Bikes
Copenhagen Cycles
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Step 1 of 4

Create a chapter — plan the foundations

The first step to bringing Cycling Without Age to your community is starting a chapter. Once people see your first trishaw the demand will be there — a strong plan out of the gate ensures rides and smiles for years to come.

Sign the affiliate agreement Next: Build support →
People joining a chapter
Affiliate agreement

Start here — it's free

Draft a plan

Answer these questions first

Before you order trishaws or train pilots, write a simple plan. It doesn't need to be fancy — just honest answers to these questions, so you know where you're headed.

Mission & goals

What's your mission statement? What are your overall goals for the chapter?

Who rides

Is there a specific demographic in your community? Specific senior communities you want to serve?

Scale

How many trishaws and pilots do you want to have? How many rides per year?

Structure

Standalone non-profit, or under the umbrella of a bike coalition? Each has trade-offs.
Legal structure

Non-profit or umbrella organization?

Start your own non-profit

More work, more flexibility, lower overhead long-term. Many donors require non-profit status to contribute.

Umbrella organization

A bike coalition can provide fiscal sponsorship and insurance — faster to launch, but usually comes with fees.

You'll also need to decide how rides get booked: through activity directors at senior communities, direct bookings from independent seniors, or both. These aren't mutually exclusive — but pick early to design around it.

Build your team

Who you'll need at the table

Board of Directors

Required if you're forming a non-profit — and a great way to bring in experience beyond your own.

Local bike shop owner

Can help with trishaw maintenance and spare-parts relationships.

Fundraising connector

Knows local foundations and can solicit donations.

Accountant

Manages the books, keeps you compliant.

Core volunteers

Day-to-day operations run best with a small coordinating team. Start with these three roles:

Ride coordinator

Handles bookings and assigns pilots to rides.

Pilot coordinator

Manages training and recruitment.

Fundraising coordinator

Secures grants and sponsorships.
Budget

Two cost categories to plan for

A clear budget lets you prioritize fundraising and build a more sustainable chapter. Split costs into startup and annual.

Startup costs
  • • Trishaw(s), shipping, and assembly
  • • Insurance (Silent Sports or equivalent)
  • • Storage setup
  • • Marketing collateral (fliers, t-shirts, signage)
  • • Pilot training materials
Annual costs
  • • Trishaw maintenance & spare parts
  • • Insurance renewal
  • • Storage rent (if applicable)
  • • Volunteer appreciation (snacks, events)
  • • Admin & booking software
Risk & safety

What to say when people worry

Many donors, partner organizations, and older adults may have heightened sensitivity to risk. Listen to their concerns — then be ready with facts.

✦ Isolation and loneliness indoors pose greater risks than a trishaw ride.
✦ Rides are slow — usually no more than 5–6 mph.
✦ Pilots follow CWA training standards developed globally.
✦ Rides take place on car-free multi-use paths whenever possible.
✦ Chapters carry their own liability insurance.
✦ Every rider signs a waiver before boarding (example).
Step 2

Time to build community support

With your plan in hand, next up is fundraising, finding partners, and ordering your first trishaw.

Build support → Talk to Copenhagen Cycles