Western Mass Wheelers brings the outdoors back to seniors

Volunteers with the Western Mass Wheelers pose for a photo with one of the “Wheelers.”
Reminder Publishing submitted photo

EAST LONGMEADOW — A new nonprofit is rolling into Western Massachusetts this spring with a simple but powerful mission: helping people get back outside.

Western Mass Wheelers will officially launch its first full season with a ribbon cutting on May 7, introducing the community to a program designed to get people who would otherwise have difficulty doing so back out into nature and the outdoors.

At its heart is a specially designed adaptive tricycle, where a passenger, known as a “Wheeler,” sits comfortably in a front chair while a trained volunteer pedals from behind.

“Western Mass Wheelers is a nonprofit that provides outdoor bike rides for individuals who cannot or choose not to pedal independently, with a primary focus on seniors,” said founder and President Jill Strain. “Community members, local leaders and supporters will have the opportunity to see firsthand what we do and even get to experience a ride for themselves.”

For Strain, the idea is deeply personal. “My mother lived with dementia, and during that time, both when she was at home and later in a care facility, there were simply no outdoor activity programs available for her,” she said. “Being outside, feeling the sun and the wind, was something so simple, yet so hard to come by.”

That experience stayed with her. When she later discovered a similar program in Maine while considering a career shift, the path forward became clear. “I could see how much it was needed right here in our own community,” Strain said. “I wanted families to have what mine didn’t: the gift of seeing their loved one outside, feeling joy, and connected to the world around them.”

A ride with Western Mass Wheelers is designed to be more than just transportation; it’s an experience. Whether departing from a private home or a senior living facility, each outing begins with anticipation. “For those living at facilities, residents come outside together to wait their turn to ride, often cheering and clapping as their friends set off,” Strain said. “There’s a real sense of community and excitement even before the biking even starts.”

Once seated, the Wheeler takes the lead. “They guide the ride, choosing the route and how long they’d like to go,” she explained. “Our volunteer pilots do all the pedaling.”

The results, Strain said, are immediate and moving. “There are so many smiles, and such wonderful conversations. Wheelers reminisce about their childhoods, their families, their careers, while pointing out interesting details and noticing the nature around them.”

The organization is primarily focused on seniors, including those living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, as well as individuals with limited mobility, groups that often face barriers to outdoor recreation. “Loneliness and social isolation are serious and growing challenges for older adults in our region,” Strain said, noting that many lack access to programs that support both mental and physical well-being.
“We know that time spent outdoors improves mood, reduces anxiety and brings a sense of connection and purpose,” she added. “What makes adaptive biking so powerful is that it addresses physical activity and social connection at the same time.”

Behind the scenes, a network of volunteers and community partners makes the program possible. “Our volunteers are the heart of the program,” Strain said. “It truly takes a village.” Senior living communities, adult day programs, and senior centers across the region have already begun incorporating rides into their offerings, while local businesses, foundations, and even state leaders have contributed support.

The May 7 ribbon cutting marks a major milestone after nearly three years of development and a smaller “test and learn” season in 2025. “Seeing nearly three years of hard work come to fruition and being able to mark that moment with the people who have supported us means everything to me,” Strain said.

Looking ahead, she hopes the organization will continue to grow, expanding its fleet, reaching more communities, and serving more riders across Western Massachusetts. But her vision goes beyond expansion.

“Right now, access to outdoor activity for seniors is the exception,” Strain said. “I want it to become the expectation.”

For those interested in getting involved, whether as riders, volunteers or supporters, Strain emphasizes that the organization is built on community. “Our work is only made possible because of community,” she said. “And the more people who are part of it, the further we can go.”

THe Western Mass Wheelers Together We Ride event is scheduled for Thursday, May 7 from 1-3 p.m. at The Depot at Graham Central Station, located at 64 Maple St. For more informationa about the Western Mass Wheelers, head to westernmasswheelers.org.