OVCATA members from all over the County met in Cobden for a ride and to announce the Renfrew County Seniors Active Transportation on May 17, 2018. Photo: submitted
The Ottawa Valley Cycling and Active Transportation Alliance (OVCATA) will be encouraging Renfrew County seniors to get out cycling and walking, with help from Ontario’s Ministry of Seniors Affairs. OVCATA is receiving $10,300 from the Ministry to fund the project Renfrew County Seniors’ Active Transportation (RCSAT). Shown above at the launch in Cobden, from left: Ole Hendrickson (Morrison’s Island), Chris Hinsperger (Eganville), Andy Kalnins (McNab), Kathy Eisner (Golden Lake), Ish Theilheimer (Golden Lake), Bob Peltzer (Bonnechere Valley), Debbie Fiebig (Admaston), Pat Krose (Whitewater), Dave Fleming (Cobden).
The project will offer education, encouragement and coaching to seniors across the County by working with existing seniors’ groups affiliated with the Renfrew County and District Active Aging Network (RCDAAN). The project’s coordinator, Kathy Eisner, said:
In particular, we want to focus on perceived barriers to participation. We’ll be holding education sessions indoors and group walking and cycling events outdoors. Experienced facilitators from OVCATA and RCDAAN will teach and encourage safe participation at events across the County. Through these organized activities, seniors will gain the knowledge and experience to continue safe cycling and walking individually or in groups.
Under the program, OVCATA will hold or participate in approximately 30 events in communities throughout Renfrew County in May and June that will give seniors opportunities to participate in group walking and cycling activities. At each event, information about healthful and safe participation will be presented. There will also be an opportunity to socialize over refreshments and to provide feedback to the organizers.
Seniors will be encouraged to join with all local residents in tracking their walking or cycling during the month of June through the Silver Chain Challenge, the annual competition between Renfrew County and Lanark County – www.silverchainchallenge.ca
All participants will be invited to participate in community rides organized by OVCATA or in which OVCATA is a partner, as well as the sessions tailored to seniors that will be offered through local seniors’ groups.
More than 300 seniors are expected to participate in events with the project.
Eisner, K. (2018, May 17) OVCATA promotes active transportation for seniors with provincial support [News release]
