The serene beauty of New York’s Adirondack region has always drawn outdoor enthusiasts, from seasoned hikers to nature-loving families. But thanks to a growing movement for accessible outdoor experiences, the Adirondack Rail Trail is now welcoming an even wider array of adventurers—including seniors and individuals with mobility challenges. At the heart of this initiative is Cycling Without Age, an international nonprofit organization that’s bringing its unique brand of community and inclusion to upstate New York with e-assisted trishaws—revolutionizing how people can experience the Adirondack wilderness.

Redefining Trail Access: The Electric Trishaw

Cycling Without Age was founded in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2012, with a simple philosophy: everyone deserves wind in their hair, regardless of age or ability. Since then, the movement has grown to over 2,500 chapters across more than 50 countries, reaching thousands with the joy of open-air cycling rides in specially designed electric trishaws. In the Adirondacks, the Adirondack Coast chapter—based in Plattsburgh—has become a local champion for this mission.

Trishaws are electric-assist, three-wheeled cycles that seat one or two passengers in front, piloted by a trained volunteer. The design accommodates a range of needs: some are fitted with wheelchair platforms, while others allow passengers to sit together side-by-side. These rides offer smooth access to the recreational treasures along the Adirondack Rail Trail, a 34-mile multi-use path linking Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Tupper Lake.

Volunteer Pilots: Training and Community Impact

Recently, I joined a training session at the Saranac Lake Depot led by Rebecca Boire-West, the dynamic coordinator of the Adirondack Coast chapter. Volunteers from all walks of life, including employees and residents from the local Will Rogers retirement community, gathered to learn how to operate the trishaws. Each pilot receives safety and operational instruction, ensuring passengers are in good hands for their journeys along sections of the trail, such as the popular Lake Colby route.

As demand for rides increases, so too does the need for volunteers. Many participants, myself included, found the training valuable and, even if not piloting themselves, contributed as support staff or passengers during practice runs. The sight of seniors and families, grinning as the landscape rolls by, has become a testament to the program’s success. The simple act of being able to ride along a beloved trail once more—something many thought they’d left behind—evokes palpable joy for riders and pilots alike.

Expanding Inclusivity: The Broader Impact on Adirondack Tourism

The Adirondack Rail Trail itself is a transformative project. Originally a disused rail corridor, it has undergone phased development since 2020, with ongoing work set to improve accessibility, signage, and trail amenities through 2025 and beyond. The state’s Department of Environmental Conservation has prioritized the trail for its potential to draw tourists, promote sustainable travel, and invigorate local economies of towns along the corridor.

Cycling Without Age brings an additional layer to this vision. Accessible travel is a booming market: according to a 2023 report by the Open Access Government, the global accessible tourism sector is estimated at $140 billion. By ensuring that public lands and recreational trails are usable by all, the Adirondacks positions itself as a leader in inclusivity, giving new purpose to rural tourism infrastructures and creating year-round opportunities for families, retirees, and visitors with disabilities.

The Personal Side: Rider Stories and Volunteer Spirit

On a recent Friday, residents from Saranac Lake’s Will Rogers community arrived at the depot full of anticipation. Among them was Adrien Vlach, a newly trained pilot, who gleefully transported riders along the wooded trail. As trishaws glided past lakeside vistas and wildflower meadows, the happiness was evident—smiles, laughter, and an infectious sense of adventure filled the morning air.

The program is equally rewarding for volunteers. Pilots report forming lasting friendships with riders, and many describe a deep sense of satisfaction in giving back. The ripple effects go beyond recreation: families reuniting for shared experiences, individuals rediscovering confidence in the outdoors, and the fostering of intergenerational connections that strengthen the Adirondack community fabric.

As Rebecca Boire-West and her dedicated team prepare for ongoing events—expect to see them again at the Saranac Lake Depot in mid-August—the call for participation remains open. Community members can request rides, volunteer as pilots or helpers, or support the nonprofit through donations. Each act contributes to a culture of outdoor inclusion and adventure for all.

How to Get Involved

If you’re interested in learning more, requesting a ride, or volunteering, visit the Adirondack Coast chapter’s website. Information about upcoming trishaw days and pilot training sessions is regularly updated. There’s also an option to contribute financially, ensuring the maintenance of trishaws and expansion of services to neighboring Adirondack communities such as Lake Placid, Tupper Lake, and beyond.

Participating in Cycling Without Age, whether by volunteering or supporting rides, exemplifies the Adirondack spirit—connecting people with place, heritage, and the natural world. With an aging population nationwide—the U.S. Census Bureau reports that nearly 17% of Americans are now over 65—the demand for accessible recreation is at its highest in history.

Looking Ahead: A Trail for Everyone

The success of Cycling Without Age’s expansion in the Adirondacks confirms that inclusive initiatives not only bring direct health and emotional benefits to underserved populations, but also enhance the region’s appeal as a tourist destination committed to equity, wellness, and joyful living.

As the Adirondack Rail Trail continues to develop, efforts to improve access and diversify experiences—such as adaptive biking, wheelchair-friendly paths, accessible picnic sites, and interpretive programming—are expected to grow. Regional leaders hope that these strategies will serve as a model for other rural outdoor destinations.

For residents and visitors alike, there’s never been a better time to embrace the outdoors, explore the storied landscapes of the Adirondacks, and ensure that no one is left behind. Whether through volunteering, booking a ride, or simply spreading the word, each step brings us closer to a future where all can enjoy the wind in their hair on the region’s most enchanting trails.