Bikes
Copenhagen Cycles
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Step 3 of 4

Find pilots — the people who make the joy happen

Finding the right pilots, training them well, and building a sense of community is what keeps them coming back. They'll bring friends with them — and those friends will bring more.

Open the Pilot Handbook Next: Go ride →
Pilot recruitment illustration
Who can pilot

Almost anyone, with a little training

Piloting a trishaw requires some basic training, but anyone in reasonably good shape can do it. You don't need to be an avid cyclist. Chapters worldwide have successfully trained pilots aged 15 through 90.

Set a commitment floor

Require 2–3 rides per month per pilot. This weeds out those who aren't serious and lets you focus your training.

Other roles for non-pilots

If someone wants to help but isn't suited to piloting, they can apply for grants, write thank-you notes to sponsors, assist with scheduling, or handle marketing.
Recruitment channels

Cast a wide net

Pilots come from many backgrounds — and you never know who these rides will resonate with most. Start with these groups:

Bike advocacy groups & clubs

Cyclists are often the easiest to get excited about CWA. Ask local groups to include a call for pilots in their communications.

Caregivers

A great way for caregivers to be seen and appreciated in the community. Reach out to senior communities where you plan to ride.

Family members

Rides let family members have meaningful interactions with their elders. Ask senior communities to run a call for pilots in their newsletter.

Passersby

Once your trishaw arrives, ride around town with a stack of fliers. Many chapters find their best pilots this way.
Training

The four-step pilot training

Proper training makes rides run more smoothly and addresses partner concerns about safety. This is our recommended structure — adapt it to your chapter's pace.

1

Technical training

Read the Pilot Handbook in advance, then do a rundown of trishaw features in an empty parking lot with a drills series.

2

Join a ride

Shadow a trained pilot on a real ride — on a regular bike — to see the trishaw in action and learn how to interact with riders.

3

Borrow a trishaw

Take a trishaw for an afternoon with a friend or family member as a low-stakes first attempt at the front of the bike.

4

First ride

An experienced pilot joins the first ride with an older adult — so the trainee can ask questions in real time.

Step 4

Your pilots are ready — time to ride

Plan your routes, set up booking, and take those first trishaw rides. Remember to stop for donuts.

Go ride → Get personalized help