For GEF volunteer Tom Forbes, cycling is about more than just getting from one place to another. It’s about freedom, fresh air, good company, and making memories.
For the past two years, Tom has shared his love of cycling with GEF seniors as a volunteer trishaw pilot. He gives residents and tenants the opportunity to get outdoors, explore their neighbourhoods, enjoy the simple pleasure of a bike ride, and create meaningful moments with friends and family.
“When I take residents and their grandchildren, and their great-grandchildren, all on the same vehicle, where they experience something together – that is a gift!”
~Tom Forbes, GEF Volunteer
Judy, a resident at GEF Pleasantview Place Lodge, enjoys her trishaw rides with Tom.
“I like Tom because he’s a nice driver! We go around the block and then come back home – I love it! ”
~Judy M., GEF Resident
From Trishaws to Bicycles
While volunteering with the trishaw program, Tom noticed many bikes sitting unused in the bike racks at various GEF communities he visited. Some bikes had flat tires, rusty chains, or simply hadn’t been ridden in years.
This sparked an idea. Tom saw an opportunity to help more GEF seniors who were interested in riding, get back in the saddle through a bike program.
At GEF Montgomery Place, Tom began offering bike maintenance clinics. He helps tenants check and repair their bikes, making sure the brakes work, the tires are inflated, and the bikes are safe to ride. Then they are ready to hit the road!
What started as short rides around the neighbourhood has grown into bike rides of about twelve kilometres. The cycling group enjoys river valley views and stops for coffee and conversation.
GEF Montgomery Place tenant, Mary, looks forward to the outings.
“I like the exercise and I like the company. It’s nice to ride with other people too and go different places.”
~Mary M., GEF Tenant
Every Ride Builds Connection
The bike rides have inspired others to take part in the group activity. GEF staff have started joining in and bringing their families, creating a chance for seniors, staff, and families to spend time together in this new way.
“Tom is very familiar with the area, and he took us on a lovely ride.
~Colleen Simpson, GEF Seniors Housing
I really enjoyed spending time with the community, the tenants, and the staff here at Montgomery.”
For staff member Somaly, bringing her family along has been a special part of the experience.
“My family loves riding bikes, so it’s nice that we can all join in together. We’re all having fun and building friendships.”
~Somaly May, GEF Seniors Housing
What began as Tom sharing his passion has become a shared effort, bringing seniors, staff, families, and volunteers together.
Making Sure Everyone Can Join the Ride
Tom’s goal is to make the rides accessible to everyone who wants to join in.
“We’re planning and executing these rides so that everyone, no matter what kind of bike they have, can participate. We can take bikes with stability wheels, trikes, and certainly a trishaw, allowing other people to enjoy that maybe aren’t comfortable on a bike.”
~Tom Forbes, GEF Volunteer
The Reward of Helping Others
For Tom, volunteering is about contributing the skills he has to enrich the lives of others.
“Tom’s terrific! He’s quite knowledgeable about bikes and he’s doing something and he’s not getting paid for it – that’s not a big motivator for a lot of people, but he loves it.”
~Howard S., GEF Tenant
“To take people for a bike ride and see their enjoyment means everything to me.
~Tom Forbes, GEF Volunteer
That’s what keeps me coming back – is seeing how others benefit from what I can give.”
Get Involved. Give Back.
Tom’s story is a great example of how one person’s time, skills, and passion can bring people together.
Volunteer with GEF and share your interests with seniors across our communities. There are many ways to get involved.
Donate to the Quality of Life Fund to help support activities and experiences for GEF seniors. Thanks to community support, we have been able to purchase new trishaw batteries and continue maintaining our three trishaws.
