our communities."

Community members interested in borrowing a trike are encouraged to contact the Gibsonburg Senior Center at 419-637-7947 or the Clyde Senior Center at 419-547-8052 for more information or to reserve a trike in advance.

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